Please note that the official association rules of Bodhidharma are in Finnish and the English translation is for the purpose of convenience only.
- NAME AND DOMICILE
The name of the Association is Bodhidharma ry. The English translation Bodhidharma Association may also be used. Its domicile is the city of Helsinki.
- PURPOSE AND ACTIVITIES
The Association is a community focusing on the key teachings of Buddhism, with the following purpose:
- Promote widespread study and research of Buddhism
- Spread knowledge regarding Buddhism and its practice
- Promote mindful Buddhist lifestyle
- Form a group of spiritual friendship among those practicing mindful and open-minded dhyana meditation (Chan in Chinese, Seon in Korean, Zen in Japanese, Thien in Vietnamese)
- Participate in Inter-Buddhist activities and dialogue between different worldviews
To execute its purpose the Association organizes teaching and meditation activities and publishes literary works on the theme. Within the organization, unregistered branch groups may be founded in different locations or focusing on specialized activities. In each group, the practice is based on the instructions of the spiritual guide and authorized Dharma teachers.
To support its activities, the Association can organize fundraising or raffels; receive donations and wills; own real-estate and movable property; and sell publications and merchandise by the Association.
- MEMBERS, RESIGNATION, EXPULSION AND MEMBERSHIP FEE
Persons who support the purpose and activities of the Association may apply for membership from the Executive Committee. A yearly membership fee is charged from the members of the Association. Monks, nuns and honorary members appointed by the Executive Committee are exempt from paying membership fees.
A member who does not pay the membership fee will be expulsed from the Association. Notification of resignation is required as stipulated in the Finnish Associations Act.
A member who commits a serious violation against the principles of the Association can be expulsed from the Association by unanimous decision of the Executive Committee.
The amount of the membership fee is decided by the Executive Committee.
- EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The matters of the Association are handled by the Executive Committee, which consists of a
Chair and four (4) or five (5) other members elected in the Annual Meeting.
An election criterion for the members of the Executive Committee is leading a Buddhist lifestyle. The term of the members of the Executive Committee is one (1) year.
The Executive Committee elects among its members a vice-chair and secretary, as well as appointing a treasurer and other functionaries according to need.
The Executive Committee shall convene by the chair or, if the chair is unavailable, by the vice-chair according to their consideration. The Executive Committee has decision-making power when a minimum of three (3) of its members, including the Chair or vice-chair, are present. The decisions are made by absolute majority. In the event of a tie, the Chair has the casting vote.
- OFFICIAL REPRESENTATION OF THE ASSOCIATION
The right to officially represent the Association is reserved to either the Chair or vice-chair together with either the secretary or treasurer.
- FINANCIAL YEAR
The financial year of the Association is a calendar year.
The financial statements with required documents must be handed to the auditor no later than three weeks before the Annual Meeting of the Association. The auditor must give the written statement to the Executive Committee no later than two weeks before the Annual Meeting of the Association.
- SUMMONING OF THE MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION
Members of the Association must be notified of the location, time and agenda of the Meetings of the Association no later than ten (10) days prior to the Meeting by sending the invitation either by mail or email to the address provided by the member.
- MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION
The Annual Meeting of the Association shall be held annually in March or April on a date determined by the Executive Committee.
Additional Meetings of the Association shall be held by the decision of a Meeting of the Association, when considered appropriate by the Executive Committee, or when demanded by a minimum of one tenth (1/10) of the members of the Association with the right to vote in order to handle an issue raised by them. The request and issue of the additional Meeting must be declared to the Executive Committee in writing. The Meeting shall be held within 30 days of the declaration of the request.
Each member of the Association possesses one vote in the Meetings of the Association. The decisions are made, unless dictated otherwise in these rules, by absolute majority. If there is a tie, the decision will be made by lot for elections and the casting vote of the Chair for other issues.
- ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION
The following matters shall be dealt within the Annual Meeting of the Association:
1. Opening of the meeting
2. Electing chair, secretary, inspector of the records and vote-counter
3. Quorum
4. Approving the agenda for the meeting
5. Approving of the financial account, annual report and auditor’s statement
6. Adopting the financial records and discharging the accountables from liability
7. Adopting the policy programme and budget
8. Electing the Chair and other members of the Executive Committee
9. Electing auditor and deputy auditor
10. Dealing with any other matters mentioned in the invitation
If a member wants to include a matter on the agenda of the Annual Meeting, the Executive
Committee must be notified in writing before the sending of the invitations.
- AMENDMENT OF THE RULES AND DISSOLVING OF THE ASSOCIATION
A decision to amend the rules of the association shall be made in a Meeting of the Association, and requires a three-quarters (3/4) majority of the votes cast. A decision to dissolve the Association shall be made in a Meeting of the Association, and requires a three-quarters (3/4) majority of the votes cast. The invitation of the Meeting is required to mention the amendment of the rules or dissolving of the association.
In the event that the Association dissolves or is terminated, the remaining assets of the Association will be donated to another registered association, religious community or foundation whose purpose is compatible with the principles of Buddhism, as determined by the final Meeting of the Association.