Ethics

Zen West is a practice venue based on Buddhist ethical principles that value compassion, respect, integrity, trust, and kindness in all our relationships. The group’s leaders and membership are committed to providing a safe environment that is free from physical violence, verbal abuse, sexual harassment, and disparaging or discriminatory treatment.

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The Bodhisattva Precepts listed below serve as our ethical guidelines and are examples of how we can practice truth and compassion with one another in light of our fundamental interdependence. While it is impossible to keep precepts perfectly, it is our intention to uphold them and use their wisdom as our guide.

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While the Precepts are the foundation of our vows, we recognize that ethics standards and guidelines are needed to provide commentary and processes for addressing difficult situations that may arise in the sangha regarding teacher/student relationships, ethical use of power and position, and clear grievance procedures which are described in this statement. It is our sincere intention to practice open, honest communication, constructive conflict resolution, and awareness of diversity in order to foster growth and harmony in the community.​