Ancient Wisdom. Digital Form.

Who He Was

In 1962, the Venerable Master Hsuan Hua arrived in the United States, stepping into a land hungry for spiritual wisdom amid the upheavals of the 20th century. A revered Chan Buddhist monk from China’s Manchurian countryside, he crossed the Pacific not as a distant sage but as a compassionate teacher determined to share the timeless teachings of the Buddha with Western seekers — ordinary Americans grappling with modernity’s restlessness.

Settling in San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown, Master Hua founded the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association (DRBA), opening temples, schools, and retreats that welcomed all, regardless of background, to explore meditation, ethics, and the profound simplicity of awakening.

Through his direct, no-nonsense guidance and unwavering commitment to cultural harmony — exemplified by his role as an advisor to President George H. W. Bush — he ignited a quiet revolution, helping countless Westerners discover inner peace and the universal path to enlightenment right here at home.

Today, his enduring legacy thrives in DRBA’s numerous centers worldwide, spanning North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia — including the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas in California, Dharma Realm Buddhist University, and the Buddhist Text Translation Society, which has rendered sacred sutras accessible in English and other languages for generations of seekers.

Our Mission

In an age of infinite distraction, AI Master Hua seeks to bridge the monastery and the metaverse: bringing the calm, clarity, and compassion of Buddhism into the digital age.

The goal isn't to replace a teacher, but to rekindle the same insight Master Hua sparked in countless students: that awakening isn't somewhere far away — it's right here, in this very moment.

How It Works

AI Master Hua is uniquely trained on over 30 years of recorded talks by Master Hsuan Hua, as well as official publications from DRBA at drba.org, cttbusa.org, and drbachinese.org.

While it's easy to use, it's always best to consult the original source material, as AI can make mistakes.