House rules and confidential counselor.
Phuntsok Chö Ling focuses on promoting compassion, based on this vision all forms of transgressive and harmful behaviour are rejected.
House rules
These house rules have been drawn up to ensure a pleasant experience and safe environment for all members and visitors. Phuntsok Chö Ling believes in respect for all living things. Thank you for keeping these rules in mind and please help others follow them too.
1. Please take off your shoes before entering the Temple (shoes are allowed in the Foyer).
2. Respect everyone, including the teaching methods.
3. Speak at a low volume when in the Temple, have personal conversations in the Foyer.
4. Open containers of food and drinks are not permitted in the Temple. (bottles with a sealable cap are allowed).
5. Be thoughtful, don’t raise your voice, and keep your emotions and reactions under control.
6. Arrive on time for scheduled events, respect the time of others by arriving on time.
7. During lessons, only ask questions about the topic and do not ask personal questions or questions about other topics. Personal questions can be asked after the lesson.
8. The use of alcohol, drugs or other illegal substances is strictly prohibited, this also applies to being drunk or walking around under the influence.
9. Bullying, gossiping, (sexual) intimidation and any other form of negative behaviour will not be tolerated. This may ultimately lead to removal from the temple grounds and termination of membership.
“Do not lose your own path, do not disturb the minds of others” His Holiness Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche (1933 – 2004)
Purpose of the code of conduct
The purpose of this code of conduct against sexual harassment, violence, inappropriate behaviour, bullying and discrimination is to create a safe and pleasant environment during all activities of Phuntsok Chö Ling. This also includes meetings and informal encounters. This code of conduct indicates which behaviour is undesirable within our organization and cannot be tolerated. In addition, the code of conduct is intended to protect those who are victims of undesirable behaviour or who experience discrimination and want to file a complaint.
Scope of application
This code of conduct applies to:
• all members and volunteers of Phuntsok Chö Ling;
• the (guest) teachers or lama(s) of Phuntsok Chö Ling;
• all visitors of Phuntsok Chö Ling.
Definitions
Undesirable behaviour: any form of verbal, non-verbal or physical behaviour of which the person guilty of it knows or should know that it affects the dignity of persons within the community and/or where the person to whom the behaviour is directed considers this to be clearly undesirable. This can become apparent, for example, if it creates an intimidating, hostile or humiliating atmosphere towards the person involved.
Sexual Harassment: Any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature is unacceptable. This may become apparent, for example, if such behaviour is intimidating, undesirable, unreasonable or insulting to the person experiencing it. Examples: annoying invitations, inappropriate touching or inappropriate display of sexually explicit images. Within the organization, different roles are sometimes assumed, such as trainer, board member, facilitator or teacher. Although there should always be equality, there can sometimes be a (perceived/perceived) power relationship in any role. In such a relationship, the person who fulfils the role of teacher, coach, trainer, etc. must be extra alert to keeping his/her own behaviour pure and to signals and behaviour from others. A combination of a teacher or trainer role with a personal relationship should be avoided, because cross-border behaviour may occur from the assumed role, while this does not necessarily have to be cross-border within the personal relationship. Therefore, in such a circumstance, the ratio of roles from Phuntsok Chö Ling must be changed/terminated.
Violence: any form of psychological pressure, intimidation, threats or physical unwanted contact.
Bullying: any form of repetitive behaviour that may manifest itself in words and/or behaviour and has the purpose or effect of damaging the personality, dignity, mental or physical integrity of a person or creating an threatening, hostile, insulting, humiliating or offensive environment.
Discrimination: making oral or written statements about others because of their race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability, age, belief or sexual orientation; commit acts against others or discriminate between persons because of their race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability, age, belief or sexual orientation.
The complaints procedure
A victim (or witness) of violence, intimidation, discrimination or unwanted sexual behaviour can contact the confidential counselor: paul(at)phuntsokcholing.org. If attempts to resolve the problem informally are appropriate, this will first be considered, in close consultation between the reporter and the confidential counselor. If this is not considered sufficient or if this proves to be insufficient after attempts have been made, for example because the perpetrator shows no change in behaviour or shows other behaviour that can also be considered undesirable, the victim can follow the procedure below. The confidential counselor can help the victim upon request (but not take over).
• Drawing up a written and substantiated complaint. As soon as the confidential counselor receives the complaint, he/she will inform the board of Phuntsok Chö Ling. If the (suspected) perpetrator is a member of the board, he/she will not participate in the discussion of this case.
• If necessary, discussions are held with the victims and any witnesses to clarify the matter for the council and the confidential counselor.
• The board draws up a confidential report on the situation.
• Lama Jigme is informed and he can choose to have a conversation with those involved.
The confidential counselor and/or the board (to be determined in mutual consultation) conduct one or more conversations with the (alleged) perpetrator. This can be periodically if that suits the situation. Depending on the outcome of the discussions, the board can take appropriate measures. In serious cases, this may include suspension of all activities related to Phuntsok Chö Ling and/or reporting to the national Harassment Hotline. If, for whatever reason, the victim does not wish to contact the internal confidential counselor, he/she can contact a (elected) board member directly. He or she will then take on the role of confidential counselor in the further process.
