HAF Teachers’ Code of Ethics

We recognise that the role of Dharma teacher involves a significant disparity of power, and that there is a subsequent degree of vulnerability, for Dharma practitioners and meditation students in relationship to the teacher. The conditions of intensive silent meditation retreat can amplify this disparity and vulnerability. A high degree of trust and respect is required for the teacher role to be effective, and we acknowledge that our lives, choices and actions will have an impact on the community of practitioners and students. In light of these considerations, all HAF related teachers have agreed to the commitments below when engaging in HAF related activities and elsewhere.

1. We undertake the precept of refraining from killing

In undertaking this precept we acknowledge the interconnection of all beings and our respect for all life. We agree to refine our understanding of not killing and non-harming in all our actions. We seek to understand the implications of this precept in such difficult areas as abortion, euthanasia and the killing of pests. While some of us recommend vegetarianism and others do not, we all commit ourselves to fulfilling this precept in the spirit of reverence for life.

2. We undertake the precept of refraining from stealing

We agree to not take that which does not belong to us and to respect the property of others. We agree to bring consciousness to the use of all the earth’s resources in a respectful and ecological way. We agree to be honest in our dealing with money and not to misappropriate money committed to Dharma projects. We agree to offer teachings without favouritism in regard to students’ financial circumstances.

3. We undertake the precept of refraining from sexual misconduct

We agree to avoid creating harm through sexuality and sexual exploitation. We agree to refrain from entering into relationships of a sexual nature that are outside the bounds of the vows or commitments we have made to another, or that involve another who has taken vows or made commitments with someone else. Teachers with vows of celibacy will live according to their vows. All teachers agree not to use their teaching role to exploit their authority and position in order

to seek out or enter a sexual or romantic relationship with a student. Because several single teachers in the Insight Meditation community have developed partnerships and marriages with former students, we acknowledge that such a healthy relationship is possible, but that great care and sensitivity are needed. We agree that in this case the following guidelines are crucial:

• A sexual relationship is never appropriate between teachers and students.
• During retreats of formal teaching, any intimation of future teacher- student romantic or sexual relationship is inappropriate.

If interest is genuine and a committed relationship develops over time between a single teacher and a student, the student-teacher relationship must clearly and consciously have ended and the student and teacher must then consult with a senior teacher before any further development toward a romantic relationship. Such a relationship must be approached with restraint and sensitivity – in no case should it occur immediately after a retreat. A minimum time period of three months or longer from the last formal teaching between them, and a clear understanding from both parties that the student-teacher relationship has ended must be coupled with a conscious commitment to enter into a relationship that brings no harm to either party.

4. We undertake the precept of refraining from false speech.

We agree to speak that which is true and useful and to refrain from gossip in our community. We agree to hold in confidence what is explicitly told to us in confidence. We agree to cultivate conscious and clear communication, and to cultivate the quality of loving-kindness and honesty as the basis of our speech. We agree that we will not publish any confidential conversations with students, with any personal information or otherwise which may allow the student to be identified, unless we have their prior written consent. This includes Dharma articles, books, interviews and blogs, both in print and online. Material from conversations with yogis may be recounted in Dharma talks and teachings, so long as no personal details which would allow the person to be identified are included, and prior permission to do so is given.

We agree that if information which involves direct knowledge or experience of harm to a minor or vulnerable adult is disclosed in the context of a teaching relationship, where appropriate/safe we will inform the student that student-teacher confidentiality may need to be waived so that appropriate action can be taken in accordance with Safeguarding legislation.

5. We undertake the precept of refraining from intoxicants that cause heedlessness or loss of awareness.

We agree that there should be no use of intoxicants during retreats or while on retreat premises. We agree to not abuse or misuse intoxicants at any time. We agree that if any teacher has a drug or alcohol addiction problem, it should be immediately addressed by the community.

The five precepts of non-harming are a vehicle for our happiness, a vehicle for our good fortune, a vehicle for the liberation of all beings. May our goodness shine forth.