On May 17, 1993 a corporation was formed by a group of people in Knoxville, Tennessee. The group was interested in Buddhism, a non-dogmatic spiritual belief system based on the teachings of the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama.
The corporation is a public benefit and religious corporation. The corporation is described under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code as a tax-exempt religious organization.
The corporation is not for profit and is governed by a board of five directors which is elected by the membership. Membership is available to any individual who desires it regardless of race, age, gender, marital status, or national origin, provided, however that the directors may decline to admit any person who is hostile to Buddhism as a religion, creed, or philosophy. The corporation does not require a member to renounce affiliation with or membership in other churches or religious orders. Tolerance is a leading ethical precept of Buddhism.
The corporation has for officers a president, a vice president, a secretary, and a treasurer, who are appointed by the board of directors for such terms, and for such duties, as the board of directors may determine. A director may also serve as an officer.
The purposes for which the corporation is organized are to establish and to maintain in Knoxville, Tennessee area a Tibetan Buddhist church, in affiliation with Losel Shedrup Ling Tibetan Buddhist Center, and under the guidance of monks and teachers of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The corporation may engage in any lawful, non-profit business or affairs which are not inconsistent with this purpose, and which do not have an adverse impact on the corporation’s status as a tax-exempt religious organization.
A brief description of some of the activities of the organization follows:
• Weekly meetings for meditation, fellowship and discussion of Buddhist texts
• Provide support for a resident monk/scholar/teacher to give instruction on Buddhist philosophy and practice
• Sponsor Tibetan cultural events
• Sponsor speakers who have expertise in various areas of Tibetan philosophy and practice
• Support and participate in inter-faith dialogues in the community
In addition there is an annual meeting of the members with the place, date and time selected by the board of directors. Members are notified in writing ten calendar days in advance of the meeting.
Special meetings may be called by the president, members of the board or by a quorum of ten percent of the members. Members are notified in writing ten calendar days in advance of the meeting.
