For purposes of this document, “member of the Hokyoji community” refers not to Hokyoji’s formal membership list, but to the resident teacher, resident students, staff and all participants in practice and related activities at Hokyoji or in practice and related activities at other locations under the auspices of Hokyoji.  In the case of an ethical violation or grievance involving only a teacher and/or student(s) of another practice community using Hokyoji facilities, that community’s policies will apply. A commitment to the respectful environment for all participants outlined in this policy will be expected of all practice communities using Hokyoji facilities.

Hokyoji Zen Practice Community establishes the following Ethical Guidelines and Grievance Policy to help ensure a healthy, supportive environment for Zen practice at Hokyoji.  Hokyoji is committed to sustaining a healthy spiritual community where diversity of opinion and expression is respected, the dignity and integrity of community members is protected, conflicts are addressed appropriately and respectfully, and ongoing learning about interpersonal relationships is encouraged.  Toward these ends, The Three Collective Pure Precepts and the Ten Momentous Prohibitory Precepts of the Soto Zen tradition are Hokyoji ‘s  fundamental guidelines for ethical behavior.  If a resident, member or visiting student or teacher wishes to complain about a breach of these ethical guidelines, he or she should promptly report a grievance pursuant to the procedures set forth in this policy statement.

With purity of heart, I vow to do no harm.
With purity of heart, I vow to do good.
With purity of heart, I vow to free all  beings.

1.  Recognizing that I am not separate from all that is, I take up the way of not killing.

2.  Encountering all creations with respect and dignity, I take up the way of not misusing sexuality.

3.  Being satisfied with what I have,  I take up the way of not stealing

4.  Listening to the speaking from the heart, I take up the way of not speaking falsely.

5.  Cultivating a mind that sees clearly, I take up the way of not being deluded and not giving or taking intoxicants.

6.  Unconditionally accepting what each moment has to offer, I take up the way of not talking about others errors or faults.

7.  Speaking what I perceive to be the truth without guilt or blame, I take up the way of not elevating oneself and blaming others.

8.  Using all the ingredients of my life, I take up the way of not being stingy and not attaching to anything, even the truth.

9.  Transforming suffering into wisdom, I take up the way of not indulging in anger.

10. Honoring my life as an instrument of peacemaking, I take up the way of not thinking ill of the three treasures (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha).

Each member of the Hokyoji Zen Practice Community is a caretaker of the community’s well-being.  We share responsibility for maintaining an environment of integrity and dignity.  This involves refraining from behaviors that harm other community members or the community as a whole, and engaging in behaviors that promote respect and well-being.  In the event that any questions or issues arise concerning possible ethical violations within the community, it is also the responsibility of each community member to listen deeply, to be open-minded, and to exhibit compassion and wisdom.

Each member of the Hokyoji Zen Practice Community has a responsibility to take action to protect the community from conduct which violates the precepts. If a community member is aware of conduct that he or she believes is of significant harm to an individual or to the community as a whole, it is important that he or she express those  concerns appropriately (using the grievance procedure if necessary), rather than remaining silent. Similarly, if a member has personally experienced misconduct by anyone in a position of trust (teachers, priests, directors, officers), that member has the responsibility to report the misconduct immediately as called for in the grievance procedures.  If no report is made, HZPC cannot respond appropriately to address the issue.

Hokyoji Zen Practice Community expresses its special trust in certain individuals by placing them in the positions of teachers, priests, directors, and officers.  All teachers, priests, directors and others in positions of leadership  have committed to practice right conduct in their relationships, to refrain from becoming sexually involved with students, and to maintain confidentiality about all personal matters.  Exploiting relationships, harming others, or abusing influence breaches this trust, especially when such misconduct occurs under the pretense of teaching methods or Zen practice.  Examples of misconduct include, but are not limited to, physical violence, misappropriation of community funds, breach of confidences, sexual harassment, and sexual relations between a teacher and student. Misconduct by those in positions of trust can significantly undermine the integrity of the community.

Teachers at Hokyoji agree to avoid creating harm through sexuality and to avoid sexual involvement outside of committed relationships. They also agree to avoid such involvement with a person who has made vows to another. Teachers with vows of celibacy will live according to their vows. Teachers in committed relationships will honor their vows and refrain from adultery. All teachers agree not to exploit their authority and position in order to assume a sexual relationship with another.

A teacher at Hokyoji is anyone involved in an instructional capacity. This includes the Resident Teacher and anyone designated by the Resident Teacher to serve as an instructor or mentor for newer students. This includes ordained priests and those giving zazen instruction, teaching Intro to Zen workshops, and leading study groups, retreats or sesshins. We acknowledge two types of student teacher relationships. Formal student-teacher relationships exist where student and teacher have committed to work together over an extended period of time. An implied student-teacher relationship exists between any teacher and any participant in an event the teacher is helping to lead. In the case of the Resident Teacher, an implied student-teacher relationship exists with any participant in an Hokyoji event and with anyone the Resident Teacher has met in connection with his role at Hokyoji. All student/teacher relationships should be based on mutual respect, compassion, and kindness. We acknowledge the inequality inherent in any such a relationship and the power issues involved.

We specifically acknowledge the great harm, both psychological and spiritual, that results from teachers becoming sexually involved with their students, both for the teacher and student involved and for the community as a whole. We, therefore, consider it unethical for a teacher to engage in sexual behavior with her or his student.

Because several single teachers in the wider Buddhist community have developed healthy partnerships and marriages with former students, we acknowledge that such relationships can be possible, but also that great care and sensitivity are needed. During retreats or any type of teaching, any intimation of future student-teacher romantic or sexual relationship is inappropriate. The two types of student-teacher relationships vary in intensity and degree of commitment, but in each case, the following five steps must be taken before a relationship between teacher and former student might be considered appropriate.

1.  End all teaching activities between the two people.

2.  Clearly communicate one to the other that the student-teacher relationship has ended and that a relationship of equals is desired.

3.  One or both people meet with the resident teacher, communicate the intention and discuss how the relationship might proceed without harm to either person or the community. If the relationship involves the Resident Teacher, the Resident Teacher shall meet with the board chair and one other board member chosen by the chair for the same discussion.

4.  Inform the Hokyoji residents that this particular student-teacher relationship has ended and that a relationship of equals is desired.

5.  After the above steps have been accomplished, a waiting period must elapse before any sexual or romantic relationship begins. In the case of an implied student-teacher relationship, the waiting period shall be six months.  In the case of a formal relationship between teacher and student, the waiting period shall be one year.

Hokyoji supports healthy sexual relationships between committed partners. We acknowledge that such relationships may form in spiritual communities, but also that a great degree of care and openness is required to avoid harm. The participants in any such relationship should inform and receive counsel from the Resident Teacher before proceeding. No sexual or romantic relationships should begin at Hokyoji until both people have been in residence for at least six months.

Sexual harassment is a matter of particular concern to a religious community in which students and teachers are connected by strong bonds of spiritual interdependence and trust.  Everyone who comes to Hokyoji in any capacity has the right to be free from sexual harassment.  Sexual harassment can consist of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature which is unwelcome.  Continued expression of sexual interest directed at another community member or visitor to Hokyoji, after being informed that such interest is unwelcome, or in a manner that is offensive, is a misuse of sexuality.  The expression of sexual or romantic interest toward participants new to Hokyoji or to Zen practice may be particularly problematic and is inconsistent with Hokyoji’s intent to maintain a supportive and welcoming environment.

What to do if you experience sexual harassment at Hokyoji Zen Practice Community:

If you feel comfortable in doing so, you should tell the person responsible for the behavior that his or her actions are unwelcome and request that the behavior stop.  If you do not feel comfortable in making such a request, or if you make the request and the behavior of the offending person does not stop, you should report the behavior as a grievance according to the instructions set forth in this policy.  Or, if you prefer, you are also welcome to speak to the resident teacher, a guest teacher,  or a senior student about the harassing behavior to help you work through a strategy for speaking directly with the person involved.

Resident and visiting students at Hokyoji Zen Practice Community should feel that they can fully explore the dharma in an environment of trust.  Hokyoji teachers, visiting teachers and senior students shall not disclose information that they receive in one-to-one practice meetings. There are three areas of exception:

1)  Clergy are legally bound to report abuse of a child, threatened suicide or threatened physical harm to anyone;

2)   In discussing appropriate dharma names for jukai candidates, the guiding teacher and practice leaders may consult with each other and with the jukai preceptor in the selection of names;

3)  The guiding teacher or practice leaders will sometimes consult with more senior Zen teachers, psychologists or mentors regarding students, especially if it would help to get another perspective.  In this case, the identity of the student is protected if possible.

Whether or not a student with a grievance keeps personal information shared private or not is up to the student. Information shared by the aggrieved student, or a teacher or senior student consulted, may be disclosed at the aggrieved student’s discretion.

Students should also be mindful of the manner in which they treat information shared between themselves and a teacher in dokusan.  This information should not be disclosed to others casually.  Acting mindfully, a student may disclose such information to a family member or a close friend.  Casual disclosures by the student undermine the confidential nature of the student-teacher relationship.  They may also compromise the authenticity of practice.  Carelessly shared information can be confusing.  Practice at Hokyoji involves discussions in class and smaller groups.  Sensitive or personal information may be shared in these discussions. Students and teachers should respect this and refrain from talking about these discussions outside of the group in question in a manner that could disclose personal information.

The confidential relationship between student and teacher must never become a means for imposing silence in situations where harm is being done.  Should such a harmful situation arise, the student should feel free to speak to the appropriate individual – either to the teacher directly, if possible, to a sangha friend, and/or to the Grievance Committee of the Board of Directors of Hokyoji.

Hokyoji  is committed to promoting and maintaining an open and diverse community.  Any disrespectful, discriminatory, or preferential treatment of others on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, income, ethnicity, or national origin is a violation of the Hokyoji ethical guidelines.

The Ethics and Reconciliation Council (EAR council), of Hokyoji has the responsibility of attending to  all grievances and reconciliation processes.  The EAR council membership is determined by the board of directors, and in the absence of a working council the board of directors shall act as the EAR council. The names of the current EAR council members, as well as additional contact information, are available by contacting Hokyoji at 507-542-4968 or by email to board chair Ken Ford (kford5@comcast.net) or resident teacher Dokai Georgesen (hokyoji@hokyoji.org).

Grievances may be made orally or in writing.  If you wish to file a grievance regarding a breach of the ethical guidelines, you should report your grievance to one of the following:  the resident teacher, any member of the Hokyoji EAR council, or any member of the Hokyoji Board of Directors.  The person who receives the grievance shall promptly report it to the full EAR council.  The grievance will be treated in as confidential a manner as possible, with the understanding that the identity of the person making the grievance and the details of the grievance may need to be disclosed in the process of investigation or in subsequent proceedings as required by law or as necessary for the protection of Hokyoji.

There is no single appropriate way to investigate and resolve a grievance regarding unethical conduct.  The EAR council must consider the facts and circumstances particular to an individual case.  The following guidelines, however, shall be followed:

1. The EAR council should first explore, where feasible, whether the grievance can be resolved in an informal manner that is acceptable to the parties.  This will promote harmony in the community.

2. Where an informal resolution is not possible, the EAR council shall investigate the grievance.  This will often involve interviews with the aggrieved, witnesses, and the alleged offending party.  These interviews may be done by the full committee, by a member of the committee designated to carry out this task, or by an independent investigator or other person designated by the committee.  A detailed record will be kept of any interviews or other investigation.  In matters which involve allegations of sexual misconduct, misappropriation of funds, or other serious charges, the EAR council will consult with the board of directors to the extent practicable concerning the appropriate process for fact finding.  The chair of the EAR council and chair of the board of directors shall also be responsible for seeking appropriate legal counsel in such situations.

3. When the investigation is completed, the EAR council shall consider what responsive action is required.  The Committee may seek guidance and input from the board of directors or the resident teacher, where it is deemed appropriate.  The entire board of directors and the resident teacher need not be informed of the existence or resolution of every grievance.  Keeping grievances confidential at the EAR council level will help to promote harmony within the community.  The EAR council shall, however, report each grievance to the chair of the board of directors.  Also, in cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct, misappropriation of funds, or other serious charges, the EAR council shall report the grievance to the board of directors and the Board shall be ultimately responsible for the determination of the grievance, with appropriate input from the EAR council.

Any person involved in a grievance pursuant to this policy who is not satisfied with the outcome of the grievance as determined by the EAR council may appeal the decision to the full board of directors.  This right of appeal would not apply in those instances where the EAR council has already involved the full board of directors in the decision making process.

1 . Mediated resolution of the matter (assuming that the parties involved are willing)

2.  A finding of no ethical breach while acknowledging the existence of a problem which needs resolution elsewhere.

3.  Private or mediated apology

4.  Reparation, to the extent possible, to the person who brought the grievance and/or to the community

5.  Follow-up meeting with the person’s teacher

6.  Psychological therapy or participation in a recovery process (i.e., a drug or alcohol recovery program or a 12-step program) specified by the EAR council

7.  Private reprimand

8.  Public censure. This involves the findings and action of the EAR council, as well as the reprimand, being made public to the community, following the approval of the board of directors.

9.  Apology to the Hokyoji community or membership

10.  Period of probation, with probationary terms set by the EAR council, the Hokyoji Board of Directors, or some Hokyoji body deemed appropriate to the particular case.

11.  Suspension from positions of responsibility within Hokyoji.

12.  Suspension from participation at Hokyoji for a stipulated period of time.  Such a suspension should include a statement regarding the conditions by which a person may re-enter the community and the Hokyoji entity or person(s) who will be responsible for deciding whether those conditions have been fulfilled.

13.  Termination of the person’s office, employment, or relationship Hokyoji.

14.  Limiting the decision simply to whether or not an ethical transgression occurred and then forwarding this decision to the appropriate administrative or practice leadership for further action.

Certain ethical transgressions may result in sanctions that involve an individual’s spiritual path.  While the EAR council may decide to recommend such sanctions, the decision regarding whether such sanctions are to be imposed rests solely with the individual’s teacher.  These sanctions are:

1.  Retaking of the precepts, with appropriate accompanying repentance practice

2.  For persons with higher ordinations, relinquishment of the ordination and okesa

In each case, the teacher responsible for giving the precepts or ordaining the individual would be solely responsible for determining whether such a sanction is warranted.

Our intention is to offer a reconciliation policy guided by basic principles of Zen Buddhism such as non-separation, interdependence, compassion for all beings, and upholding the precepts.  Reconciliation is one practice by which we actualize these principles. Our hope is that a reconciliation policy provides a framework or container for whatever needs to occur, supporting everyone involved. That framework or container includes the following:

• Empathy: recognizing and acknowledging the feelings and needs of “the other” and “self.”
• Non-violent communication.
• Bearing witness.
• Generosity and compassion.
• Deep listening: listening from the heart with openness to the words, feelings and needs of the speaker.
• Don’t know mind: Suspending the thought that I know someone else’s motives, hurts or feelings, or the reasons behind a situation; suspending the thought that I already know everything about my own motives, hurts and feelings.
• No one version of the truth: Acknowledging that each of us has our story about the events around us and that no one story encapsulates the truth.
• Taking responsibility: Recognizing interconnection/interdependence, identifying and taking responsibility for one’s own contribution to the separation.
• Appropriate action: Identifying direct and practical steps to help the people involved to make amends for past ethical breaches or hurtful behavior, and to make more appropriate/skillful choices in the future. Each case will be different.

What follows is an outline of a step-by-step process by which a person who has become separated from the community, including a person who has committed an ethical breach and has been asked to stay apart from the community, could be reconciled with and possibly reintegrated into the community.

1. Any party involved in the situation that led to separation, including a party who has become separated from the community, expresses a desire for reconnection and brings a request to the EAR council to engage in the reconciliation process. This request includes the expression of a desired outcome for the process. The EAR council explores with the person coming forward the intent behind their request and the feasibility of the desired outcome. The EAR council may ask that the person take some time for further reflection. Once the council determines that the intent is clear and the desired outcome feasible, it proceeds to the next step.

2. The EAR council, acknowledging that they are not trained professionals in this area and utilizing outside resources where appropriate, does their best to determine whether the person making the request has accomplished the following:

• Demonstrated empathy for the others involved in the conflict.
• Demonstrated understanding  of the harm that may have resulted from their actions and accepted responsibility for it.
• Where appropriate, committed to or completed specific practices or therapies intended to help them make more skillful and appropriate choices in the future.
• Where appropriate, made or is prepared to make satisfactory amends for the harm that resulted from their actions.

The EAR council may seek guidance from the resident teacher with regard to actions or amends that may be appropriate to address the last two points in any particular situation.

3.  If the EAR council is satisfied that the points laid out in step #2 above, have been accomplished, the EAR council invites the other person or people who were involved in the situation to explore their interest in participating in the reconciliation process.  The EAR council may decide to proceed with step #3 in cases where some of the points in step #2 above have not been accomplished if the EAR council concludes that there is the possibility that all points under #2 will be accomplished during the course of the process and that there is little likelihood that additional harm will result by proceeding forward.

4. The EAR council shares with the other person or people who were involved in the situation its understanding of the intent, proposed outcome and readiness of the requesting party to enter into the reconciliation process.  The EAR council again makes its best effort to determine if the points laid out in step #2 have been accomplished by all key parties involved in the situation that led to separation .

5. Based on the guiding principles, the EAR council determines a format for bringing the people together which has a reasonable likelihood of achieving the desired outcome.  The EAR council, or its designee, may act as an intermediary between parties in order to arrive at a format acceptable to all. Examples of possible formats include council, a meeting of the parties with a neutral facilitator, or meeting of the parties with the EAR council or its designee.

6. The proposed coming together takes place.  Afterwards, each party participating in the coming together provides feedback to the Ear council on his or her view of the outcome and of additional steps, if any, needed to reach reconciliation.

7. The EAR council evaluates whether the process enabled the parties to reach their desired outcome, whether reconciliation has been realized, and whether reintegration of a separated person into the community is appropriate.

8. If the process is successful, the EAR council may, where appropriate, make an announcement that acknowledges the reconciliation and/or request that the resident teacher authorize or conduct a ceremony to acknowledge it.

9. If the EAR council believes the process has been unsuccessful, it informs the parties of that view and may invite them to renew their request when they feel ready to do so.