Monk Jinyi, Abbot of Grace Gratitude Buddhist Temple, was born and raised in Fujian province, China. Influenced by her grandparents who believed in Buddhism, Jinyin became a monk when she was a teenager. Moving to Chinatown, New York City, in 1996, she began studying and spreading Buddhism at Grace Gratitude Buddhist Temple, a six-story building on 48 East Broadway. Grace Gratitude Buddhist Temple, established in 1974, is one of the earliest Chinese Buddhist temples in New York. After her master monk Fayun passed away in 2003, Monk Jinyi became the abbot of Grace Gratitude Buddhist Temple.
Here is Abbot Jinyin’s life at Grace Gratitude Buddhist Temple during the pandemic:
Abbot Jinyi beats the drum, a traditional Chinese Buddhist instrument, during the Buddhist Dharma ceremony meeting, while chanting with three other monks at Grace Gratitude Buddhist Temple, Chinatown, New York City. April 14, 2022. Photo by Lyuwei Chen
Abbot Jinyi beats the drum, a traditional Chinese Buddhist instrument. Grace Gratitude Buddhist Temple, Chinatown, New York City. April 14, 2022. Photo by Lyuwei Chen
Abbot Jinyi and other monks pray for families who have given contributions to the temple. Grace Gratitude Buddhist Temple, Chinatown, New York City. April 14, 2022. Photo by Lyuwei Chen
Abbot Jinyi chants with three other monks at the Grace Gratitude Buddhist Temple. Grace Gratitude Buddhist Temple, Chinatown, New York City. April 14, 2022. Photo by Lyuwei Chen
Abbot Jinyi hosts a Buddhist Dharma ceremony meeting on the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar every month; however, the temple is not yet fully open to the public during the pandemic. Grace Gratitude Buddhist Temple, Chinatown, New York City. April 14, 2022. Photo by Lyuwei Chen
Abbot Jinyi puts a cassock on her head, preparing for meditation and chanting. Grace Gratitude Buddhist Temple, Chinatown, New York City. April 8, 2022. Photo by Lyuwei Chen
Abbot Jinyi dusts off photos of her grandmaster, monk Xuyun, and her master, monk Fayun. April 8, 2022. Photo by Lyuwei Chen
The Thousand-handed Avalokitesvara is a Buddha statue enshrined in the Mahavira Hall at Grace Gratitude Buddhist Temple, Chinatown, New York City. April 14, 2022. Photo by Lyuwei Chen
Abbot Jinyi prepares her tea ceremony. Grace Gratitude Buddhist Temple, Chinatown, New York City. April 25, 2022. Photo by Lyuwei Chen
Abbot Jinyi drinks Tieguanyin, her favorite tea. Grace Gratitude Buddhist Temple, Chinatown, New York City. April 25, 2022. Photo by Lyuwei Chen
Abbot Jinyi shows her rooftop garden at the temple. She was born and raised in Fujian, China. Moving to Chinatown, New York City, in 1996, she immediately began studying and spreading Buddhism at Grace Gratitude Buddhist Temple. April 8, 2022. Photo by Lyuwei Chen
