Welcome to Chung Huong Institute® (CHI)
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation pioneered entirely by Buddhist nuns. We weave ancient Buddhist teachings with modern science, creating a unique bridge that connects ancient wisdom with contemporary knowledge. CHI was founded in 2023 and incorporated in 2024. Chung Huong Institute® is a protected federal registered trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
About CHI
Chung Huong (Chúng Hương) is the Vietnamese name for Sarvagandhasugandhā, the universe where the Tathāgata Hương Tích (Gandhottamakūṭa) resides and manifests. In this universe, the Tathāgata Gandhottamakūṭa imparts the Dharma to a congregation of bodhisattvas. Every avenue, park, and place here is infused with various fragrances, while the scent of the meals enjoyed by these bodhisattvas extends across countless universes. In this universe, the remnants of the Tathāgata Gandhottamakūṭa’s meal–He who embodies boundless Morality, Concentration, Wisdom, Liberation from suffering, and Liberation from Wrong View–can assist the Bodhisattva in performing the Buddha-work within the human realm. The fragrance and delightful aroma of that food, infused with great compassion like ambrosia, spread throughout the world [according to Vimalakīrtinirdeśa-Sūtra].
Mission and Vision
In establishing the Chung Huong Institute, we vow to actualize the Way of the Bodhisattva, which involves tirelessly working to uphold and transmit the Buddha’s insight for the benefit of ourselves and others. The Chung Huong Institute embraces nonsectarianism across all Buddhist schools of thought. By manifesting a pure Buddha-land on earth, we lay an ideological foundation rooted in Sarvagandhasugandhā, guiding our vision and mission practices. We encourage everyone to expand their narrow scope of awareness, as genuine study, introspection, and practice should not be limited by a confined mindset or narrow perspective. Transcending personal limitations enables individuals to progress toward appreciating universal values and equality for all.
Our mission is to serve as a unifying bridge between the three major Buddhist traditions–Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Tibetan–offering an integrated perspective on the Buddha’s teachings. By weaving together ancient spiritual wisdom with insights from modern science, we create a dynamic space where tradition and contemporary understanding meet, enriching the path of personal and collective awakening.
Commitment
The commitment to inclusivity and spiritual growth encourages us to explore the essential conditions needed for development, starting with the Buddha’s insight on the four forms of nourishment that sustain sentient existence. As the Buddha states, “All beings rely on nutriment to exist” (Sabbe sattā āhāraṭṭhitikā). This principle emphasizes that beings require nourishment to survive, encompassing both material and mental aspects of food or nutriment. Beyond physical food, sentient beings need other forms of nourishment to fully develop as humans. In the Buddhist worldview, varying levels of existence depend on the degree of pleasure experienced. Happiness is regarded as a harmonious state resulting from the connection between the internal body-mind and the external environment. Eating transcends the mere act of consuming food; it is also an interaction between the internal body-mind and the external world, leading to harmony and a subsequent feeling of pleasure. Therefore, nourishing food that promotes harmony between the internal body-mind and the external world is vital for the development of living beings.
The Buddha articulated this universal law of nutriment, explaining that there are four types of nutriment for sustaining beings: edible food, contact, mental volition, and consciousness. Regarding the first two types of nourishment, the Bodhisattva exemplifies the perfection of giving and the gift of fearlessness; for the latter two types, the Bodhisattva embodies the gift of Dharma. The Bodhisattva’s pure land, in the context of the first two nutriments, symbolizes a harmonious natural world. At the same time, the latter two represent a peaceful, moral social environment that supports spiritual growth. Therefore, as the Bodhisattva strives to guide and educate sentient beings in accomplishing all virtuous actions, it is vital to prioritize supplying sufficient essential foods for their overall development.
Environment
The Chung Huong Institute provides a supportive environment for personal study, contemplation, and spiritual growth, nurturing the mind for holistic development. Its goal is to harmonize the Threefold Training (Śīla – Samādhi – Prajñā) essential for uncovering Truth and accessing our inherent wisdom. We believe that everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs, can gain insights from the Buddha’s teachings.
The Chung Huong Institute offers a space for individuals to learn, reflect, practice, and discover their own answer–the answer that shapes the meaning of one’s life and influences many future lives.
Empowering Individuals
There is a transformative power of inherent wisdom within each of us, and we are dedicated to assisting individuals in realizing their potential. Our Foundation serves as a guiding light for all communities, including those often overlooked, by bringing them into the evolving conversation and practice of mindfulness, compassion, psychology, and related fields.
Educational Programs and Practices
The Chung Huong Institute offers a wide range of programs, including both in-person and online courses, spanning contemplative practices to professional certification courses. Our educational programs and practices, inspired by ancient tradition and modern science, are designed to nurture mindfulness, awareness, and compassion. In addition to our active programs, we are consistently working on various translation projects on top of scientific collaborations. We invite scholars and practitioners to join us in creating a global community and contribute their unique insights and experiences to enrich our collective journey. Please take a look at our podcast to get a direct idea of one way that we collaborate with both, scholars and practitioners. For an immediate opportunity to practice, join us on Insight Timer.
Beyond Borders
We welcome everyone, regardless of orientation, religion, social status, or race. Although we are based in the US, we are actively building bridges for collaboration between various networks across multiple countries, including Spain, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Canada, Australia, and others.
Join The Transformation
Embark on a journey with us. This is a quest for self-discovery and personal growth, driven by altruistic aspirations. We explore the depths of human potential and the boundless insights resting within us all. We welcome scholars, practitioners, newcomers, and meaningful research partnerships.
The Chung Huong Institute forges a transformative bridge between the ancient wisdom of Buddhism and the empirical insights of psychology and neuroscience. We are dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through data-driven, mindful education and compassionate practices. Our inclusive approach invites a global dialogue that fosters personal growth and a deeper collective consciousness. We are steadfast in our commitment to serving individuals of all backgrounds, with a special focus on uplifting marginalized communities who have historically been denied such opportunities for growth and learning. Join the conversation and enrich collective transformation.
Join us today and become a part of our global family.
Let’s explore the path of wisdom together.
Chung Huong Institute Foundation is organized exclusively for
charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes
under section 501©(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
EIN: 93-4977637
Maryland Charity ID: 52213
Colorado Entity ID: 20248096541