{"id":19931,"date":"2025-09-25T12:45:02","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T12:45:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/?p=19931"},"modified":"2026-02-25T10:51:50","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T10:51:50","slug":"buddhists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/buddhists\/","title":{"rendered":"Why And How Must Buddhists Donate for Science in 2026?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"scien-2334950349\" class=\"scien-before-content scien-entity-placement\"><style>\r\n.amazon-support-link {\r\n    display: inline-flex;\r\n    align-items: baseline;\r\n    gap: 0.3rem;\r\n    padding: 0.35rem 0.55rem;\r\n    color: inherit;\r\n    font-size: 0.88rem;\r\n    line-height: 1.2;\r\n    text-decoration: none;\r\n    opacity: 0.72;\r\n    white-space: nowrap;\r\n    transition: opacity 0.2s ease;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.amazon-support-link:hover,\r\n.amazon-support-link:focus-visible {\r\n    opacity: 1;\r\n    text-decoration: underline;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.amazon-support-link small {\r\n    font-size: 0.65rem;\r\n    opacity: 0.7;\r\n}\r\n\r\n@media (max-width: 900px) {\r\n    .amazon-support-link small {\r\n        display: none;\r\n    }\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<a class=\"amazon-support-link\"\r\n   href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/?tag=vpf04-20\"\r\n   target=\"_blank\"\r\n   rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\"\r\n   aria-label=\"Shop on Amazon and support World Science DAO\">\r\n    Shop on Amazon <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2197<\/span>\r\n    <small>affiliate link<\/small>\r\n<\/a><\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Buddhists, engaging with this new frontier of giving means channeling ancient principles of generosity into present-day systems. It is a way to bridge spirituality and modernity, to manifest compassion not only in ritual or monastic support but in the infrastructure of knowledge-making itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If enough Buddhist donors and institutions engage in this space, we can help shape scientific funding to be more humane, more just, more transparent \u2014 a world where knowledge and innovation truly serve all beings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/buddhists\/#Introduction_A_New_Frontier_of_Giving\" >Introduction: A New Frontier of Giving<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/buddhists\/#The_Buddhist_Basis_for_Donating_to_Science\" >The Buddhist Basis for Donating to Science<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/buddhists\/#Dana_and_Compassion_in_the_Buddhist_Tradition\" >D\u0101na and Compassion in the Buddhist Tradition<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/buddhists\/#Why_Science_Why_Now\" >Why Science? Why Now?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/buddhists\/#The_World_Science_DAO_%E2%80%9CAI_Internet-Meritocracy%E2%80%9D\" >The World Science DAO &amp; \u201cAI Internet-Meritocracy\u201d<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/buddhists\/#What_is_the_World_Science_DAO\" >What is the World Science DAO?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/buddhists\/#Why_this_DAO_is_attractive_from_a_Buddhist_lens\" >Why this DAO is attractive from a Buddhist lens<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/buddhists\/#How_Buddhists_Should_Donate_to_Science_in_2025_%E2%80%94_A_Practical_Guide\" >How Buddhists Should Donate to Science in 2025 \u2014 A Practical Guide<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/buddhists\/#Step_1_Study_and_vet_the_DAO\" >Step 1: Study and vet the DAO<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/buddhists\/#Step_2_Decide_the_form_and_scale_of_donation\" >Step 2: Decide the form and scale of donation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/buddhists\/#Step_3_Donate_mindfully_with_intention_cetana\" >Step 3: Donate mindfully, with intention (cetan\u0101)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/buddhists\/#Step_4_Participate_engage_monitor\" >Step 4: Participate, engage, monitor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/buddhists\/#Step_5_Reflect_learn_and_adjust\" >Step 5: Reflect, learn, and adjust<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/buddhists\/#Ethical_Cautions_and_Challenges\" >Ethical Cautions and Challenges<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/buddhists\/#Risk_of_speculation_volatility_and_tokenism\" >Risk of speculation, volatility, and tokenism<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/buddhists\/#Governance_capture_bias_and_power_concentration\" >Governance capture, bias, and power concentration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/buddhists\/#Distraction_from_inner_development\" >Distraction from inner development<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/buddhists\/#Ensuring_moral_alignment_of_funded_projects\" >Ensuring moral alignment of funded projects<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/buddhists\/#Why_It_Matters_in_2025_%E2%80%94_and_Beyond\" >Why It Matters in 2025 \u2014 and Beyond<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction_A_New_Frontier_of_Giving\"><\/span>Introduction: A New Frontier of Giving<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>In 2026, one of the most significant intersections of religion, ethics, and technology is the rise of <em>impact DAOs<\/em> (decentralized autonomous organizations) funding science. The <a href=\"\/zh\/\">World Science DAO<\/a> \u2014 especially its \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/meritocracy\/\">AI Internet-Meritocracy<\/a>\u201d project \u2014 is an example: a charity DAO intended to govern scientific funding decisions via decentralized governance and software. <a href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Science DAO<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For Buddhists, who traditionally emphasize <strong>d\u0101na<\/strong> (generosity, giving) and compassion, this new paradigm raises a question: <em>Should<\/em> Buddhists donate to science via these DAOs \u2014 and <em>how<\/em> can they do so in a way aligned with Buddhist ethics? In this article, I argue that not only is such donation appropriate, but in 2025 it becomes a spiritual imperative (if approached mindfully). I also outline practical steps and ethical cautions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Buddhist_Basis_for_Donating_to_Science\"><\/span>The Buddhist Basis for Donating to Science<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dana_and_Compassion_in_the_Buddhist_Tradition\"><\/span>D\u0101na and Compassion in the Buddhist Tradition<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>At the heart of Buddhism is the practice of generosity (d\u0101na), which is regarded not only as social virtue but as a spiritual practice. The Buddha taught that \u201cthe gift of Dhamma excels all other gifts.\u201d Supporting teaching, insight, and knowledge is often considered especially meritorious. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buddhism.hku.hk\/about-us\/support-us\/giving\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HKU Centre of Buddhist Studies<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In contemporary Buddhist discourse, d\u0101na goes beyond alms or temple support to altruistic giving in social, educational, and scientific spheres. A recent study of Buddhist philanthropy shows that many Buddhists have a high potential for charitable giving, but often are constrained by lack of trust, transparency, or accessible channels. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/341381376_Buddhism-based_charity_philanthropy_and_social_work_A_lesson_from_Vietnam?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ResearchGate<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also, scholars note that <strong>\u201ccompassion without pity\u201d<\/strong> is an ideal in modern Buddhist giving: giving without condescension, giving without seeking recognition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thus, for Buddhists, giving to science is not alien \u2014 it can be seen as an extension of compassion: alleviating ignorance, enhancing human welfare, and nurturing wisdom.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"836\" height=\"469\" src=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-1.png\" alt=\"Buddhists \" class=\"wp-image-20522\" title=\"Buddhists \" srcset=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-1.png 836w, https:\/\/science-dao.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-1-300x168.png 300w, https:\/\/science-dao.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-1-768x431.png 768w, https:\/\/science-dao.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-1-575x323.png 575w, https:\/\/science-dao.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-1-380x213.png 380w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Science_Why_Now\"><\/span>Why Science? Why Now?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why should Buddhists channel some portion of their d\u0101na into scientific research?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Alleviating suffering.<\/strong> Many branches of science \u2014 medicine, climate science, neuroscience, public health \u2014 address suffering or prevent harm. Supporting them is consonant with the Buddhist ideal of reducing dukkha (suffering).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Advancement of knowledge.<\/strong> The Dharma encourages inquiry, clarity, and insight. Science is a method of exploring and understanding reality. By supporting open, ethical science, Buddhists help humanity deepen its knowledge of nature and mind.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Countering misinformation &amp; crises.<\/strong> In an era of climate crisis, pandemics, polarized politics, and AI risks, supporting trustworthy, open, decentralized science is a contribution to the collective well-being of beings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Aligning with modernization of giving.<\/strong> Traditional Buddhist giving (to temples or monastic institutions) is valuable, but often lacks mechanisms for transparency, global reach, or innovation. DAO-based funding can open new channels that scale worldwide and resist corruption.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Given the rise of <em>DeSci<\/em> (decentralized science) models \u2014 i.e. funding scientific research via blockchain, community governance, and transparency \u2014 Buddhists contributing to science via DAO is a forward-looking, ethical alignment. <a href=\"https:\/\/law.stanford.edu\/2023\/07\/27\/unlocking-scientific-innovation-through-decentralized-science-part-ii\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stanford Law School+2ResearchHub Foundation Blog+2<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thus, donation to science today can be seen as one form of modern d\u0101na \u2014 giving that resonates with the technological era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_World_Science_DAO_%E2%80%9CAI_Internet-Meritocracy%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>The World Science DAO &amp; \u201cAI Internet-Meritocracy\u201d<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_World_Science_DAO\"><\/span>What is the World Science DAO?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <a href=\"\/zh\/\">World Science DAO<\/a> is an \u201cimpact DAO\u201d aiming to decentralize how science is funded: using token-based governance, open proposals, public voting, Buddhists and software systems to allocate grants. <a href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Science DAO<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/one-time-donation\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"19044\">Donate<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Its project \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/meritocracy\/\">AI Internet-Meritocracy<\/a>\u201d is a vision to build <strong>AI software distributing funds to scientists and software authors and to marketers of science<\/strong> \u2014 in effect, merging AI, decentralized finance (DeFi) principles, and communal science funding. <a href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Science DAO<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>By donating to this DAO, one helps build the infrastructure for a more open, transparent, and fair scientific funding ecosystem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_this_DAO_is_attractive_from_a_Buddhist_lens\"><\/span>Why this DAO is attractive from a Buddhist lens<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Transparency &amp; accountability.<\/strong> The DAO model (with on-chain governance, voting records, and smart contracts) reduces opaque hierarchies and hidden corruption. This resonates with Buddhist values of honesty, integrity, and clarity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Decentralization &amp; inclusivity.<\/strong> A DAO allows contributors everywhere (regardless of status or location) to participate in decision-making. This echoes Buddhism\u2019s emphasis on equality of all sentient beings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scalability &amp; global impact.<\/strong> Supporting a DAO has leverage: your donation not only funds projects, but helps create infrastructure that can fund many more projects long-term.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nonsectarian.<\/strong> The DAO funds \u201cscience\u201d broadly, not privileging any religious or cultural agenda. Such neutrality aligns with the Buddhist approach of benefiting all beings without sectarian bias.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, approaching DAO donation must be mindful, with awareness of risks, and with alignment to Buddhist ethical principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Buddhists_Should_Donate_to_Science_in_2025_%E2%80%94_A_Practical_Guide\"><\/span>How Buddhists Should Donate to Science in 2025 \u2014 A Practical Guide<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is a step-by-step guide for a Buddhist practitioner or community to donate meaningfully to science via DAO mechanisms (e.g. World Science DAO).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Study_and_vet_the_DAO\"><\/span>Step 1: Study and vet the DAO<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before donating, one should:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Read the DAO\u2019s whitepapers, mission, governance model, and past funded projects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inspect financial transparency: Is the treasury visible? Are past grants public? Are votes auditable?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assess alignment: Does the DAO\u2019s mission correspond with values of promoting open knowledge, alleviating suffering, fairness?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the World Science DAO, you can study their governance rules, grant application process, and transparency policies. <a href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Science DAO<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be cautious of projects that sound promising but lack accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Decide_the_form_and_scale_of_donation\"><\/span>Step 2: Decide the form and scale of donation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You may donate fiat (USD, EUR, etc.) via the DAO\u2019s donation portal, which then converts to the DAO\u2019s token or treasury.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Or donate cryptocurrency (if you already hold crypto compatible with DAO).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Start with a manageable amount for yourself or your community \u2014 even small donations \u201ccount as merit\u201d in Buddhist terms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may also consider <em>pledging<\/em> recurring donations (monthly\/quarterly) to sustain the DAO\u2019s operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Donate_mindfully_with_intention_cetana\"><\/span>Step 3: Donate mindfully, with intention (cetan\u0101)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Buddhist practice, <strong>intention<\/strong> (cetan\u0101) is crucial. When donating, one should:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reflect on the motivation: \u201cMay this donation support science that benefits beings, reduces suffering, fosters clarity,\u201d rather than egoic rewards or prestige.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Let go of expecting recognition, praise, or public validation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dedicate the merit: You may choose to mentally (or verbally) dedicate the merit of the donation to all beings, or for specific alleviations (illness, climate, ignorance).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Participate_engage_monitor\"><\/span>Step 4: Participate, engage, monitor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Donating is not just a one-time act; for greatest impact:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Participate in DAO governance (if allowed). If you hold voting tokens, you can vote on proposals of which science projects to fund.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stay informed about funded projects, progress, and reports.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use your network to publicize the DAO among your d\u0101na communities, Buddhist centers, science-curious laypeople.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You may even propose projects: if your Buddhist community runs a science-education, data analysis, or digital humanities project, submit a grant proposal to the DAO.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_5_Reflect_learn_and_adjust\"><\/span>Step 5: Reflect, learn, and adjust<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Monitor any challenges: e.g. delays, failed experiments, governance issues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reflect whether the donation aligns with your practice \u2014 did it cultivate generosity, humility, insight?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adjust future giving: you may diversify across multiple DeSci DAOs, or complement with traditional Buddhist giving.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ethical_Cautions_and_Challenges\"><\/span>Ethical Cautions and Challenges<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While donating to science DAOs is promising, Buddhism (and common sense) suggests mindful caution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Risk_of_speculation_volatility_and_tokenism\"><\/span>Risk of speculation, volatility, and tokenism<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many DAOs use tokens or crypto assets. Tokens may be volatile, speculative, or manipulated. A well-intended donation might lose value, or become a vehicle for profit rather than pure philanthropy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Governance_capture_bias_and_power_concentration\"><\/span>Governance capture, bias, and power concentration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No ideal system is immune to capture. Voting could favor entities with large tokens, or insiders. Inequities may creep in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moreover, not all scientific fields are equally represented; some domains may dominate because of popularity or glamour, sidelining less fashionable but essential foundational research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Distraction_from_inner_development\"><\/span>Distraction from inner development<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Buddhism generally warns that external activity must not overwhelm one\u2019s inner path. One should not use scientific philanthropy as a way to avoid one\u2019s own moral, contemplative, or spiritual responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ensuring_moral_alignment_of_funded_projects\"><\/span>Ensuring moral alignment of funded projects<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some science is neutral or positive, some is ethically problematic (e.g. weapons, surveillance, dangerous AI). Donors must check whether the DAO or specific proposals align with Buddhist precepts (non-harm, benefit, transparency).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, some Buddhists might choose to <em>earmark<\/em> donations only to projects with clear benefit (climate, public health, open data, neuroscience for mental health, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_It_Matters_in_2025_%E2%80%94_and_Beyond\"><\/span>Why It Matters in 2025 \u2014 and Beyond<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The technological, social, and scientific landscape in 2025 is rapidly shifting. Traditional funding institutions (governments, private foundations, centralized philanthropic agencies) are often slow, opaque, siloed, and susceptible to political or commercial influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Decentralized science funding, via DAOs like World Science DAO, offers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>democratized access to funding for marginalized or innovative scientists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>transparency and auditability in grants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>global community alignment across borders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>efficient and scalable funding allocation via AI or algorithmic assistance (as in \u201cAI Internet-Meritocracy\u201d)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"scien-2715558054\" class=\"scien-after-content scien-entity-placement\"><section>\r\n\r\n<h2>Support Independent Science<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<p>Supporting independent science is not only a matter of fairness to researchers whose expertise and work are often underfunded. It is also essential for addressing <a href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/who-are-science-marketers\/\">systemic failures in scientific publishing<\/a> that delay discoveries and leave important results unnoticed. In science and software, even one missing component can prevent an entire system from working.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Help valuable research and open-source infrastructure move forward.<\/strong> Please <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/donation\/\">make a donation<\/a><\/strong> to support <a href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/amateur-scientists\/\">independent scientists<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/free-software\/\">free software developers<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\t\tOur flagship product is <a href=\"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/meritocracy\/\">AI Internet-Meritocracy<\/a> - an app, that unlike universities distributes money directly to researchers and open source developers, without bureaucracy.\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/section><\/div><div id=\"scien-2216755930\" class=\"scien-after-content-2 scien-entity-placement\"><div data-nosnippet style=\"max-width: 800px\">\r\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 0\">Ads:<\/p>\r\n<style>\r\n    \/* Compact Table Styling *\/\r\n    .amazon-ad-table {\r\n        width: 100%;\r\n        max-width: 800px;\r\n        border-collapse: collapse;\r\n        margin: 10px auto;\r\n        font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\r\n        border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\r\n    }\r\n    .amazon-ad-table th {\r\n        background-color: #f3f3f3;\r\n        padding: 8px;\r\n        text-align: left;\r\n        border-bottom: 2px solid #ddd;\r\n        font-size: 0.9em;\r\n    }\r\n    .amazon-ad-table td {\r\n        padding: 8px 5px;\r\n        border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\r\n        vertical-align: middle;\r\n    }\r\n    \/* Column sizing *\/\r\n    .col-image { width: 15%; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; padding-top: 10px; }\r\n    .col-desc { width: 65%; }\r\n    .col-action { width: 20%; text-align: center; }\r\n\r\n    \/* Image Placeholder Styling *\/\r\n    \/* YOU WILL REPLACE THIS ENTIRE BLOCK WHEN YOU INSERT REAL AMAZON CODE *\/\r\n    .img-placeholder {\r\n        width: 80px;\r\n        height: 110px;\r\n        background-color: #eee;\r\n        border: 1px solid #ddd;\r\n        color: #666;\r\n        font-size: 0.7em;\r\n        display: flex;\r\n        justify-content: center;\r\n        align-items: center;\r\n        margin: 0 auto;\r\n        text-align: center;\r\n    }\r\n    \r\n    \/* Typography - Smaller fonts and tighter line heights *\/\r\n    .product-title {\r\n        font-size: 1em;\r\n        font-weight: bold;\r\n        color: #007185;\r\n        text-decoration: none;\r\n        display: block;\r\n        margin-bottom: 2px;\r\n    }\r\n    .product-title:hover { color: #C7511F; text-decoration: underline; }\r\n    .product-author { \r\n        color: #565959; \r\n        font-size: 0.8em; \r\n        margin-bottom: 4px; \r\n    }\r\n    .product-blurb { \r\n        font-size: 0.85em; \r\n        line-height: 1.25;\r\n        color: #333; \r\n        margin: 0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/* Compact Button Styling *\/\r\n    .amazon-button {\r\n        display: inline-block;\r\n        background-color: #FFD814;\r\n        border: 1px solid #FCD200;\r\n        border-radius: 20px;\r\n        color: #0F1111;\r\n        padding: 6px 10px;\r\n        text-align: center;\r\n        text-decoration: none;\r\n        font-size: 0.8em;\r\n        font-weight: bold;\r\n        box-shadow: 0 2px 5px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);\r\n        transition: background-color 0.2s;\r\n        white-space: nowrap;\r\n    }\r\n    .amazon-button:hover { background-color: #F7CA00; border-color: #F2C200; cursor: pointer;}\r\n\r\n    \/* Disclosure *\/\r\n    .affiliate-disclosure {\r\n        font-size: 0.75em;\r\n        color: #565959;\r\n        text-align: center;\r\n        margin-top: 5px;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/* Responsive *\/\r\n    @media (max-width: 600px) {\r\n        .amazon-ad-table thead { display: none; }\r\n        .amazon-ad-table tr { display: flex; flex-direction: column; border-bottom: 2px solid #ddd; padding: 10px; }\r\n        .amazon-ad-table td { width: 100%; border: none; padding: 5px 0; text-align: center; }\r\n        .col-desc { text-align: center; }\r\n    }\r\n<\/style>\r\n<table class=\"amazon-ad-table\">\r\n    <thead>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <th>Description<\/th>\r\n            <th>Action<\/th>\r\n        <\/tr>\r\n    <\/thead>\r\n    <tbody>\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td class=\"col-desc\">\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/0553380168?tag=vpf04-20\" class=\"product-title\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">A Brief History of Time<\/a>\r\n                <div class=\"product-author\">by Stephen Hawking<\/div>\r\n                <p class=\"product-blurb\">A landmark volume in science writing exploring cosmology, black holes, and the nature of the universe in accessible language.<\/p>\r\n            <\/td>\r\n            <td class=\"col-action\">\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/0553380168?tag=vpf04-20\" class=\"amazon-button\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Check Price<\/a>\r\n            <\/td>\r\n        <\/tr>\r\n\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td class=\"col-desc\">\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/0393609391?tag=vpf04-20\" class=\"product-title\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Astrophysics for People in a Hurry<\/a>\r\n                <div class=\"product-author\">by Neil deGrasse Tyson<\/div>\r\n                <p class=\"product-blurb\">Tyson brings the universe down to Earth clearly, with wit and charm, in chapters you can read anytime, anywhere.<\/p>\r\n            <\/td>\r\n            <td class=\"col-action\">\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/0393609391?tag=vpf04-20\" class=\"amazon-button\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Check Price<\/a>\r\n            <\/td>\r\n        <\/tr>\r\n\r\n         <tr>\r\n            <td class=\"col-desc\">\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=raspberry+pi+4+starter+kit&tag=vpf04-20\" class=\"product-title\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Raspberry Pi Starter Kits<\/a>\r\n                <div class=\"product-author\">Supports Computer Science Education<\/div>\r\n                <p class=\"product-blurb\">Inexpensive computers designed to promote basic computer science education. Buying kits supports this ecosystem.<\/p>\r\n            <\/td>\r\n            <td class=\"col-action\">\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=raspberry+pi+4+starter+kit&tag=vpf04-20\" class=\"amazon-button\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">View Options<\/a>\r\n            <\/td>\r\n        <\/tr>\r\n\r\n        <tr>\r\n            <td class=\"col-desc\">\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/0596002874?tag=vpf04-20\" class=\"product-title\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Free as in Freedom: Richard Stallman's Crusade<\/a>\r\n                <div class=\"product-author\">by Sam Williams<\/div>\r\n                <p class=\"product-blurb\">A detailed history of the free software movement, essential reading for understanding the philosophy behind open source.<\/p>\r\n            <\/td>\r\n            <td class=\"col-action\">\r\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/0596002874?tag=vpf04-20\" class=\"amazon-button\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Check Price<\/a>\r\n            <\/td>\r\n        <\/tr>\r\n    <\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<div class=\"affiliate-disclosure\">\r\n    <p>As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases resulting from links on this page.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For Buddhists, engaging with this new frontier of giving means channeling ancient principles of generosity into present-day systems. It is a way to bridge spirituality and modernity, to manifest compassion [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19931","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19931","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19931"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19931\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23523,"href":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19931\/revisions\/23523"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19931"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19931"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/science-dao.org\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19931"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}