Where you discover Peace & Joy
At Compassionate Service Society, we believe that everyone can be an agent of change towards a more peaceful world. Along with our meditation and Integral Tai Chi programs, we offer teachings and opportunities designed to unfold the light of wisdom and compassion present in all of us.
The Compassionate Service Society is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Southern California, USA. Venerable Heng Chang founded CSS in year 2000.
Though founded on Buddhist principles, CSS takes an ecumenical and all-inclusive approach that transcends religious and cultural boundaries.
By integrating the ancient teachings of Buddhism with the best of 21st-century thoughts, practices, philosophies, and knowledge, CSS is guided by the philosophy described in the Hua Yen Sutra combined with the practice of the great compassion mantra, personified by Kwan Yin Bodhisattva.
Exercise
health · hope · healing
Exercise classes for the general population in order to bring them health, hope and healing. Offered at our centers and, in collaboration with other non-profit organizations, at community centers and other sites in response to demand.
Meditation
self-transformation
Meditation classes and trainings for all who look for relaxation, peacefulness, serenity, openness and to experience self-transformation — especially to be able to follow the Bodhisattva Path.
Charity
heal & bring hope
Various charities in the community with the aim to heal and bring hope.
Teachings
wisdom & compassion
Teachings and opportunities designed to unfold the light of wisdom and compassion present in all of us.
Four petals — the four heartbeats of CSS. Tap to meet our founder, the directors and advisors who guide us, and the branches that carry this lotus across continents.
Master Heng Chang experienced a non-dual awakening at the age of 14. In 1982, he was ordained under Ven. Master Hsuan Hua at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas. In 1989, he received the Kuan Yin Dharma transmission and the 42 Hands & Eyes.
After two 3-year solitary retreats devoted to deep study of the Hua Yen Sutra, the Master returned from the mountains to modern society — founding CSS in 2000 in Southern California. Since then, he has developed Integral Tai Chi, Peace Mandala, and the World Peace Gathering (since 2009) — bringing the Dharma into contemporary life in a non-sectarian, inclusive and practical way.
Direct teachings · Q&A · Practice community
Learn directly from the Master — the profound philosophy of the Hua Yen Sutra, meditation methods grounded in the Great Compassion Mantra, and the seamless integration of guiding principles, practice and engagement with life.
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5 key members
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Founded CSS in 2000 in Southern California after two 3-year solitary retreats studying the Hua Yen Sutra. Developed Integral Tai Chi, the Peace Mandala and the World Peace Gathering — bringing the Dharma into contemporary life in a non-sectarian, inclusive way.
CSS is rooted in three spiritual pillars — a deep lineage that forms the heart of every practice.
"I am stressed. I need to find a quiet space in my heart."
"I know the Dharma. I want a steady daily practice."
"I want to give back. I want to join the Bodhisattva community."
"I am ready for a deep inner transformation."
What is most true for you — right now?
Choose the voice closest to you
