news.fjnet.com, November 9, 2006

Chengdu, China -- At AM 6:45, November 9, 2006, Ven. Nun Longlian passed away at Love Dharma Nunnery, aged 97. She was vice-president of Buddhist Association of China, president of Sichuan Nuns Buddhist Institute.

Ven. Nun Longlian was born in Leshan (in Sichuan Province) in 1909, her mundane name was You Yongkang. She learnt maths, physics, literature, history and philosophy all by herself. Be brought up in an intellectual Chinese family, You Yongkang acquired deep foundation of classic literature, and had profound attainments in poem and calligraphy. Besides, she learnt English from an American teacher, and learnt Tibetan Language from Ven. Fazun. Later, she learnt Traditional Chinese Medicine to heal patients.

In 1921, You Yongkang took refuge under Three Gems (Buddha, Dharma and monk). In 1941, she became a nun (Bhikshuni) at Love Dharma Nunnery, at the same year, she received Full Precepts. In 1942, she served as dean of Sichuan Lotus School (Pure Land School) Nunnery.

Her high academic achievements were known far and near. She served as researcher of Buddhist Art Institute of China and many other academic positions. In 1984, the first National-class nunnery in China which cultivates Buddhist nun -- Sichuan Nuns Buddhist Institute was founded. Ven. Nun Longlian served as president.

Ven. Nun Longlian was an exalted Buddhist scholar, she once engaged in the editorial work of Chinese Buddhism and Tibetan & Han Dictionary. She also translated most part of Dharma lineage writings of Ven. Nenghai. She devoted herself to the education of Buddhist nun for many years, her devotion to Buddhist Dharma is great, and we will remember her forever.   [Translator: Wang Xinyu   News in Chinese]