ROCHESTER ZEN CENTER

Code of Conduct

Adopted by the Board of Trustees October 16, 1993; revised by the Board, effective February 29, 2012

It should be understood that the Abbot, Priests and other staff members, as well as Trustees, Officers, Instructors, and Affiliate Leaders are striving to incorporate the Thirteen Items of Good Conduct into their daily lives.  Those Items of Good Conduct are as follows:

The Three General Resolutions

1. I resolve to avoid wrong.
2. I resolve to do good.
3. I resolve to liberate all sentient beings.

The Ten Cardinal Precepts

1. I resolve not to kill, but to cherish all life.
2. I resolve not to take what is not given, but to respect the things of others.
3. I resolve not to misuse sexuality, but to be caring and responsible.
4. I resolve not to lie, but to speak the truth.
5. I resolve not to cause others to abuse alcohol or drugs, nor to do so myself, but to keep the mind clear.
6. I resolve not to speak of the faults of others, but to be  understanding and sympathetic.
7. I resolve not to praise myself and disparage others, but to overcome my own shortcomings.
8. I resolve not to withhold spiritual or material aid, but to give them freely where needed.
9. I resolve not to indulge in anger, but to practice forbearance.
10. I resolve not to revile the Three Treasures [Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha], but to cherish and
uphold them.

Depending upon the nature and severity of the alleged misconduct, alleged violations of the Precepts may be handled either (1) directly by those involved, or (2) by an appropriate person in authority, such as the Abbot or Head of Zendo, (3) by the Ethics and Advisory Committee or (4) by the Board of Trustees. (See By‐laws, Article X.) Serious complaints against the Abbot, the Head of Zendo, the Business Manager, Instructors, Priests and Novices, Trustees, Officers, and Affiliate Leaders may be handled through the formal complaint procedure set forth in X(B)(1), X(C), and X(D) of the By‐laws.

In addition, any allegation that carries the potential of legal liability on the part of the Center, including those involving unlawful activity, sexual harassment, financial impropriety, or discrimination based on race, gender, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation should be promptly brought to the attention of the Abbot, the Head of Zendo and the Board of Trustees. (See By‐laws, Article X(F).)