Zen Ethics

SJZC Ethics Statement

Corvallis Zen Circle, Dharma Garden Zendo and Sangha Jewel Temple abide by Buddhist ethical principles which value compassion, respect, integrity, trust and kindness in all our relationships. The group’s leaders and membership are committed to providing a safe environment that is free from physical violence, verbal abuse, sexual harassment, disparaging or discriminatory treatment.

The Bodhisattva Precepts serve as our ethical guidelines and are examples of how we can practice truth and compassion with one another one in light of our fundamental interdependence. While it is impossible to keep precepts perfectly, it is our intention to uphold them and use their wisdom as our guide.

Teacher / Student Relationships

The teacher-student relationship is founded on a deep trust and respect that is the mutual responsibility of both parties to honor. However, the authority of the teacher carries with it an increased responsibility to avoid situations and actions that could result in harm to the student, the community or the teacher him or herself. We recognize that harm may result if a teacher and student become sexually or inappropriately emotionally involved, or if a teacher violates trust, or uses power or position for personal ends.

The responsibility for maintaining appropriate and clear boundaries always rests with the teacher.  SJZC teacher(s) should respect and protect the personal autonomy of all students, and refrain from any sexual involvement with students. Should a teacher feel unable to uphold this standard, he/she will seek guidance and counsel from his/her teacher, a senior teacher in their lineage and/or a senior teacher from the broader community.  It is recommended that the student involved also seek guidance and support, and not maintain secrecy around his/her concerns because of a sense of obligation to the teacher, or because the exchanges that caused concern occurred in sanzen or other settings where interactions are usually kept private.

Use of Power and Position

We recognize that individuals in positions of confidence or trust must not misuse status or authority to achieve privileges or other consideration, or to inappropriately influence others. If we are entrusted with handling funds or assets on behalf of practitioners, we bear responsibility to provide accountable and transparent stewardship.

We recognize that when we hold any position of authority within the Sangha, our behavior both inside the sangha and in the rest of our lives must be respectable and legal. In particular we refrain from abusing drugs, alcohol and other intoxicants, and from illegal activity.

Grievance Procedures

If anyone has a concern about questionable or unethical behavior it may be addressed directly with the person(s) concerned. The Leader(s), a senior member or other trusted individual may be asked to be present when this concern is brought forward. If the person bringing the concern does not feel safe doing this or does not feel he/she will be fairly heard, she/he may bring their concern to the Board or another trusted individual in the sangha, or another Buddhist teacher (local or not). Many concerns can get fully examined and resolved without a formal hearing process and without undue damage to reputations, so anyone with a concern is encouraged to reach out and discuss it with someone.

Formal Ethical Hearing Process

If matters of importance are not able to be informally resolved, a Hearing Panel may be convened to implement a Formal Process. The Panel will consist of a person selected by the party about whom a concern is being raised, a person selected by the person bringing the concern, and a third person selected by the first two members of the panel, the Ethical Designee. The Ethical Designee should not be personally involved with the Corvallis Zen Circle Sangha or with the persons involved in the potential ethical issue. Each member of the panel must be able to hear the concern openly and objectively regardless of his or her relationship to the people involved.

  1. Bringing a Concern: A Formal Process is initiated by communicating in writing with the Ethical Designee. This “letter of request” must include:
    • A clear statement that a formal ethical hearing process is requested.
    • The name of the person(s) to whom the matter pertains.
    • A description of the alleged matter sufficient enough to allow the Ethical Designee to decide whether the matter is appropriate for a formal hearing process.
    • A description of prior attempts to resolve the matter.
    • A statement of the resolution sought.
  2. Accepting a Concern: Once the Ethical Designee has received a letter of request, the Ethical Designee, will, within 30 days, convey to the requester the acceptance or non-acceptance of the matter for formal hearing.  In the event the matter is accepted for formal hearing, the Ethical Designee will also notify persons named in the Letter of Request, as appropriate.
  3. Convening the Hearing Panel: Once the parties have been notified, the Ethical Designee will convene the meeting. One panelist chairs the hearing and insures that a record of the hearing is maintained.
  4. Hearing the Concern: The chair schedules a private hearing for the persons involved to have a full and fair opportunity to present their understanding of the matter at the hearing.  The Panel may ask questions and request information.
  5. Hearing Panel Decision: Once the Hearing Panel determines that it is sufficiently informed of the matter(s) heard, it will close the hearing and deliberate. As soon as reasonably practicable, the panel will issue a written decision and distribute it as appropriate.
  6. Suggestions for Possible Resolutions by a Hearing Panel: This is a partial list of possible resolutions intended to encourage open-minded and creative decisions. While it is not possible to anticipate every kind of situation which might require resolution, this format hopes to ensure a process that benefits all.  The findings could apply to either the teacher or the practitioner.
    • Finding of no ethical breach while acknowledging the existence of a problem which needs resolution elsewhere.
    • Reversal of an administrative decision or action.
    • Direct or mediated private apology.
    • Apology to the community.
    • Follow-up meetings with the teacher(s).
    • Recommended education or training or intervention program (e.g. therapy or relevant 12-step program).
    • Private reprimand.
    • Public censure.  The findings and action of the Hearing Panel as well as the reprimand are made public to the Sangha.
    • Period of probation, with probationary terms set by the Hearing Panel.
    • Suspension or dismissal from position of responsibility in the Sangha.
    • Suspension from teaching for a period of time. A suspension should stipulate the conditions by which a person may commence teaching.
    • Limiting the decision simply to whether or not an ethical transgression occurred.