In February 1963, the Master went to Lin Chi Temple in Taipei to receive the precepts and officially become a nun.
Because she had shaved her head herself rather than being shaved by a Buddhist monk, she was rejected. She went to Hui Jih Lecture Hall, intending to purchase the complete volume of The Speeches of Master Tai Hsu and then return to Hualien.
In the lecture hall, she happened to run into the famous Master Yin Shun. She was suddenly inspired to ask him to accept her as his disciple, and he kindly consented. She was given the religious name "Cheng Yen." He instructed her to "Work for Buddhism and for all living beings," an admonition that the Master continues to carry out even until today. The photo here was taken in 1969, when Master Yin Shun, on his way to take up the position of preceptor at Hai Hui Temple, came to Hualien and stayed for while.
