Shambhala Code of Conduct

Portland Shambhala Center Aspiration and Commitment

At the Shambhala Meditation Centre of Portland, we strive to provide a safe, supportive and respectful environment for the practice and study of the Buddhist and Shambhala teachings and meditation. We applaud and fully support all of our new Code of Conduct policies which can be found at the Code of Conduct Hub.

Please familiarize yourself with these policies and resources. 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 Buddhism, and the development of a community that embodies the principles of a genuinely enlightened and compassionate society.

Our centre offers a rich array of weekly ongoing offerings free to the public. No prior meditation experience is required to attend. Most programs offer meditation instruction upon request. All are welcome. Visit our monthly calendar for a full listing of programs.

If you have a concern about something you have experienced in Shambhala, please read “What to do if you have a concern”. If you have experienced harm due to aggression, failings on the part of the organization, or actions within the Shambhala community, you are invited to access the counseling and therapy offering.

 

THE PRACTICES OF GOOD CONDUCT

 This list is taken from The Shambhala Code of Conduct, pp. 3-4.

  1. Treat all with respect and work for the welfare of all. Be law-abiding and decent. Be true to your relationships. Avoid harming others.
  2. Practice disciplines that benefit you and others. Take responsibility for your state of mind.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Be particularly caring and respectful in intimate relationships where vulnerabilities are
    shared.
  6. 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.
  7. Give kind and honest feedback. Be open to receiving feedback from others.
  8. 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.
  9. Clean up after yourself. Take responsibility for your own decisions, communication and
    actions. Admit your mistakes and learn from them.
  10. Be decent and trustworthy. Do not waver in meeting your obligations. Take from others only what is freely offered.
  11. 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.
  12. Consume only what you need. Respect the planet and all of its inhabitants.
  13. Recognize ways that alcohol and drugs can negatively affect our behavior and share the responsibility to protect harmony and dignity in the social environment.
  14. Recognize that any position of power or authority is a privilege and a responsibility to
    humbly serve the well-being of others.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. Honor the process of learning about life, respecting teachers of all wisdom traditions and all who seek wisdom.