Care and Conduct

The Shambhala Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct applies to everyone present in any activity associated with
Shambhala, in person or online, regardless of where the activity occurs.

THE PRACTICES OF GOOD CONDUCT

1. Treat all with respect and work for the welfare of all. Be law-abiding and decent. Be true to your
relationships. Avoid harming others.
2. Practice disciplines that benefit you and others. Take responsibility for your state of mind.
3. Be genuine, curious, and truthful. Listen to others. Do not manipulate or slander others.
Communicate your limitations or your willingness to help gently and thoughtfully.
4. Care for everyone’s well-being. Be kind and generous to all without prejudice. Identify and interrupt
aggression or intimidation by others in the environment.
5. Be particularly caring and respectful in intimate relationships where vulnerabilities are shared.
6. Learn from each other. Support each other with curiosity and friendliness. Work together to
mutually maintain a healthy and open community and cultivate good human society.
7. Give kind and honest feedback. Be open to receiving feedback from others.
8. Be true to your inspiration. Bring your unique perspective and talents to the community and
appreciate others’. Enjoy yourself. Don’t be afraid to take a risk.
9. Clean up after yourself. Take responsibility for your own decisions, communication and actions.
Admit your mistakes and learn from them.
10. Be decent and trustworthy. Do not waver in meeting your obligations. Take from others only what
is freely offered.
11. Be respectful and accountable with regard to the use of shared or community resources. Treat
Shambhala’s resources or wealth with integrity, intelligence, and transparency.
12. Consume only what you need. Respect the planet and all of its inhabitants.
13. Recognize ways that alcohol and drugs can negatively affect our behavior and share the
responsibility to protect harmony and dignity in the social environment.
14. Recognize that any position of power or authority is a privilege and a responsibility to
humbly serve the well-being of others.
15. Honor your vows and your commitments to practice and study with fellow practitioners.
Continue an active ongoing relationship with a meditation instructor or someone who helps you reflect
on your path.
16. Make the teachings and community accessible to all by identifying and reducing barriers to
participation. Support an environment that is free from discrimination of any kind.
17. Honor the process of learning about life, respecting teachers of all wisdom traditions and all
who seek wisdom.

PROTECTING THE SPACE FOR EVERYONE

Misconduct can seriously damage the quality of community life, have significant impact on ourselves
and others, and can even break the law. All Shambhala members, friends, and others who identify as
part of the Shambhala community should refrain from misconduct, as described below, at all times. In
order to protect the space for everyone, the following behaviors are considered misconduct:
1. Harassment, bullying, verbal abuse, violent or physically aggressive behavior.
2. Discrimination against an individual or group compared to another on the basis of actual or perceived
gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, age,
country of origin, nationality, citizenship status, native language, physical appearance, physical, mental
or perceptual abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or level of practice (see Diversity, Inclusivity and
Anti-discrimination Policy)
3. Sexual abuse and sexual harassment (see Policy to Address Sexual Misconduct)
4. Sexual activity in the context of any activity associated with Shambhala between a person 18 years
of age or older and a person under the age of 18 is prohibited regardless of the age of majority or
consent locally. Mistaken belief in the age of the child is not a defense (see Child Protection Policy).
5. To compel or manipulate another person to:
5.1 Compromise their legal, ethical or personal boundaries;
5.2 Consent to a sexual relationship that is not freely chosen; or
5.3 Offer gifts or personal favors not of their own free will.
6. To initiate or consent to an intimate relationship with anyone in the context of a meditation instructor/student relationship. (see Policy on Conduct of People Holding Positions of Authority).
7. In the context of a specific program, class or meeting associated with Shambhala, people holding
positions of authority to initiate or consent to an intimate relationship with any participant or program
staff subject to that authority in that context. This prohibition also applies to Shambhala staff at the
location where that program, class or meeting takes place. (see Policy on Conduct of People Holding
Positions of Authority).
8. Misappropriation or theft of Shambhala resources or wealth.

Approved on: July 12, 2020 Approved By: Shambhala International Board of Directors
Effective Date: Feb12, 2021 Review Date: March 3, 2022
Approved by Shambhala Center of Lexington, (date)
Anyone may report any concern or misconduct at the Lexington Shambhala Center