Technology in service of the Dharma
Joyful Effort works with Dharma centres to develop technology that supports their work and the communities they serve. Our first project, Lotus, brings centre administration and the discovery of teachings into one platform.
Our purpose is to support the flourishing of the Dharma and, through that work, to be of benefit to all sentient beings.
Why we are here
Dharma centres bring people together for teachings, retreats and practice. Behind every programme are teams managing registrations, answering questions and keeping the centre running.
Much of that work depends on software built for other industries. Disconnected systems create extra administration, and essential knowledge can become concentrated in one person. Meanwhile, people looking for teachings have no central place to explore the wealth of offerings available.
We’re developing Lotus with these needs in mind. We want technology to make the work of centres easier and help people find the teachings and communities that support their practice.
Our first project
Lotus combines tools for centre teams with a shared discovery network. Our ambition is a digital experience that reflects the care and quality of the teachings it helps people access.
How we work
We collaborate with Dharma centres to understand the work they do and the challenges they encounter. Their experience helps shape what we build and how it works.
Dharma comes first. Serving centres and their communities guides the project, alongside fair and sustainable pricing and a willingness to explain our decisions and listen to scrutiny.
The people and organisation
Meet the team
Joyful Effort brings together Mindful Design and Meta Provide in collaboration with Dharma centres. Full team profiles are coming soon.
Centres helping shape Lotus
The perspective of centre teams is central to Lotus. Understanding how programmes work in practice helps us build tools that are useful in everyday centre life. Jamyang Buddhist Centre London, Shantideva New York, The Buddhist Centre, Santa Fe, Institure Vajra Yogini France and Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, New Zealand are currently supporting the project.
Funding and independence
Private individuals currently fund the project. Their support is helping us develop Lotus around the needs of Dharma centres.
Our aim is to keep the software affordable while supporting the ongoing work of maintaining and improving it. The funding model and the costs to centres are an important part of that conversation.
Talk to us
If you represent a Dharma centre, would like to collaborate, or have a question about Joyful Effort, we’d be glad to hear from you.