Code of Conduct – Policies
Shambhala Code of Conduct
Durham Shambhala Center Aspiration and Commitment
At the Durham Shambhala Center, we strive to provide a safe, supportive and respectful environment for the practice and study of meditation and the Shambhala teachings. We applaud and fully support all of the Code of Conduct policies which can be found at the Code of Conduct Hub.
Please familiarize yourself with these policies and resources. The Code of Conduct applies to everyone in Shambhala and at every activity sponsored by Shambhala, in person or online, regardless of where the activity occurs. Creating a safe space is everyone’s responsibility. This means being mindful of one’s own conduct and watchful for any impropriety outlined in our policies.
We remain committed to supporting anyone interested in the practice of meditation, the study of Shambhala teachings and Buddhism, and the development of a community that embodies the principles of a genuinely enlightened and compassionate society.
Anyone may report any concern or misconduct , and will be supported in doing so. If you have a concern about something you have experienced or observed in Shambhala, Contact [email protected] (monitored by Elizabeth Brownrigg) or Tara Templin, Director of Community Care and Conduct with Shambhala Global Services at [email protected]
THE PRACTICES OF GOOD CONDUCT
This list is taken from The Shambhala Code of Conduct, pp. 3-4.
- Treat all with respect and work for the welfare of all. Be law-abiding and decent. Be true to your relationships. Avoid harming others.
- Practice disciplines that benefit you and others. Take responsibility for your state of mind.
- Be genuine, curious, and truthful. Listen to others. Do not manipulate or slander others. Communicate your limitations or your willingness to help gently and thoughtfully.
- Care for everyone’s well-being. Be kind and generous to all without prejudice. Identify and interrupt aggression or intimidation by others in the environment.
- Be particularly caring and respectful in intimate relationships where vulnerabilities are
shared. - Learn from each other. Support each other with curiosity and friendliness. Work together to mutually maintain a healthy and open community and cultivate good human society.
- Give kind and honest feedback. Be open to receiving feedback from others.
- Be true to your inspiration. Bring your unique perspective and talents to the community and appreciate others’. Enjoy yourself. Don’t be afraid to take a risk.
- Clean up after yourself. Take responsibility for your own decisions, communication and
actions. Admit your mistakes and learn from them. - Be decent and trustworthy. Do not waver in meeting your obligations. Take from others only what is freely offered.
- Be respectful and accountable with regard to the use of shared or community resources. Treat Shambhala’s resources or wealth with integrity, intelligence, and transparency.
- Consume only what you need. Respect the planet and all of its inhabitants.
- Recognize ways that alcohol and drugs can negatively affect our behavior and share the responsibility to protect harmony and dignity in the social environment.
- Recognize that any position of power or authority is a privilege and a responsibility to
humbly serve the well-being of others. - Honor your vows and your commitments to practice and study with fellow practitioners. Continue an active ongoing relationship with a meditation instructor or someone who helps you reflect on your path.
- Make the teachings and community accessible to all by identifying and reducing barriers to participation. Support an environment that is free from discrimination of any kind.
- Honor the process of learning about life, respecting teachers of all wisdom traditions and all who seek wisdom.
The Code of Conduct consists of the following documents accessible via the Code of Conduct Hub, mentioned above.
- Shambhala Code of Conduct
- Child Protection Policy — sets out means by which the wellbeing of young people can be safeguarded in Shambhala.
- Policy for People Holding Positions of Authority — clarifies the additional responsibilities of anyone in a leadership role in Shambhala, whose actions can have a greater impact because of that positional power.
- Policy to Address Sexual Misconduct — clearly defines what is considered sexual misconduct and discusses its relationship to positions of trust and of authority.
- Policy on Diversity, Inclusivity and Anti-Discrimination — discusses why such a policy is needed in Shambhala, what inclusive behavior is encouraged, and what discriminatory behavior is discouraged.
The Supporting Information page provides background information on the rationale and formation of these policy documents.
