Code of Conduct – Tibetan Buddhist Society Melbourne
Background
The Tibetan Buddhist Society [TBS], founded by Serajey Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden as a charitable, nonprofit organisation and Dharma Centre, has ethical and regulatory responsibilities to maintain a safe and friendly environment that promotes the understanding and embodiment of the Buddhist Mahayana teachings and principles based on the values of integrity, respect and responsibility. Ethical and regulatory responsibilities include the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
The Tibetan Buddhist Society aims to embody the teachings of the Buddha and strives for impeccable ethics. The Buddha’s teachings consistently state that the foundations for enlightenment require principled behaviour, and loving kindness and compassion towards all others. As ordinary people we may not be able to consistently practise perfectly in the way that a Buddha can. However, we believe that we should do our best and genuinely strive to observe high standards of conduct while at the centre, or when representing it.
The Code of Conduct applies to everyone while at the Peaceful Land of Joy Meditation Centre and especially to directors, teachers, volunteers and residents, who may be seen to represent TBS both at the Centre and outside of the Centre when representing the TBS in various activities. TBS directors, teachers, volunteers and residents will promote and uphold the Code of Conduct in all its internal and external activities, which include:
Retreats, events, teaching program, meetings etc.; online or onsite
All verbal communication, one-on-one or in a group; including face-to-face, online, phone calls etc.
All written communications; including emails, documents, instructions, social media, texts etc.
Positions of Responsiblity
Any person representing the TBS organisation by holding a position of responsibility, whether temporary or long-term, is trusted to behave in ways that support the well-being of individuals and the TBS community. In addition, persons holding a position of responsibility or trust at the TBS may be seen as representing and role modeling the Buddhist teachings. Poor conduct by a representative of the TBS, can undermine the integrity of the organisation and the public reputation of Buddhism.
Code of Conduct
The Tibetan Buddhist Society’s Code of Conduct requests adherence to the following behaviours:
Maintaining the Five Precepts
Whilst at the TBS or conducting activities on behalf of the TBS, maintain the five precepts: no killing, no stealing, no sexual misconduct, no intoxicants and no lying.
Respecting Privacy, Confidentiality and Consent
Not disclosing any personal, medical, or other private information to anyone without that person’s consent, unless necessary to protect the safety or wellbeing of people or the proper interests of the TBS. See Protecting Child Safety and Duty of Care.
Adhering to Right Speech
Being mindful of how our communication impacts others and refraining from words and actions that are unhelpful judgmental or otherwise potentially harmful.
Being mindful that any comments made, or opinions expressed, may be viewed as representing the Tibetan Buddhist Society.
Ensuring that all communication, regardless of method, on behalf of one person or a group, is honest and transparent.
Avoiding Discrimination
The TBS and its representatives will comply with the Australian human rights and anti-discrimination laws and therefore, shall not discriminate in its programs, services, volunteer opportunities, or other activities based on race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, marital status, age, or disability.
The TBS community and its representatives will comply with Victorian human rights law and therefore not make judgmental, generalist comments or joke inappropriately about a person’s race, language, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical features, political and religious activity or beliefs, and lifestyles.
Avoiding Harassment
Everyone has the right to be free from harassment of any type, including sexual harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Everyone encountering the TBS community shall be treated with dignity and respect.
Ensuring Child Safety*
The Tibetan Buddhist Society will make every effort to ensure children and young adults are safe while visiting or attending activities at the TBS, and when TBS volunteers are involved in any community programs involving children and young adults. The Tibetan Buddhist Society will follow and comply with all legal and regulatory requirements relating to child and young adults’ safety.
*Parents/adults are expected to take full responsibility for the safety of children in their care while at the Tibetan Buddhist Society or during any offsite TBS activities.
Use of Images
When photographing or filming both adults* and children, and especially when planning to publish image-based material or using it for marketing purposes, the TBS will ensure a written consent form for both adults and parents or guardians is used as a prerequisite, and define under what circumstances images may be taken, used and/or accessed. A consent form is available from the Strategic Communications team for visiting adults and all children. *This may be informal permission by long term students.
Upholding Security
All attendees at the TBS will uphold the safety of those who live at the TBS by not disclosing details of residents’ names, contact information, room locations or movements. Unknown and unidentified persons should not be allowed to enter residential areas. The location of security cameras must not be disclosed.
Complaints process
If a member of the TBS community personally experiences, witnesses, or becomes aware of behaviour that they believe is harmful, they are encouraged to raise their concerns, whether or not a complaint has been made. It is important that individuals are comfortable to express concerns about conduct that may be harmful, so that appropriate action can be taken. Please refer to the TBS Complaints process for further information.