Abbess Rev. Master Meian Elbert was ordained in 1977 and received Dharma Transmission in 1979 from Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett. She was named a Master of the Order by Rev. Master Jiyu in 1989. She was chaplain to Rev. Master Jiyu for more than 15 years and has served the community as Vice Abbess, Chief Cook, Chief Precentor, Prior and Novice Master. Both the lay and monastic communities have benefited from her Dharma Talks, the extended retreats she has led and her writings. She also served as Executive Secretary of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives.
Rev. Master Meian was elected by the resident Shasta Abbey monastic community on June 17, 2010. She will be officially installed as Abbess in a public ceremony to be held on Saturday, November 6, 2010 during our 40th Anniversary Weekend.