Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct for Members

Henjyoji Shingon Buddhist Temple members are expected to adhere to the guidelines in the Code of Conduct as outlined in this document. This Code of Conduct document may be edited or changed by the Board of Directors as the temple body grows. Members will be updated on the changes when they occur.

The Code of Conduct will apply to temple member’s actions and communications on temple grounds or during temple activities. Board members will be held to a higher standard than temple members, both with regard to behavior and language inside the temple and outside the temple. Members and Board members shall treat one another with dignity and respect and shall treat each other fairly, equally and equitably.

Abusive behavior will not be tolerated or used to intimidate members. Examples of behavior that would warrant Board review:

• • Aggressive, violent, non-consensual or hurtful communication, whether written, verbal or digital. This includes, but is not limited to, threats against individual members, the Sangha as a whole, the temple and/or temple property.

• • Aggressive, violent, hurtful, non-consensual or destructive physical actions toward members, member property or temple property.

• • Willfully publishing, posting, uploading, distributing or disseminating any profane, defamatory, obscene, indecent or unlawful topic, name, image, material or information on temple social media platforms.

Members are encouraged to contact the Head Minister for confidential counsel if they feel as though they were disrespected at the temple in any way or if they have any concerns or complaints about noncompliance or any breach of the Code of Conduct.

However, this policy also provides a confidential grievance process on a case-by-case basis. If there is an instance of misconduct that appears to be in violation to the conduct listed herein, temple members may submit a grievance to a Board member. The Board will carefully and seriously discuss the merits of the grievance and present outcome options to the member who filed the grievance. At the Board's discretion and vote, the Board should consider a course of reconciliation or disciplinary action. Alignment toward spiritual practice should include the space for anyone to reform the self, as this is fundamental to the bodhisattva vow. There should also be safe boundaries to protect the rest of the members.

Failure to adhere to basic standards as outlined in the Code of Conduct may result in a warning or probationary limitation on activities at the temple premises subject to review by the Board of Directors at the end of the prescribed probationary period. Any member on probationary limitations will be able to continue their spiritual practice remotely or by appointment with the temple's Head Minister.