House rules and Sangha Care

Phuntsok Chö Ling is dedicated to promoting compassion. With this goal in mind, we reject all forms of harmful or disrespectful behaviour.

House Rules

These rules are here to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for everyone. We ask all members and visitors to respect them and help others do the same.

Shoes off in the Temple: Please remove your shoes before entering the Temple (you can wear them in the Foyer).
Respect: Treat everyone with respect, including their way of teaching.
Quiet in the Temple: Keep conversations quiet in the Temple. If you need to talk, do so in the Foyer.
Food and Drinks: No open containers of food or drinks in the Temple (bottles with a cap are allowed).
Be Considerate: Stay calm, don’t raise your voice, and manage your emotions.
Be On Time: Arrive on time for all scheduled events to respect others’ time.
Focus on the Topic: During teachings, ask questions related to the topic. Personal questions can be asked after the session.
No Alcohol or Drugs: The use of alcohol, drugs, or any illegal substances is strictly prohibited, as is being under the influence while on the premises.
No Bullying or Harassment: Bullying, gossiping, sexual harassment, or any negative behaviour will not be tolerated. Repeated offences may lead to removal from the temple and termination of membership.

Within our centre, we want to take care of one another so that everyone feels comfortable.

“Do not lose your own path, and do not disturb the minds of others.”
— His Holiness Jigmé Phuntsok Rinpoche (1933-2004)

Code of Conduct

The purpose of this code is to create a safe and welcoming environment during all activities at Phuntsok Chö Ling, including meetings and informal interactions. It outlines unacceptable behaviours and protects those who may experience them.

Who This Applies To:

All members and volunteers of Phuntsok Chö Ling
All teachers or Lamas at Phuntsok Chö Ling
All visitors of Phuntsok Chö Ling

What Is Unacceptable Behaviour?

Undesirable behaviour: Any verbal, non-verbal, or physical actions that harm someone’s dignity or create an intimidating, hostile, or humiliating atmosphere. This can be obvious or subtle.
Sexual Harassment: Any unwanted sexual behaviour, such as inappropriate comments, touching, or images. It also applies to power dynamics (e.g., teacher-student roles) where special care is needed to avoid inappropriate behaviour.
Violence: Any form of physical, emotional, or psychological harm, threats, or intimidation.
Bullying: Repeated harmful behaviour intended to damage someone’s dignity, or create a hostile, humiliating, or insulting environment.
Discrimination: Any statements or actions that treat others unfairly due to race, colour, religion, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristic.

Complaints Procedure

If you experience or witness harassment, violence, discrimination, or any unwanted behaviour, you can contact the board. If informal resolution seems appropriate, the counsellor will discuss it with you first. If this doesn’t solve the issue, you can follow the formal complaint procedure.

Steps in the Procedure:

Filing a Complaint: Write and submit a complaint to the confidential counsellor. The board will be informed, but if the board member is involved in the issue, they will not participate in the discussion.
Investigating the Complaint: The counsellor and board will meet with the victim and witnesses to understand the situation.
Confidential Report: The board will prepare a confidential report and inform Lama Jigmé Rinpoche, who may decide to speak with the involved parties.
Conversations with the Perpetrator: The board or counsellor will meet with the alleged perpetrator to address the issue. These conversations may continue until the issue is resolved.
Consequences: Depending on the outcome, the board may take action, such as suspension from activities or reporting to the National Harassment Hotline.

If you prefer not to contact the internal counsellor, you may directly approach an elected board member, who will act as the confidential counsellor for the complaint.