In the course of daily sangha interactions, disagreements, conflicts, misunderstandings and questionable behavior can occur. In some situations, the ethics of a particular behavior may not be clear. The Sangha Elders Committee (SEC) exists, first and foremost, to assist sangha members when they are unclear about their ethical course or responsibility. Sangha members are encouraged to bring concerns to any member of the Sangha Elders Committee for consultation, support, and advice.

A Sangha Elder is required to exhibit many qualities, but two that particularly apply to this ethics statement are that they are: “A person who follows the precepts: This is a person who models their life on the Buddhist precepts and exhibits upright principles and behavior.” And “A person who is watchful: This person keeps an eye on Sangha affairs and speaks up if they feel that something is not right. They are not swayed by authority or adulation.” This specifically includes a request that the Sangha Elder speak up if they feel or see misconduct by the Guiding Teachers.

When ethical dilemmas present themselves, usually the earlier one seeks consultation the better, but sangha members may seek such consultation at any time. In some cases, a meeting with a single member of the SEC may be sufficient to clarify the issues involved; in other situations, either the sangha member or the SEC member may wish to consult with the entire Committee. In certain situations, it is unethical to do nothing.

Among the situations where consultation with a member of the SEC is warranted are: those involving inappropriate sexual behavior; abusive conduct or harassment; incompetence that threatens the sangha; and use of position for personal gain or exploitation.

The following conduct must be brought to the attention of the Sangha Elders Committee: situations involving suspected abuse against an elder, dependent adult, child or partner where reporting would be required of a therapist; misappropriation of sangha funds; or gross and harmful incompetence in performance of a OGZC position.

Our practice at OGZC can be warmhearted and close, but it is important to remember that with the intimacy of practice, confusion regarding sexuality, power and confidentiality may arise in ways that can harm practitioners and the sangha if not dealt with skillfully. Desires of all kinds are part of life. Rather than allowing desires to control us, leading to suffering, it is our intention and commitment to be compassionately aware of these feelings while returning to our original vow to awaken with all beings, and to practice spiritual friendship at OGZC and in the wider world.

At Ocean Gate Zen Center, all priests, senior students, and sangha elders have made a commitment to conduct relationships in accord with the Bodhisattva precepts. Because of this commitment, the responsibility for maintaining appropriate and clear boundaries always rests with the priest, sangha elder, or senior student. They will respect and protect the personal autonomy of all who come to the temple and refrain from sexual involvement with students.

Great spiritual and psychological harm results when teachers violate trust or use power and/or position for personal gain or manipulation. This is especially true when such power abuse involves sexual conduct.  Such harm extends to the entire community.

If a priest or lay practice leader is considering pursuing a sexual relationship with another sangha member, a process will be initiated to determine what changes in her/his role in the community may be necessary. It is in the interest of all concerned that both parties first seek guidance and counsel from both Guiding Teachers at OGZC.

We offer an environment where new practitioners can develop their relationship with practice, and with the sangha, free from discrimination or social pressure. We request all OGZC members to be mindful of the benefit for a new practitioner in not being distracted from the primary activity of establishing their practice. This means members are expected to maintain relationships of friendship, respect, and care without any romantic or sexual involvement during the first year of a person’s involvement in the community.

Anyone having questions about how this guideline is implemented may speak with teachers and/or any sangha elder.

Dokusan (meeting with a guiding teacher), practice discussion, way-seeking mind talks, questions at shōsan ceremonies (formal question/response ceremony with guiding teacher) and discussions within dharma groups are venues for sharing highly sensitive personal information. Honoring the dialogue between teachers and students is a foundation of personal and sangha relations. Teachers are expected to maintain confidentiality about matters raised in dokusan or practice discussion. Students are expected to refrain from idle talk about matters brought up in dokusan and practice discussion, and to respect confidences shared in way seeking mind talks, shōsan or dharma groups.

Confidentiality is the basis of mutual trust between student and teacher. However, for the well-being of individuals and of the sangha, there are times when teachers and/or practice leaders need to consult about confidential matters raised in practice discussion. Such consultations are never done lightly, and only as much information is shared as is needed to clarify and bring harmony to the situation at hand. The consultations themselves are kept confidential. Such consultations are required where a serious ethical breach has occurred or where specific reporting laws apply.

Sangha members are discouraged from using the community as a source of business, contract work, or professional clients. OGZC teachers and sangha members who work as physicians, psychotherapists, or attorneys should avoid entering into professional relationships with other sangha members.

Problems can arise when one sangha member enters a business relationship with another member. All sangha members should be mindful of the complexity of these connections when both parties  practice at the same Dharma center.

In a community great harm can come from speech that is inconsistent with the precepts. Mutual respect and trust are built when all sangha members and teachers speak truthfully and compassionately with the intent to be helpful and observe the clear mind precepts regarding right speech: refraining from lies, gossip (self-serving talk), slander, and apportioning blame. When a conflict arises between sangha members, it is best to address it directly with the other person. Sometimes, however, it may be wise to discuss this with a teacher or practice leader to assist in developing a more skillful approach. It may also be useful to have a neutral third person involved in an attempt to resolve a conflict, if a one-to-one attempt has failed.

In these situations, mindful discussion with a Dharma friend who is not a teacher can also be useful. However, we discourage sharing a concern widely in order to gain support for one’s position, since this can foster conflict rather than reconciliation.

OGZC members may reasonably expect to practice in a supportive and harmonious environment. How we speak and act with one another is an expression of that harmony. Towards that end, we make every effort not to use words that create discord, and to reconcile and resolve our conflicts, small or large.

Harmful or abusive non-verbal  behavior and/or speech are not acceptable at OGZC. These include shouting, threats, attempts to humiliate or undermine, verbal manipulation, cold silences, pointedly excluding fellow members from sangha conversations and personal attacks. Harmful speech and behavior have a wide effect, both for the parties in the conflict and for witnesses. Such behavior will be addressed.

This applies to everyone at OGZC, irrespective of position or seniority. Those holding practice positions are expected to understand the impact of such actions and act accordingly. Failure to uphold standards of patience and kindness is a ground for suspension of sangha responsibilities.

Conflict may occur and handling it well, is a hallmark of maturity. Harmful actions, of any kind, divide and disrupt the community. How we work and live together is as important as accomplishing any task or duty.

Maintaining the well-being of the sangha is the mutual responsibility of all members.

If you feel that the guidelines discussed here are not being observed, or simply wish to share your discomfort, we request that you bring your concerns to the attention of OGZC’s Guiding Teachers, and/or a member of OGZC’s Sangha Elder Committee. Your questions will be taken seriously and examined according to a principled and confidential process. We hope that diligent inquiry, honesty, compassion, and openness will strengthen the sangha and support our wonderful Zen practice for many years to come.

Informal

A member is advised to bring an informal complaint when there is a conflict or confusing situation for which they would like to seek a reconciliation process.

Formal

The purpose of a formal complaint is to investigate and come to a resolution about a possible serious breach of these ethical guidelines. The Sangha Elder's Committee has authority (in consultation with OGZC’s Guiding Teachers) to remove a person from a practice position or a leadership role at OGZC for ethical misconduct, or to designate other appropriate consequences.

In cases where serious consequences are indicated, efforts will be made to maintain the confidentiality of the involved parties; however, it cannot be guaranteed. Also, in cases where serious consequences are indicated, before taking action, the Sangha Elder's Committee must consult with OGZC's Guiding Teachers, and OGZC's Board of Directors, and may consult with others as deemed necessary to provide for the safety, welfare, and harmony of the sangha.

Three Pure Precepts

I vow to make every effort to refrain from all that is unskillful and harmful.

I vow to make every effort to practice all that is skillful and brings good.

I vow to make every effort to  live and be lived for the benefit of all beings.

Ten Grave Precepts

I resolve not to kill, but to cherish all life.

I resolve not to steal, but only to take what is freely given.

I resolve not to misuse sexuality, but to remain faithful in relationships.

I resolve not to lie, but to communicate the truth.

I resolve not to sell or use the wine and drugs of delusion, but to polish clarity.

I resolve not to dwell on the mistakes of others, but to create wisdom from ignorance.

I resolve not to praise myself at the expense of others, but to maintain modesty.

I resolve not to withhold spiritual or material aid, but to share understanding, giving freely of self.

I resolve not to harbor ill will, but to dwell in equanimity.

I resolve not to abuse the Three Treasures by respecting the Buddha, unfolding the Dharma, nourishing the Sangha.