Become a BSV Member

 

The Buddhist Society of Victoria (BSV) established in 1953 and known as the oldest Buddhist Teaching Centre in Australia.

 

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING YOUR MEMBERSHIP

(FOR EXISTING MEMBERS)

Effective January 16, 2024, all memberships will be exclusively managed online via our self-service portal. Existing members can renew and update their membership details by logging into the portal here using the credentials sent to your registered email address.

If you haven’t received these credentials, kindly check your spam folder. If you are unable to locate the information, please send an email to membership@bsv.net.au, and we will assist you in gaining access to the platform.

Considering becoming a BSV Member?

  • Discounts & priority allocation on BSV organised meditation retreats.
  • Borrowing rights from the extensive BSV library.
  • Receive regular weekly updates by email.
  • Members are invited to the numerous events to hear distinguished Dhamma teachers and social/fund raising events.
  • Be eligible to register your children for the Sunday Dhamma School.
  • Tap into the wealth of knowledge with Buddhist connections locally and around the world.
  • Be eligible to vote at the AGM and SGM (assuming your membership meets the criteria). Have a say in how things are done and shape the way Buddhism is explored in Victoria.

In addition to these and many more benefits, you will support the free BSV teaching programs, the upkeep of the Malvern Centre and most importantly our sangha community at Newbury Buddhist Monastery and visiting teachers at the BSV.

The BSV Sunday Dhamma School is open only to children whose parents (at least one) are members of the BSV.  To enrol your child at the beginning of the school year, kindly contact the membership officer (membership@bsv.net.au) after receiving the “Receipt of Membership Application” email. State that you wish to register your child for Dhamma School. You will be granted provisional approval of your membership to gain access to the Member Portal where you can submit the Registration form

The Buddhist Society of Victoria offers an Associate and Ordinary memberhip with each membership type available in Full, Concession and Liftime pricing tiers. A Concessional Membership option is provided for members who are students, unemployed, retired or those who have a valid concession card.

  • Sponsorship: New members are required to have a sponsor sign their application form. A sponsor can be any member of the society who is both financial and eligible to vote at the Society’s Annual General Meeting. Anyone seeking to join the society can approach a member of the committee for assistance on this matter if they do not know anyone who can sponsor them.
  • Approval Process: An applicant does not become a member of the Society until the committee formally approves the applicant’s nomination.
  • Voting Rights: Only financial Ordinary members of not less than two years standing may vote, stand for election to the committee of the society or nominate members who wish to stand for election.
  • Main Classes of Membership: 
    • Ordinary Membership is for those prepared to commit themselves as Buddhists by taking refuge in the Triple Gem (i.e. go for refuge to the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha) and observing the 5 precepts. Applications need to be signed by either a monk or a nun as their Referee.
    • Associate Membership is for those wishing to have the benefits of membership without making a commitment to the Triple Gem. Both classes of membership have similar privileges except Associate Members cannot vote at Annual or Special General Meetings.
  • Sub Classes of Membership: Concession Membership is provided for members who have economic hardship and cannot afford the normal membership fee.
  • Voting Rights: All classes of membership have the same privileges but Associate Members may not vote at Annual or Special General Meetings. Honorary members can vote as long as they are not monastics (with the exception of the NBM Bhikkhu & Bhikkhuni Reps) 

Membership Renewal: Except for those who have joined as new members since April 2014, individual membership renewal falls due on January 1 and must be paid by the AGM date of the year. The renewal date for members who joined after 30 March 2014, fall on their respective anniversary Membership Join Date.

The BSV does not collect or record personal information, other than information you choose to provide. Online surveys may collect personal information as and when they occur (in the form of a secure transaction).

Nominated BSV committee members use personal information collected from email and online sources only to respond to individuals and discuss their particular enquiries. As a member you consent to having your email address added to our mailing list unless you advise otherwise.

Parent Legal Guardian Consent (in respect to an applicant under the age of 18 years) – I have read, understood, acknowledged and agree to the application and conditions of membership and I personally consent to the declaration and application for Membership of the applicant.

The platform accepts Credit/Debit Cards (via Stripe secure payment gateway), and you will receive a payment receipt promptly by email. You can also pay by cash at the BSV Office by bringing in a copy of your invoice and the office team will process the Cash/EFTPOS payment. Rest assured that none of your credit card details are stored within the BSV or on the Membership Platform (Member365). Stripe is a certified PCI Service Provider Level 1, which is the most stringent level of certification available in the payments industry.

PayPal, Cheque and EFT are no longer accepted as valid means for paying your membership.

We thank you for your understanding.

We have streamlined our membership process, you can download a copy of the form here which outlines the new process.  

Associate Membership

    • For those wishing to have the benefits of membership without making a commitment to the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dhamma & Sangha).
    • Does NOT allow for voting at Annual or Special General Meetings.

Ordinary Membership

    • For those prepared to commit themselves as Buddhists by taking refuge in the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dhamma & Sangha).
    • Allows for voting at Annual or Special General Meetings and shaping the future of the Buddhist Society of Victoria
    • Will need to take refuge in the Buddha (the Teacher), the Dhamma (His teachings) and the Sangha and the five precepts in the presence of the Sangha

I can physically attend the BSV or NBM

  1. Bring this Membership Form to the BSV/NBM Sangha member, they will guide you through taking the refuges and precepts and sign the form.
  2. Choose the membership pricing tier (Full/Concession/Life) that best suits you.
  3. Fill out your application, upload a picture of your signed membership form when prompted, and proceed with the payment for your membership.

I cannot physically attend the BSV or NBM

  1. Choose the membership pricing tier (Full/Concession/Life) that best suits you.
  2. Fill out your application and make the membership payment.
  3. The Membership Officer will coordinate a video call for you to take the refuges and precepts with a member of the BSV/NBM Sangha.
Note: Membership forms are also available at Buddhaloka Centre Malvern and Newbury Buddhist Monastery. 

Join and be part of the

Buddhist Society of Victoria Family

"Instead of having a fault-finding mind, develop the beautiful attitude of gratitude."

- Ajahn Brahm
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