The Dharma Realm Buddhist Association (formerly the Sino-American Buddhist Association) was founded by the Venerable Master Hsuan Hua in the United States of America in 1959. Taking the Dharma Realm as its scope, the Association aims to disseminate the genuine teachings of the Buddha throughout the world. The Association is dedicated to preserving the Sangha tradition by training and ordaining monks and nuns, by guiding lay people who wish to study Buddhism, by translating the Buddhist canon and propagating its teachings, by promoting education that instills in students a moral foundation and ethical behavior, and by bringing benefit and happiness to all beings. Its hope is that individuals, families, the society, the nation, and the entire world will, under the transforming influence of the Buddhadharma, gradually reach the state of ultimate truth and goodness.