Non-Discrimination
The White Forest Sangha (WFS) considers the ideal of non-discrimination as arising directly from Buddhism’s core teachings. The WFS seeks to willingly and knowingly embody this ideal of non-discrimination in its practices and policies.
All are wecome to participate.
Those practicing with the WFS vow to not discriminate in thought, speech, or actions on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or physical disability of human beings. Further, the WFS and its members are encouraged to extend this non-discrimination policy to all in the living world, the inanimate world, and to all being.
Zero-Tolerance
Throughout the ages the harshest punishment incurred for violation of the precepts leading to mental, emotional, or physical harm, of sangha members was shunning by the sangha. If the person(s) doing harm do not voluntarily leave the sangha, the sangha may prohibit them from participating in its activities. The WFS fully respects the rights of individuals with regard to personal relationships but holds preservation of the sangha’s harmony as perceptual obligation. To this end, it reserves the right to ask individuals, regardless of position, to leave the sangha if the Grievance Council deems it necessary.
Grievance Policy
1. Open Dialogue
Following the time-honored model of sangha life, we encourage and request that disputes be first addressed directly, openly, and honestly between the aggrieved parties.
2. Engage Sangha Members
If a satisfactory resolution is not achieved, the aggrieved parties are encouraged and requested to bring said grievance to any regularly participating member of the sangha.
3. Meet with Grievance Committee
This committee shall meet either in person or via electronic means and make every effort to resolve grievance in a manner satisfactory to the aggrieved parties in accordance with the moral and ethical teachings of the Buddha-dharma.
Expulsion from the White Forest Sangha
Throughout the ages the harshest punishment incurred for violation of the precepts leading to mental, emotional, or physical harm, of sangha members was shunning by the sangha. If the person(s) doing harm do not voluntarily leave the sangha, the sangha may prohibit them from participating in its activities. The WFS fully respects the rights of individuals with regard to personal relationships but holds preservation of the sangha’s harmony as preceptual obligation. To this end, it reserves the right to ask individuals, regardless of position, to leave the sangha if the Grievance Council deems it necessary.
