Ethics Policies
Non-Discrimination Statement
Affirming all persons as being of inherent equal worth and value, and acknowledging that suffering is a condition which can be made worse because of biases or prejudices, our association welcomes all people willing to work toward respectful acceptance of others across our many differences (regardless of age, economic reality, education, ethnicity, faith history, family structure, gender identity, nationality, physical and/or mental ability, race, sexual orientation, life experience and/or any other belief or position) to participate fully in all of our programs and activities.
Ordained and Teacher Status Policy
In response to many misconceptions that are evident regarding the roles of ordained persons in Buddhism as well as authorized teachers1, including those with the title of “Zen Master,” “Dharma Master”, “Dharma Holder”, “Priest/Monk” or “Novice Priest/Monk”, the United Buddhist Church has adopted the following policy and definitions:
1. Ordination in our Buddhist tradition, whether as a Novice Priest/Monk (referred to as Sisters and Brothers) or Priest/Monk (styled as the Reverend), signifies only that the ordained has made a personal life commitment to Buddhist practice. It does not entail or imply the conferral of any spiritual authority, pastoral leadership or counseling role. Ordained persons are not necessarily trained to offer spiritual or psychological counseling to others. They may choose to relate their own individual experiences of Buddhist practice; however these experiences may not be relevant to other persons, and should not be viewed as authoritative.
2. Persons certified as Teachers or Assistant Teachers are empowered as spiritual elders within, and thus de facto authorities on, our tradition. They are fully qualified to give instruction and advise on all facets of our Buddhist practice. However, they are not necessarily trained as psychological counselors, and are not to be viewed as such. They are to be viewed simply as experienced guides in the practice of Buddhism.
Ultimately, all persons practicing Buddhism are responsible for their own spiritual development, beliefs and psychological well-being. They are encouraged to seek out formal psychological counseling as needed from therapists or other persons trained in those professional disciplines.
3. Buddhism is not a religion as commonly defined in Western cultures, in-so-much as the practice of Buddhism, does not require the acceptance of or adherence to particular doctrines regarding a spiritual reality. Buddhism does not enjoin a belief in any deity, or any code of morality conferred by a higher, non-human, spiritual power.
Teachings given by Buddhist ordained persons and/or teachers regarding Buddhist philosophy, theory and practice are therefore not pronouncements of dogma organizationally or institutionally, and do not represent an exhortation to accept or believe.
1 “Teacher” within United Buddhist Church refers to persons who have formally received teaching authority in a public ceremony from an authorized lineage master, and have been duly registered as such with the Supreme Patriarch. “Student”, for the purposes of this policy, refers to any person participating in Buddhist practice within the United Buddhist Church and its sponsored events.
1. Ordination in our Buddhist tradition, whether as a Novice Priest/Monk (referred to as Sisters and Brothers) or Priest/Monk (styled as the Reverend), signifies only that the ordained has made a personal life commitment to Buddhist practice. It does not entail or imply the conferral of any spiritual authority, pastoral leadership or counseling role. Ordained persons are not necessarily trained to offer spiritual or psychological counseling to others. They may choose to relate their own individual experiences of Buddhist practice; however these experiences may not be relevant to other persons, and should not be viewed as authoritative.
2. Persons certified as Teachers or Assistant Teachers are empowered as spiritual elders within, and thus de facto authorities on, our tradition. They are fully qualified to give instruction and advise on all facets of our Buddhist practice. However, they are not necessarily trained as psychological counselors, and are not to be viewed as such. They are to be viewed simply as experienced guides in the practice of Buddhism.
Ultimately, all persons practicing Buddhism are responsible for their own spiritual development, beliefs and psychological well-being. They are encouraged to seek out formal psychological counseling as needed from therapists or other persons trained in those professional disciplines.
3. Buddhism is not a religion as commonly defined in Western cultures, in-so-much as the practice of Buddhism, does not require the acceptance of or adherence to particular doctrines regarding a spiritual reality. Buddhism does not enjoin a belief in any deity, or any code of morality conferred by a higher, non-human, spiritual power.
Teachings given by Buddhist ordained persons and/or teachers regarding Buddhist philosophy, theory and practice are therefore not pronouncements of dogma organizationally or institutionally, and do not represent an exhortation to accept or believe.
1 “Teacher” within United Buddhist Church refers to persons who have formally received teaching authority in a public ceremony from an authorized lineage master, and have been duly registered as such with the Supreme Patriarch. “Student”, for the purposes of this policy, refers to any person participating in Buddhist practice within the United Buddhist Church and its sponsored events.
Harassment Policy
Teachers1 of the United Buddhist Church, guided by a deep conviction of the worth and dignity of preserving and imparting the traditions and forms of Buddhist training, recognize the special responsibilities placed on them.
Our teachers seek to encourage and support the learning process of students and to demonstrate the best possible standards as representatives of the Buddhist tradition. They endeavor to demonstrate respect for the student as an individual and to adhere to their role. Our teachers avoid exploitation of students for their personal advantage, and make every effort to ensure that their evaluation of students reflects the students’ inherent worth and progress along the path of Buddhist training and cultivation. Our teachers are aware of and sensitive to the potential power differential in the teacher-student relationship.
Teachers associated with the United Buddhist Church are committed to working to create and maintain a community free from all forms of disrespectful conduct including harassment and exploitation.
Definition of Harassment:
1. Harassment includes verbal or non-verbal expressions which create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning and/or practice environment.
2. Sexual harassment is sexual solicitation, physical advances, or verbal or non-verbal conduct that is sexual in nature, that occurs in connection with a teacher’s activities or role as a teacher.
3. Harassment is not limited to that of a sexual nature. Teachers do not engage in behavior that is harassing or demeaning to persons with whom they interact in a training context based on factors such as the person's age, gender identity, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language or socioeconomic status.
Procedure for Reporting Harassment
1. Any person who believes that they have been subject to harassment should advise the offending individual(s) that the action is not welcome and must stop. The aggrieved individual may then report such incident(s) to any member of the United Buddhist Church Administrative Board.
2. Any United Buddhist Church teacher who receives a report of discrimination or harassment must either:
A. Request a written statement from the aggrieved individual; or
B. Document the substance of such statement in writing, to include the date that the report was received, alongside signatures from the teacher in receipt of the report and the reporting aggrieved individual.
3. Regardless of whether a written report is received, complaints may be reported to the appropriate governmental regulatory/investigative/enforcement agencies. Such reports cannot be kept strictly confidential, however, information concerning allegations shall be managed discretely and communicated to others only as is necessary to investigate and take appropriate disciplinary action.
4. There shall be no retaliation for reporting allegations of discrimination or harassment or other inappropriate behavior. Reports of retaliatory actions will also be subject to investigation and possible discipline.
1 “Teacher” within United Buddhist Church refers to persons who have formally received teaching authority in a public ceremony from an authorized lineage master, and have been duly registered as such with the Supreme Patriarch. “Student”, for the purposes of this policy, refers to any person participating in Buddhist practice within the United Buddhist Church and its sponsored events.
Our teachers seek to encourage and support the learning process of students and to demonstrate the best possible standards as representatives of the Buddhist tradition. They endeavor to demonstrate respect for the student as an individual and to adhere to their role. Our teachers avoid exploitation of students for their personal advantage, and make every effort to ensure that their evaluation of students reflects the students’ inherent worth and progress along the path of Buddhist training and cultivation. Our teachers are aware of and sensitive to the potential power differential in the teacher-student relationship.
Teachers associated with the United Buddhist Church are committed to working to create and maintain a community free from all forms of disrespectful conduct including harassment and exploitation.
Definition of Harassment:
1. Harassment includes verbal or non-verbal expressions which create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning and/or practice environment.
2. Sexual harassment is sexual solicitation, physical advances, or verbal or non-verbal conduct that is sexual in nature, that occurs in connection with a teacher’s activities or role as a teacher.
3. Harassment is not limited to that of a sexual nature. Teachers do not engage in behavior that is harassing or demeaning to persons with whom they interact in a training context based on factors such as the person's age, gender identity, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language or socioeconomic status.
Procedure for Reporting Harassment
1. Any person who believes that they have been subject to harassment should advise the offending individual(s) that the action is not welcome and must stop. The aggrieved individual may then report such incident(s) to any member of the United Buddhist Church Administrative Board.
2. Any United Buddhist Church teacher who receives a report of discrimination or harassment must either:
A. Request a written statement from the aggrieved individual; or
B. Document the substance of such statement in writing, to include the date that the report was received, alongside signatures from the teacher in receipt of the report and the reporting aggrieved individual.
3. Regardless of whether a written report is received, complaints may be reported to the appropriate governmental regulatory/investigative/enforcement agencies. Such reports cannot be kept strictly confidential, however, information concerning allegations shall be managed discretely and communicated to others only as is necessary to investigate and take appropriate disciplinary action.
4. There shall be no retaliation for reporting allegations of discrimination or harassment or other inappropriate behavior. Reports of retaliatory actions will also be subject to investigation and possible discipline.
1 “Teacher” within United Buddhist Church refers to persons who have formally received teaching authority in a public ceremony from an authorized lineage master, and have been duly registered as such with the Supreme Patriarch. “Student”, for the purposes of this policy, refers to any person participating in Buddhist practice within the United Buddhist Church and its sponsored events.
Relationship Policy
It is recognized that members of United Buddhist Church, as in any community, may at times decide to initiate personal friendships or romantic relationships with one another.
Because of the potential power differential that may exist between Buddhist teachers and students1, however, it must be acknowledged that certain relationship pairings can present unique challenges, and therefore require the utmost care and sensitivity. This is in order to ensure that neither the two parties nor the harmony of the United Buddhist Church, are harmed.
Judging relationships of any kind to be neither “right” or “wrong”, United Buddhist Church has therefore instituted the following policy to protect all persons involved:
1. Visitors to and students of the United Buddhist Church and its affiliated centers are expected to refrain from sexual activity or romantic display, regardless of their personal vows or relationship status, while on the premises.
2. Generally students are not suitable candidates for romantic relationship with any teacher.
3. Persons who have received a precept enjoining celibacy are expected to keep it. If they are unable to do so, they are expected to openly relinquish that precept prior to engaging in any act which would be in violation of it.
Should an United Buddhist Church ordained person and a student of the community wish to initiate a romantic relationship, they must first notify their local teacher or empowered Church representative. Both parties will be reminded of the Church’s harassment policy and grievance procedures.
Infractions of the policies for teachers and students are to be referred to the United Buddhist Church Administrative Board for examination and appropriate action.
1 “Teacher” within United Buddhist Church refers to persons who have formally received teaching authority in a public ceremony from an authorized lineage master, and have been duly registered as such with the Supreme Patriarch. “Student”, for the purposes of this policy, refers to any person participating in Buddhist practice within the United Buddhist Church and its sponsored events.
Because of the potential power differential that may exist between Buddhist teachers and students1, however, it must be acknowledged that certain relationship pairings can present unique challenges, and therefore require the utmost care and sensitivity. This is in order to ensure that neither the two parties nor the harmony of the United Buddhist Church, are harmed.
Judging relationships of any kind to be neither “right” or “wrong”, United Buddhist Church has therefore instituted the following policy to protect all persons involved:
1. Visitors to and students of the United Buddhist Church and its affiliated centers are expected to refrain from sexual activity or romantic display, regardless of their personal vows or relationship status, while on the premises.
2. Generally students are not suitable candidates for romantic relationship with any teacher.
3. Persons who have received a precept enjoining celibacy are expected to keep it. If they are unable to do so, they are expected to openly relinquish that precept prior to engaging in any act which would be in violation of it.
Should an United Buddhist Church ordained person and a student of the community wish to initiate a romantic relationship, they must first notify their local teacher or empowered Church representative. Both parties will be reminded of the Church’s harassment policy and grievance procedures.
Infractions of the policies for teachers and students are to be referred to the United Buddhist Church Administrative Board for examination and appropriate action.
1 “Teacher” within United Buddhist Church refers to persons who have formally received teaching authority in a public ceremony from an authorized lineage master, and have been duly registered as such with the Supreme Patriarch. “Student”, for the purposes of this policy, refers to any person participating in Buddhist practice within the United Buddhist Church and its sponsored events.