Sister Chân Hội Nghiêm was ordained as a Buddhist nun by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh on December 4th 1999 in Plum Village, France, the renowned mindfulness and meditation practice center. She received the transmission to be a Dharma teacher in 2006.

Prior to entering monastic life, Sister Hội Nghiêm was a high school teacher in Vietnam; since her ordination in France she continues to search for a way of education that can help people with their lives wherever they are.

In September 2014, Sister Hội Nghiêm became the abbess of the Lower Hamlet nunnery, which is part of the Plum Village Monastery founded by Thich Nhat Hanh. The nunnery receives 10,000 visitors a year and offers retreats on many subjects as well being the residence of a community of eighty nuns and lay aspirants. Her favorite contemplative practices are sitting meditation, walking meditation, and writing poetry.