As Insight Dialogue teachers, facilitators, and event coordinators, we agree to follow the ethical guidelines described in the previous section under Formal Relational Meditation Practice. Out of respect for the unequal and potentially influential nature of the teacher-participant relationship, those of us who serve as teachers or facilitators also follow the additional ethical trainings below. Event coordinators and organizers are invited to join in these additional teachings. (For clarity, the Ethics for Formal Relational Meditation Practice are repeated in italics.)
1. Refrain from taking life
We aspire to honor the life unfolding in ourselves, our sangha, and other living beings. We hold awareness of and regard for all practitioners and the diverse ways life manifests in each of us due to conditioning of class, ethnicity, race, culture, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, physical ability, etc. We express ourselves authentically and are open to hearing the impact of our words and actions, especially on those who have been marginalized in some way. In this way, we fully support and do not diminish the life of others.
As teachers, we treat all participants with equal respect. We cultivate awareness of individual and societal similarities and differences so as not to praise and reward or diminish and demean anyone because of their background.
2. Refrain from taking what is not given
We honor the time and energy of the teaching community and our fellow practitioners during Insight Dialogue practice by offering our full presence and participation. Using an economy of words, we allow generosity of time and space for others to be present. We fully respect the belongings of others and the resources of the host or retreat center.
We hold the unwavering aspiration to exercise utmost care and integrity when assuming our role and authority as teachers. We are aware of power imbalances embedded in hierarchical and patriarchal social structures and their potential for exploitation. We avoid influencing practitioners to make donations, gifts, or other favors for our personal enrichment, or pressuring them to support our organization. When teaching, we offer our own experience, and are careful to acknowledge and cite sources when repeating what was heard from others.
3. Refrain from sensual misconduct
It is natural to feel attracted, repelled, or neutral towards another human being. Because these feelings can be powerful, we cultivate vigilance and refrain from speech or action intended to manipulate, control, or influence a fellow practitioner. During formal practice we do not express romantic or sexual thoughts or feelings towards others.
We, as teachers, will refrain from language and behavior suggesting romantic or sexual interest, or any form of sensual contact with participants. We remain vigilant so as not to abuse the unequal relationship and any possible lasting influence we may have on practitioners. This training is observed even after the conclusion of a formal practice. If a teacher and practitioner choose to enter into a different kind of relationship at any time, they are expected to terminate the teacher-student relationship and take sufficient time to pause and reorient before forming a new relationship. In these situations, teachers are encouraged to consult with the Insight Dialogue Teachers Council for support and advice.
4. Refrain from false speech
The Insight Dialogue guidelines of Listen Deeply and Speak the Truth form the foundation of ethical communication. We tell only our own truth, not the experience of others.
It is our intention to be forthcoming and honest when beneficial, and refrain from speaking when harmful. We speak with care, aware of how our own personal and cultural conditioning shapes our expression. We aspire to foster an environment of safety and inclusion that encourages open dialogue, even when discomfort arises, and recognize that engaging in difficult conversations can be a source of learning and awakening for the community.
We teachers respect the trust that practitioners place in us to keep personal communications confidential. Teachers retell personal communications and the experiences of a participant only with their approval. Teachers will share with other members of the teaching community only when it is necessary and where it benefits the teachings. As teachers, we strive to nourish an environment where open and authentic speech is being modeled and encouraged, and where vulnerability in practitioners is held with care and compassion.
5. Refrain from actions that dull the mind
We avoid speaking and acting out of habit. We are aware of the diversion of seeking special or pleasant relational experiences. As much as possible, we take care that body and mind are rested, alert, and in a state to be fully present. We refrain from engaging in digital distractions during formal practice. We avoid using any substance in a way that interferes with mindful awareness or reduces our capacity to be present with our fellow practitioners.
We teachers undertake the training of refraining from substances and activities that intoxicate and lead to addictions or dependencies. As teachers, we remain humble and open to all feedback from practitioners and others in the teaching community. Teachers are encouraged to consult with other members of the teaching community to discern a beneficial ethical path.
As teachers, our work is based on a continuous practice of Sila. We cultivate genuine kindness and a flow in sangha relationships that goes beyond agreements on rules and norms. We relate to our colleagues, students and fellow Dhamma practitioners with integrity and authenticity, and do not turn away from areas of relational stress or conflict. By fostering the qualities of spaciousness, safety, and openness in our sangha, we invite the emergence of insight and the courage to investigate all truths.