Buddhism is about 2500 years old, and was from the start characterized by democratic rules of life, especially evident for the monastics (Vinaya), and an organization where both women and men who practiced full-time (bhikkhunis and bhikkhus) had equal opportunities for residence, training, roles, finances and teaching – 1500 years before the Viking Age in Norway!

In order to safeguard the values of the Buddha, the Buddhist Society of Norway (DNBF) has chosen to exist in Norway as a completely independent society. We are firmly planted in a valuesystem based on respect for human dignity and equality, as well as Norwegian law and international human rights.

DNBF believes that the state has both the right and the duty to make demands on both people and organizations in Norway in general, and especially when public support is given to help promote a desired development of society. DNBF is an annual recipient of such state financial support as a faith communities, and we want to manage this responsibility in line with both Norwegian legislation and fundamental human rights.

Full equality between women and men is a fundamental principle in Norwegian law, and the same anchoring can be found in Buddhism − where all beings have the same inherent value and potential for wisdom, happiness and awakening. Equality is therefore not an externally imposed requirement in Buddhism, but an expression of Buddhism’s core of equality, kindness and compassion.

On this basis, DNBF works to ensure that all women and men have truly equal opportunities to practice, teach, have responsibility and participate in decision-making processes in our contexts. We want to support ordination, training and services for both women and men, and to reflect this in our structures and activities.

We believe that Buddhism will be stronger in Norway if we take the roots of Buddhism seriously and live up to equality, human rights and Norwegian laws. We want to contribute constructively to society by being open, taking responsibility and living up to a high ethical standard.

Oslo, 25th of March 2026
DNBF Board of Directors