Our sangha, which gathers for retreats, sittings, and virtual meetings, is dedicated to cultivating a safe and respectful environment for all practitioners. We do not have a guiding teacher or affiliation with any other organization and rely on the collective wisdom and ethical commitment of our community to uphold these principles. We agree to the following guidelines that are based on the Five Precepts:

1. We undertake the precept of refraining from harming living beings.

Tri-State Dharma aims to foster sangha (a sense of community and companionship) among its practitioners. We agree to 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. Recognizing the diversity of human experience, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability. In this spirit, we welcome all who come to practice with us.

Within our community, individuals in positions of trust commit not to misuse their trusted position or authority (real or perceived) for their own benefit or to influence others inappropriately. To minimize harm to living beings, physical violence and strong expressions of anger have no place among us.

While some of us practice vegetarianism and others do not, Tri-State Dharma commits itself to fulfilling this precept in the spirit of reverence for life. All Tri-State Dharma functions will be vegetarian.

We also commit to creating a safe and respectful space during gatherings, either online or in person. This includes maintaining appropriate speech and conduct. Video presence and participation should support a meditative and mindful environment.

2. We undertake the precept of refraining from taking what is not given.

We agree not to take that which is not freely given to us and to respect the property of others. We agree to bring awareness to the use of all of the earth’s resources in a respectful and ecological way. We agree to be honest and transparent when handling the sangha’s funds and not to misappropriate money committed to Dharma projects. We aspire to express generosity by caring for our community with unbiased support for those seeking to further their practice and facilitating the offerings of teachers. We agree to offer teachings without favoritism.

3. We undertake the precept of refraining from sexual misconduct.

Tri-State Dharma is a community of people practicing the Buddha’s teachings together, with a strong emphasis on spiritual friendship. All members of our community are expected to conduct their relationships ethically, with awareness, kindness, and respect.

As a Sangha, we agree to avoid creating harm through sexuality, to avoid sexual exploitation, and to practice celibacy when on retreat. Sangha members are mindful not to initiate unwanted, uncomfortable, or inappropriate attention and to be aware of the potential impact of sexual and romantic comments or overtures.

People in teaching roles, or otherwise helping to lead center activities, have a particular responsibility in this regard. We agree to refrain from sexual or romantic relationships in a teacher–student role or while on retreat. All teachers agree not to use their teaching role to exploit their authority and position.

Anyone who feels they have received unwanted, uncomfortable, or inappropriate attention from a teacher, other leader, or community member at the Tri-State Dharma is encouraged to contact Tri-State Dharma by clicking here.

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

We agree to speak that which is truthful, beneficial, and timely, and to refrain from gossip in our community. To prevent harm, we agree not to repeat what is shared in confidence. We agree to cultivate conscious and clear communication, and to cultivate the quality of lovingkindness and honesty as the basis of our speech.

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

It is clear that substance abuse is the cause of tremendous suffering. We agree that there should be no use of intoxicants during retreats or Sangha activities. We agree to look deeply at our consumption and to be aware of those things that add suffering and draw us away from the present moment.

 

We invite you to click here to contact the Tri-State Board  with any questions or concerns.