The Ethical Guidelines of Authentic Heart Zen Sangha - The Precepts
Being aware of our actions in body, speech, and mind.
All visitors, members, and participants in Authentic Heart Zen events agree to abide by the following Ethical Guidelines of our community. These guidelines encourage us to become more aware, to learn about our minds, and to open our hearts to kindness and generosity. If you experience difficulty in following any of these guidelines, or if you feel that others are not following them, please seek guidance and support from our teacher(s).
These ethical guidelines are based on the Bodhisattva Precepts of Zen Buddhism. More information on the Precepts is available below, We also suggest Norman Fischer’s suggestions for “Listening Deeply” and a further explanation of mindful communication techniques.
Ethical Guidelines:
Clear Mind Precept 1. I vow to protect life, not to kill.
Sangha guidelines. Do not bring weapons to the Dharma Hall; do not threaten others; do not kill the spirit of our sangha’s goal to offer a safe place for spiritual practice with derogatory speech in person, in email, or with body language.
Teacher guidelines. Be aware of the power of position and do not misuse status or authority to achieve special consideration or to diminish or manipulate others.
Note: Sangha teachers are expected to follow both Sangha and Teacher guidelines listed.
Clear Mind Precept 2. I vow to receive gifts, not to steal.
Sangha guidelines. Do not take or borrow sangha resources or materials for personal use without checking with the Spiritual Director; do not manipulate or influence others for your own gain; practice generosity with time, money, and personal energy as much as you can, but do not pressure others to give.
Teacher guidelines. Do not assume any special status regarding access to sangha resources; practice seeing and appreciating the depth and richness of our opportunity to practice together.
Clear Mind Precept 3. I vow to respects others, not to misuse sexuality.
Sangha guidelines. Practice awareness of how words and gestures can have a sexual connotation for others; practice clear communication if you feel inappropriately addressed in a sexual way, seeking support as needed; do not engage in sexual activity of any kind at sangha retreats and events at any time.
Teacher guidelines. Do not initiate sexual contact with any sangha member; do not use the authority of position to influence the sexual feelings of any sangha member toward you or toward others.
Clear Mind Precept 4. I vow to be truthful, not to lie.
Sangha guidelines. Do not mislead others in the sangha by what is said or what is withheld; when communicating with others, consider the adage “Is it true? Is it the right time? Is it helpful?” If you are unsure of the truthfulness of your own view or another’s, ask questions.
Teacher guidelines. Remember the weight of your words, actions, and body language, and practice gentleness and truthfulness; hold confidences from practice discussion/dokusan very carefully, making absolutely sure that you ask the student for permission if there is a need to consult with our teacher in a way that involves sharing a confidence.
Clear Mind Precept 5. I vow to maintain clarity, not to intoxicate self or others.
Sangha guidelines. Study the many ways the mind can be intoxicated by substances, views, power, and passionate ideas. Be aware that harm comes easily when there is intoxication of any kind. In particular, never attend any sangha event or enter the Dharma Hall having used any intoxicant, even a moderate amount, unless you have arranged a meeting with a teacher to seek help. Understand that addictive impulses and behaviors are a powerful and important opportunity for study and practice.
Teacher guidelines. Remember the responsibility to model honest and skillful approaches to addictive impulses; be honest with students requesting support outside of regular practice times – if you have used intoxicants, call them back later.
Clear Mind Precept 6. I vow to speak kindly, not to speak ill of others.
Sangha guidelines. Study your communication and recognize how easily it is to denigrate others, especially with joking or careless talk; consider saying less about others and seeking a positive quality to focus on. It is not our job as sangha members to point out the faults of others; seek help from teachers and friends when judgmental thoughts dominate the mind, and see this as an opportunity for practice.
Teacher guidelines. A teacher’s job is to support others in understanding their karmic tendencies, not to straighten them out. Be very careful of the use of criticism; see also dokusan/practice discussion guidelines around confidentiality (4th precept).
Clear Mind Precept 7. I vow to maintain modesty, not to praise self at the expense of others.
Sangha guidelines. Seek opportunities to offer support to others and study your own needs. We all need love and support, but how easily it turns to praise seeking or self-aggrandizement; study the needy mind and be aware of what you are trying to “get” from sangha life. And don’t hesitate to ask for support.
Teacher guidelines. Remember that being a Zen teacher does not make you special in any way; use the power of position to remind the sangha our shared awakened nature and never indulge in the idea that you know something others don’t.
Clear Mind Precept 8. I vow to be generous, not to be possessive of anything.
Sangha guidelines. Study desire and greed in the mind as a natural part of our practice; educate yourself about sangha decision-making bodies and participate in sangha volunteer life as your circumstances allow; practice gratitude and recognize that the work of many beings that makes our practice center possible.
Teacher guidelines. Don’t be possessive or obscure about the use of power in the sangha: practice accountability and transparency when in a decision-making leadership role; also take the time to explain to others the parameters of the role you are holding (which “hat” you are wearing).
Clear Mind Precept 9. I vow to be loving, not to harbor ill will.
Sangha guidelines. Study anger and ill-will in the mind as a natural part of practice; learn about and consider using the Clear Communication guidelines when heat arises for you in sangha life.
Teacher guidelines. Recognize the incredible power of anger, studying it in yourself and seeking support when it clouds your vision in sangha life.
Clear Mind Precept 10. I vow to cherish and polish the Three Treasures.
Sangha guidelines. When feeling discouraged by Zen or Buddhist teachings, or our sangha’s way of expressing those teachings, find constructive ways to express concerns and be careful of the toxicity of complaint. Investigate discouragement and doubt as a further opportunity for study.
Teacher guidelines. As teachers this precept is central to every action in our lives inside and outside of the Dharma Hall. All we do should be an expression of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Continue to study the Buddha nature of yourself and all things, continue to study the Dharma teachings, continue to study the rich unfolding of sangha life and your place in it.