Insight Meditation for All

​A Code of Ethics for everyone involved in the running of Gaia House can set out aspirations for wise and appropriate conduct. Ethical conduct is the foundation of Dharma practice. The development of a Code of Ethics for Gaia House creates a key condition for ethical action and the flourishing of the Dharma. In particular, a Code of Ethics will enable discussion with a high standard of care and transparency to take place about financial accessibility at Gaia House.

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The five ethical precepts widely used in the Theravadan Buddhist traditions set out a core framework for ethical action. For the principles within these precepts to be expressed in a way which is appropriate for a contemporary Dharma centre in the west, there is a need to expand these guidelines.

 

The preliminary attempt given below is derived from another Dharma organisation’s Code of Conduct at https://tergar.app.box.com/s/xyvd7g82uma9nmqnj2mz10nesric2hvm. The draft below is not intended to be adopted without question, but is merely a preliminary effort which can be significantly improved through further work by teachers, trustees and staff.

 

Gaia House Code of Ethics

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Our ethical practices are the foundation of all of our work in providing retreats which develop insight, wisdom and compassion. This code of ethical conduct is written for all involved in the running of Gaia House. The commitment to this Code of Ethics is our shared responsibility.

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Separate guidelines for teachers are given in the Insight Meditation Teacher’s Code of Ethics.

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• Support each other with friendliness and kindness, keeping in mind our shared purpose. Gaia House exists to help us all realise our potential to flourish and to live in harmony with others. As we apply the teachings to our lives, the ways in which we develop greater freedom and in which we suffer will become more evident to ourselves and others. Sharing friendship, support and kindness together helps us on the path to awakening.

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• Bring our unique perspective and talents and appreciate those of others. We work most effectively when we bring all our perspectives, diverse skills, interests, strengths, insights, and talents together. Have the courage to humbly bring your abilities to our work in providing retreats and, with respect and curiosity, embrace others’ gifts and diversity. Be mindful of leaving space for all individuals to have a chance to contribute.

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• Aim to work in ways which cultivate positive relationships. Do your best to cooperate, be positive, and create safety for all to share ideas and points of view. Promote mutual trust through transparency, competency, integrity, and follow-through. Practice clear and constructive communication, including when defining responsibilities and expectations. While the results are important, the process of working together harmoniously and constructively is essential.

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• Before speaking, reflect on whether your speech is kind, timely, true and necessary. Make sure every answer is as correct as it can be and that spoken opinions are supported with fact. If you make a mistake, acknowledge it to yourself and others. Allow forgiveness of yourself and others for mistakes which occur.

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• Resolve differences constructively and courteously, asking for help when needed. Aim to resolve differences constructively and courteously, asking for help when needed. When differences arise, are you able to see them as creative opportunities out of which benefits (whether personal or shared) may arise? Hold each other in spaciousness, humility, friendship and trust, remembering the overall context of our common commitments. If you are offended, approach the other with care and tact, engaging right speech. Have the courage to apologize and/or right a wrong, while being patient with yourself and others. When we can resolve differences in this way, we can truly embrace both the unity and the richness of the diversity we all bring.

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• Identify and reduce barriers for individual and/or group participation. Gaia House is committed to providing retreats which are accessible to everyone. Do you seek to acknowledge and reduce barriers to participation? Marginalisation may occur, even inadvertently, based on personal financial situation, race, ethnicity, socio-economic class, gender, LGBT status, educational background and other factors. Actively engage in efforts to achieve greater equity and inclusion, including learning more about the shared biases and habits, seen and unseen, that we may hold. Seek to actively and sensitively cultivate input and engagement of people from socially marginalised groups.

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• Use our resources responsibly, and avoid personal conflicts of interest. Be honourable and responsible with Gaia House resources and information. Avoid conflicts of interest between Gaia House and yourself. A conflict of interest occurs whenever the prospect of direct or indirect personal benefit or gain for yourself or others could influence your judgment or actions when working for Gaia House.

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• Identify and interrupt harassment of any kind. People flourish, learn and grow only when they feel welcome, accepted, and secure. We are committed to maintaining an environment free from unwanted behaviour which we find offensive or makes us feel intimidated or humiliated. Harassment and abuse of any kind are unacceptable. Unacceptable behaviour may be verbal, emotional, physical or sexual behaviour that is acted out, or behaviour that is suggestive or threatening in any way.

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Acknowledgement: I am a trustee/teacher/member of staff/coordinator/volunteer and have read and understand Gaia House’s Code of Conduct, including all my obligations, duties, and responsibilities under each of its provisions. If I had any questions about how to abide by this Code of Conduct, I have asked a trustee, senior member of staff or teacher, and my questions have been answered.

Name _________________________

Date __________________ (To be completed and signed annually)

 

Questions, inquiries, and interpretations of this code of ethical conduct are welcome and encouraged and may be addressed to the trustees. Anyone with knowledge concerning any suspected violation of this code is encouraged to report this to trustees. Trustees will respond to any concerns brought to their attention.