Buddhist Society

Membership of the Buddhist Society of Western Australia

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The Buddhist Society of Western Australia welcomes anyone who is supportive of the aims and works of the Society to become a member. This section deals with membership matters and it is hoped all your questions regarding membership will be answered here.

Benefits of Membership

The Society through its Dhamma activities such as Dhamma Talks, and its facilities such as the Library, Buddhist Centres, Monasteries and Website aims to help members learn and practice Buddhism in their personal lives. By becoming a member you will have full access and borrowing rights in the Library. Members are also entitled to the receipt of Newsletters and Buddhist publications from time to time. Members also obtain the happiness of knowing that they are part of an active society helping spread the Dhamma message to those who wish to hear it.

Types of Membership

There are three forms of membership that are open to you: Associate Membership, Full Membership and Youth Membership. In general Associate Membership is suitable for newcomers to Buddhism and Full Membership is better suited to committed Buddhists. A Youth member can be either an Asssociate Member or a Full Member but will be under 18 years of age.

Associate Membership

Associate membership is open to all who are supportive of the society and who agree to abide by the Constitution of the BSWA. Any person of any gender, background, age, religion, creed or orientation is welcome to join as an Associate Member. The BSWA welcomes anyone of any background who wishes to learn and practice Buddhism. We have members of all 'sizes and shapes' and from around the globe. Non-Buddhists are welcome to join.

Full Membership

Full Membership is open to practicing Buddhists who are formally keeping the 'the Five Precepts'. By formally, we mean those who have taken the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts with an ordained Buddhist monk or nun. Anyone who wishes to become a Full Member should approach either the Spiritual Director Ajahn Brahmavamso, or the Assistant Spiritual Director Ajahn Sister Vayama with a completed Membership Application Form for their signature. Where possible, Full Members to the Society are expected to attend the Annual General Meetings. These are usually held in Perth in February or March. Full Members are eligible to stand for office and have priority at some meditation retreats.

Youth Membership

Youth Membership is free to any one under 18 years old. A Youth Member may be an Associate or Full Member and will need to begin paying $33 per year once they reach 18 years of age.

How do I apply to become a member of the Buddhist Society of WA?

To become a member please fill in a Membership Application Form together with your subscription fees. You can obtain a Membership Form from any of our centres or download a membership form (pdf) HERE. Once received your application is subject to approval by the BSWA management committee, which meets once a month.

You can hand these in in person to any committee member or the caretakers at Dhammaloka Buddhist Centre (see below) on Friday evenings. Otherwise, please snail-mail completed Membership Forms to:

Assistant Secretary
Dhammaloka Buddhist Centre (BSWA)
18-20 Nanson Way
Nollamara
WA 6061

Membership payments, renewals and upgrades are also available online via our online shop.

What are the Membership Fees?

Membership is $33 per year for both Associate and Full memberships.
Life membership is available for $660. Youth Membership is free.

How about people who don't live in Perth?

People who are living outside of Perth are welcome as Associate and Full Members.

If you wish to apply for Full Membership please include with your Membership Application Form a letter written by an ordained member of the Sangha stating when and where you had taken the Three Refuges and the Five (or more) Precepts. Email Letter