DHARMA MOON CODE OF ETHICS

Code of Ethics:

We agree to have a sincere commitment to providing the highest quality care to those that seek our professional services.

We agree to represent our qualifications honestly and provide only the services we are qualified and certified to perform.

We agree to consistently maintain and improve our professional knowledge and competence, striving for professional excellence through regular assessment of personal and professional strengths and weaknesses through continued education, training and personal practice.

We agree effective teaching might involve some physical contact applied in an atmosphere of safety. It is our responsibility to create and maintain a safe environment that engenders trust and mutual respect among teacher and student. We agree to offer compassionate, competent and safe touch to students when/if assisting them physically and only with the students’ explicit permission.

We agree an essential aspect of teaching is the development of a professional teacher/student relationship. This includes establishing clear and appropriate social and sexual boundaries.

We agree to refrain, under all circumstances, from initiating or engaging in any sexual conduct, sexual activities or sexualizing behavior involving a student even if the student attempts to sexualize the relationship.

We agree to refuse to unjustly discriminate against students or staff or tolerate unjust discriminatory behavior at Dharma Moon.

We agree to create and foster a community of diversity, equity and inclusivity.

We agree to respect students’ boundaries with regard to privacy, disclosure, emotional expression and beliefs.

We agree and understand that all actions that breach the principles of this code of ethics will be fairly investigated. We understand that if the situation warrants, teaching status within Dharma Moon may be revoked or restricted and may result in grounds for termination.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity:

At Dharma Moon, we believe that creative expression, spiritual development and mastery of everyday life have equal importance and so does every individual in our community. We believe that investing in diversity and inclusion long-term will help to create a better community and educational experience for everyone. Ultimately, Dharma Moon is committed to creating and sustaining a culture where diversity, equity and inclusivity are integrated into our company’s DNA, including a diverse representation of all backgrounds, identities and perspectives.

We recognize that creating an inclusive culture is not passive, finite nor is it the sole responsibility of our leadership. Dharma Moon believes that every community member at every level of engagement is responsible for championing and amplifying diversity, equity and inclusion in our community, company and beyond. With each of us doing our part, we can ensure that we are building an inclusive culture that drives learning, growing and development in tandem with kindness, care and compassion.

Dharma Moon strives to foster a culture of clear compassionate feedback that supports our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusivity. Here are some ways that you can advocate for DEI in our classes, programs and community gatherings:

• Commit to creating a culture that supports inclusion and equity by participating in DEI programs and training

• Recognize, acknowledge and hold yourself accountable for your own biases, insensitivities and blindspots

• Recognize, acknowledge and hold others accountable for their biases, insensitivities and blindspots by speaking out

• Create a safe and welcoming space for others to speak out against biases, insensitivities and blindspots that is free from judgment and negative consequence

• Advocate for others who are not comfortable advocating for themselves (with permission)

• Speak out when there is a lack of representation in a Dharma Moon environment

• Invest in diversity within wellness by participating in community outreach efforts

About Our Programs: 

Our meditation programs are based on widely acknowledged and broadly sourced secular principles. We intend to clearly present these teachings to a diverse array of human beings independent of religious affiliation or belief systems.

The teachings we offer are inspired in part by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche as well as many other Buddhist teachers and wisdom holders of traditional lineages. Our programs are also informed by current findings from the worlds of neuroscience and therapeutic models RE the verifiable benefits of meditation.

In the past, incidents of sexual abuse and harassment have been documented in a variety of transformational communities, including the Shambhala Organization - the successor organization to the spiritual community that Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche created and led from 1970 until his death in 1987.

Some members of the Dharma Moon team were also former members of Shambhala. Dharma Moon does not have any affiliation at any level with the Shambhala Organization.

Further Information and Reporting:

As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive environment we are making resources available to report suspected abuse and to ensure that each person has a path to clarity and safety. Please utilize them as needed.

Resources:

1. Speak with the Community Director, René Fay. Your information and discussion with the Community Director are confidential, and nothing is to be shared or escalated without your permission: [email protected]  
2. If you feel you are not being heard or respected by the Community Director, if your concerns are regarding the Community Director, and in any case, you should feel free to reach out to the following email (which the Community Director does not have access to): [email protected] 
3. Anonymously report harm or provide feedback using this form.
4. Confidential, Third-Party reporting – Dharma Moon engages a third-party reporting company, Lighthouse. All of your information is confidential and your inquiry is managed through Lighthouse. Lighthouse is available 24/7 by phone: 855-222-0283 or via this link.

Our Intention:

Dharma Moon is founded on clear and uncompromising ethical principles, and we have carefully vetted safeguards in place to protect those principles.

It is our intention to move forward with clear guidelines and systems in place to create a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment for growth and discovery. This is the true meaning of sangha or spiritual community.

If you have any questions about Dharma Moon policies or this statement please reach out to: [email protected]

With warm regards and best wishes,

David Nichtern, Dharma Moon Founder & CEO,

& the entire Dharma Moon Team