Our Founder
Venerable Master Hsuan Hua (1918–1995) was a respected Buddhist teacher and educator devoted to promoting moral and spiritual growth through learning. From a young age, he dedicated his life to kindness, discipline, and service. He taught others, established free schools, and later became a monk known as An Tse.
In 1962, Master Hua arrived in San Francisco to share the Proper Dharma and promote education rooted in compassion and mindfulness. He believed that true peace begins with education and often said, “The destiny of the world lies in the hands of young people. If we devote less than our full attention to their education, the consequences will be dire indeed.”
Throughout his life, he founded the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association (DRBA) and the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas (CTTB), creating schools and universities that uphold his vision of holistic education that nurtures both wisdom and virtue..
Our Philosophy on Education
The Venerable Master taught that education should guide students to purify their minds and cultivate good character. He emphasized helping children avoid harmful actions and live with honesty, respect, and compassion. He described Buddhist education as “an education that saves people’s inherent natures, rescues their souls, and saves their lives.”
Our History
In 1972, Master Hua established the first Instilling Goodness and Developing Virtue Schools (IGDVS) in Ukiah, California, to help youth develop moral character and academic excellence.
The City of Dharma Realm Instilling Goodness Developing Virtue School was founded in 2012 in West Sacramento, California, to continue this legacy. Today, the school carries forward the Venerable Master’s vision by fostering growth academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
Through small class sizes, individualized learning, and close collaboration among teachers, parents, and administrators, CDR IGDVS helps students reach their fullest potential while practicing the values of virtue, kindness, integrity, and compassion.