<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shared Values<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Six Harmonies of the Sangha<\/strong>: 2. Doctrinal Harmony<\/strong> 3. Resource Harmony <\/strong> 4. Physical Harmony<\/strong> 5. Speech Harmony<\/strong> 6. Mental Harmony<\/strong> —<\/p>\n\n\n\n Four Qualities to Cultivate: Cool, without desire<\/strong> Bright, without ignorance<\/strong> Pervasive, with equality <\/strong> —<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respect the Sangha of 10 Directions<\/strong> Even if their Vinaya or approach differs from one’s own or their practice and understanding of the sutras is varied- find the virtue in it. Rejoice and encourage others in their path and collaborate when practice and views align. In cases of irreconcilable disharmony, distance oneself without creating obstacles for their pursuit of awakening, trusting in their love for the Dharma and the power of the Buddhas to guide them. One does not need to disprove other communities, teachers, practitioners or dharma doors. Nor defend one’s own in worldly motivated debates to prove superiority. Avoid using use terms like \u2018our sangha\u2019 and \u2018their sangha\u2019 but our community\/order\/fellow practitioners\/lotus friends, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Representing the Dharma<\/strong> This includes not becoming involved with and addressing it when it arises: unethical, abusive, or disrespectful projects, groups, or teachers\/leaders. Not endorsing or participating in dynamics, collaborations or affiliations that compromise one\u2019s precepts or principles. In the Bodhisattva Precepts, practitioners should not become the envoys or representatives of government or through military efforts and collaborations. Nor position ourselves in various ways to gain profit in resources, status, or power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As practitioners of the Lotus Sutra we avoid sectarian manners and debates. If we disagree with another\u2019s approach or values the best advice is \u201cdon\u2019t become further entangled through arguing and don\u2019t create obstacles for their good works\u201d. One can try to resolve a conflict or respectfully bring up a concern three times. If after those attempts it is clear the other party is not willing to engage- then exit the situation or relationship and maintain ‘peaceful practice.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n —<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone is a work in progress, becoming a Buddha<\/strong> —<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions for Co-Practice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Separate Personal and Dharma Identity <\/strong> 2. Social Media Responsibility<\/strong> 3. Clothing and Possessions<\/strong> 4. Dwellings <\/strong> 5. Donations<\/strong> Shared Values Six Harmonies of the Sangha:1. Ethical HarmonyUphold the Vinaya and Bodhisattva precepts as the foundation of behavior, which sustain the Dharma in the world and create the causes and conditions to enter the deep wisdom of the Buddhas. Through sincere effort, strive to transform afflictions and embody these principles. 2. Doctrinal HarmonyAccept the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-318","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"blocksy_meta":[],"yoast_head":"\n
1. Ethical Harmony<\/strong>
Uphold the Vinaya and Bodhisattva precepts as the foundation of behavior, which sustain the Dharma in the world and create the causes and conditions to enter the deep wisdom of the Buddhas. Through sincere effort, strive to transform afflictions and embody these principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Accept the Lotus Sutra as framework and the Dharmagupta Vinaya and Bodhisattva precepts as guiding practices. By relying on Mahayana sutras and commentaries from great masters, such as Nagarjuna, Zhiyi, Lama Tsongkhapa, Shantideva- continually refine understanding and wisdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Material resources are shared communally with transparency, frugality, and diligence. This ensures that each person\u2019s practice of the three higher trainings (ethics, meditation, and wisdom) is supported without hindrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aim to live together in ways that support each other\u2019s practice. Temples, viharas, and centers exist to facilitate Dharma study and practice, creating safe spaces for all. They are not the end, careers, or lifestyle decisions- but a means. Prioritize collective well-being, reduce personal preferences, and maintain clean, organized shared and personal spaces. Honor shared schedules and time commitments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Avoid arguing, harsh speech, and competition. Disagreements need not be resolved immediately; if anger arises, we step back and return to the discussion with calm and mutual respect. Everyone is entitled to share their views when appropriate timed- but final decisions are made by consensus. In speech strive to be trustworthy, keeping commitments and promises to one another. Resolve inevitable conflict and disagreement through transparent communication and trust using non violent communication, mediators, etc. if neccessary. Engage in the principles of right speech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Dharma leads to liberation and peace. If discomfort or suffering arises, reflect on one’s practice, seek feedback from others, and address afflictions. Cultivate mental harmony by rejoicing in others\u2019 successes, emulating their virtues, and approaching conflicts and differences with goodwill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pure, without anger<\/strong>
Do not retaliate or seek vengeance. Let go of slights, abuses, or harm.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Avoid seeking personal gain in practice or teaching. Refrain from soliciting donations or being involved with organizational status, titles, ranks, or fame. If such motivations arise, pause and reflect on how worldly desires poison practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Guard against arrogance and sectarianism. Learn humbly from diverse Dharma approaches to refine compassion, wisdom, and skill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balance equality with discernment. Respect differences in conditions, personality, and practice while offering equal support. Gender, race, age, sexuality, ability, class, country of origin or nonconformity are never grounds for disrespect or withholding the Dharma but also affect how a person receives and relates to the dharma. Wherever a person is in their life is the path, the path isn\u2019t somewhere else except in immediate conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Welcome practitioners from all Buddhist traditions as equals and do not denigrate them. Acknowledge the broader Sangha, all monastics and realized beings as the symbolic and actual refuge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Buddhists, each practitioner represents Shakyamuni Buddha\u2019s heritage. Monastics, priests, and lay practitioners equally strive to act with awareness of the impact they have on the Dharma existing in the world- especially in public context. Wearing religious garb or using Dharma names carries responsibility; avoid behavior that brings criticism or shame to the Buddhist community and your co-practitioners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speak from personal experience and practice. Embrace being wrong and good faith criticism\u2014it fosters growth. Honest reflection, even with flaws, is more valuable than seeking approval or pretending to be perfect, or seeking the praise of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Especially for priests, avoid blurring lay life roles and Dharma roles. Wearing robes or using Dharma names adds weight to actions and words- if we are functioning in a personal or lay role but also representing the Dharma it\u2019s easy for the outsider to conflate the two. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Avoid performative religiosity, such as posed ‘selfies’ or extravagant displays of devotion and holiness done for the camera. Avoid centering oneself in teaching or advertising. “Follow the dharma, not the person.” Avoid referring to oneself by honorifics, advertising which focuses on the speaker and not the topic or reinforcing ‘chains of command’ through job titles. Focus on sharing educational, encouraging, or personal content rather than simply being \u2018Buddhist aesthetic\u2019. Avoid promoting political parties, personal businesses, or flaunting wealth or connections within the context or role as a Buddhist practitioner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prefer simple, repaired natural fiber robes over costly materials. Avoid attachment to new items by marking or slightly altering them. For temple purchases, choose used or refurbished or secondhand items when possible and made from natural materials that will contribute back to- not damage – the environment. Monastics aim to \u201cown only what they can carry\u201d; priests should avoid excess or conspicuous consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep living spaces simple and frugal. Itinerant practitioners accept accommodations with humility, whether high or low quality, clean or dirty, fine or rough. Improve the spaces one is dwelling in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do not solicit or scheme for personal monetary donations, charge or hint for donations for providing Dharma teaching, sharing, or practice.
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