Code of Ethics

Shining Bright Lotus is committed to the Buddha’s teaching of wisdom, compassion in action, interdependence, and lovingkindness. At the heart of Buddhist ethical practice is the insight that our lives are deeply interdependent, constantly changing in response to living things, recognizing that our actions always have an impact on both ourselves and others

 The following code of ethics is based on the seventeen Buddhist precepts of Shining Bright Lotus.

As an community of practitioners and as an structured organization we agree to the following guidelines:

  • We hold ourselves and our staff to the highest standards of ethics, right behavior and professional competency.

  • We perform our roles organizationally and public facing in a caring and compassionate manner. 

  • We respect rights, dignity, and safety for all who belong to our organization and for all we serve. 

  • We commit to fostering autonomy, self-sufficiency and emotional maturity in all our endeavors.

  • We recognize and respond to all concerns, doubts, questions and challenges raised within our organization honorably and with respect.

  • We recognize the limitations of our knowledge and experience with humble self-awareness, continuously maintaining and openness to accept what is arising.

  • We recognize that not all matters that arise in our programs and trainings are best served by the approaches and techniques taught in our sangha. In such matters, we do not counsel beyond our areas of training and expertise and make appropriate referrals as needed.

  • We commit to honesty and transparency in regard to all business and financial matters with all stakeholders.

  • We honor the sanctity of privacy, maintaining the confidentiality respectfully in all personal and interpersonal matters. 

  • We recognize that meditation techniques can potentially be psychologically disruptive and continuously seek to maintain safety in all endeavors. 

  • We recognize that individuals in positions of authority must not misuse their position for their own benefit or to influence others inappropriately, not abusing, exploiting unfairly, or acting deceptively. 

  • We are particularly mindful of sexual boundaries within the organization and with those we serve, abiding by local laws with respect to the disclosure of information in cases of sexual abuse, child endangerment, and the intention to harm oneself or others. We recognize that persons in teaching roles have a responsibility to specifically limit sexual or romantic involvement with people for whom they are the primary teacher.  If there is a potential relationship evolving, both parties will notify the ethics committee. The committee with compassionately evaluate the potential to limit or terminate the teacher/student relationship in an effort to support appropriate sexual boundaries.  

As a community, we are committed to the following values:

  • Continuously learning, fostering self-reflection.

  • Monitoring the integrity of our words and actions throughout the organization and those we serve.

  • Encouraging feedback with a commitment to listen and to respond to what is offered.

  • Practicing honesty, integrity, compassion and humility.

  • Compassionately turning towards the suffering caused by unconsciousness.

  • Balancing transparency that both respects confidentiality while protecting individuals from injury.

  • Investing in individual and community healing and well being.

  • Maintaining the organizations legal obligations.