Ethical Guidelines of the Zen Studies Society
updated September 24, 2011

Precepts

The Buddhist Precepts are fundamental to Zen Buddhist practice. They help create a safe and supportive environment for all. It is each person's responsibility to follow and honor these Ten Important Precepts:

  1. 1. Honor all life; do not kill.
  2. 2. Respect others' property.
  3. 3. Be loving and faithful in your relationship; do not succumb to lust.
  4. 4. Be truthful; do not deceive yourself or others.
  5. 5. Keep your mind clear; do not abuse alcohol or drugs.
  6. 6. Remember that silence is precious; do not gossip.
  7. 7. Be humble; respect perspectives that differ from your own.
  8. 8. Be grateful and cooperative; do not fall into envy or jealousy.
  9. 9. Practice peace; do not give way to anger.
  10. 10. Be guided by the Three Treasures: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

Ethical Guidelines

The Zen Studies Society is a community based on trust, harmony, and respect. Sangha members are expected to interact with one another in a manner that upholds the Precepts. The following behaviors are not permissible for any teacher, guest lecturer, monastic, Sangha member, program attendee, or visitor at either Dai Bosatsu Zendo or New York Zendo:

  • Failure to conform to zendo or monastery rules.
  • Any willful removal or damaging of property, or theft of funds.
  • Withholding or falsely reporting any income generated by the Zen Studies Society.
  • Threatening, abusive or obscene behavior.
  • Disrespectful or preferential treatment towards anyone on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, physical disability, income or national origin.
  • Willfully causing injury, whether physical or psychological.
  • Any type of illegal drug use, possession, or sale; any use of legal drugs not in accordance with a physician’s express instructions; driving any motor vehicle or water craft while under the influence of alcohol or any other drug.
  • Any consumption of alcohol, unless served at an officially sponsored event.
  • Possession of any firearms or other weapons. No hunting or fishing is allowed at Dai Bosatsu Zendo.
  • Misrepresenting personal information requested for any program sponsored by the Zen Studies Society.
  • Engaging in any type of unlawful activity.
  • Sexual harassment, defined as any single act or multiple persistent acts of physical or verbal conduct that is/are sexual in nature; unwelcome or offensive behavior in the view of the receiver of such attentions.
  • Sexual intimacy between teachers and students.
  • Sexual advances on the part of residents toward visiting students at Dai Bosatsu Zendo, as well as casual and/or serial sexual relationships among students. Students come to our practice centers to train in Rinzai Zen Buddhism. When people are living and working closely together, mutual attractions may develop, but the monastery is not the appropriate place for pursuing an intimate relationship. If such a relationship is forming, it must be discussed with the Abbot and the Shika.

Violations of the Precepts and Guidelines will be adjudicated by the Abbot, head monastic/director, and/or members of the Ethics Committee as appropriate. Further information on addressing issues regarding ethical conduct is available in the offices at Dai Bosatsu Zendo and New York Zendo, under Ethical Guidelines of the Zen Studies Society, Governance Procedures.

Zen Studies Society