Sanshin Zen Community is committed to providing an environment that is free from physical violence, verbal abuse, sexual harassment, disparaging or discriminatory treatment, dishonesty, and substance abuse. These behaviors are incompatible with the core values and goals of this sangha.
When we were practicing in person at Sanshin, we observed posted sets of guidelines designed to give everyone a shared understanding of how we function together in the zendo and in the dorm. This shared understanding is no less important in the virtual zendo. All of us who participate in Sanshin's virtual practice are expected to abide by the following:
As always, Sanshin's practice leaders are responsible for the wholesome functioning of the zendo. In the event that one or more attendees are unwilling to abide by these guidelines, practice leaders have the authority to remove those attendees from participation.
When we were practicing in person at Sanshin, we observed posted sets of guidelines designed to give everyone a shared understanding of how we function together in the zendo and in the dorm. This shared understanding is no less important in the virtual zendo. All of us who participate in Sanshin's virtual practice are expected to abide by the following:
- We remain mindful of the effect our words and actions have on others, and that those effects may seem magnified in a virtual setting.
- We enter and leave the virtual zendo with the same care and attention as we would use in entering and leaving the physical zendo, minimizing distraction for others.
- We practice right speech by refraining from lying, divisive speech, abusive speech and idle chatter.
- We listen respectfully, without talking over each other.
- We listen actively and practice with the aspiration to understand others' views. We don’t just think about what we're going to say while someone else is talking.
- We may disagree, but we do it respectfully. We do not engage in personal attacks.
- We are committed to dharma exploration and inquiry, not debating. We comment in order to share information, not to persuade.
- We avoid blame, speculation, and inflammatory language.
- We allow everyone the chance to speak, and when it's our turn we speak briefly and succinctly without rambling or filibustering.
- We avoid assumptions about any other practitioners and generalizations about social groups. We do not ask individuals to speak for their (perceived) social groups.
As always, Sanshin's practice leaders are responsible for the wholesome functioning of the zendo. In the event that one or more attendees are unwilling to abide by these guidelines, practice leaders have the authority to remove those attendees from participation.
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