The society's foundation.

The statutes are the society's constitution: they set out the purpose, membership, the general assembly, the board's responsibilities and the finances. They were adopted at the founding general assembly on 29 July 2026 and can only be changed by a general assembly with a two-thirds majority.

Below you can download the statutes and the other founding documents as PDF. The documents are in Danish.

The statutes in outline.

• Name and form (sections 1, 2). The society's name is Den Danske Buddhistforening. It is non-profit, non-commercial and self-owning: no one has a claim on the society's assets, and no one is personally liable for its obligations.
• Purpose (section 3). To further the Buddha's teaching in theory and practice in the Theravada tradition, with the Three Jewels, the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path at the centre. In time the society is to establish monasteries, a retreat centre and a city centre, and its long-term goal is recognition as a religious community.
• Sangha (section 5). The society's monastic community governs itself by the Vinaya, the Buddha's rules for monks and nuns. The board handles the practical and legal side, so the Sangha can focus on its spiritual obligations.
• Membership (section 6). One type of membership, open to everyone over 18 who accepts the society's purpose and statutes. You apply in writing, the board processes the application, and membership is valid from the day the fee is paid. Membership gives voting rights at the general assembly, eligibility for the board, and priority at retreats and events.
• Finances (section 7). The society keeps accounts under Danish law. The annual accounts are adopted by the general assembly, and spending must be careful, moderate and frugal.
• General assembly (section 8). The society's highest authority. Held every year, preferably before the end of March, called with at least a month's notice directly to the members, and elects the chair, secretary, treasurer and other board members.
• Dissolution (section 12). Requires a four-fifths majority. The assets must then go to a similar purpose, for example a Nordic sister society such as The Norwegian Buddhist Society.

The details, including the rules on spiritual leaders, signing authority and amendments, are in the full text available above.