BrokenBroom Zen welcomes all those seeking a spiritual path in zen buddhism. As practitioners
of the Bodhisattva Way, we dedicate our practice to the happiness and freedom from suffering
of all beings, without exception. Those who attend are expected to follow zendo forms and
abide by the guidelines that sustain our practice.    

The heart of our practice is zazen.  We manifest our awakened nature through our relationships
with others as embodied in the Bodhisattva precepts. These precepts serve as the ethical
framework for Broken Broom Zen. Each member is responsible for the harmony of the sangha.

Any disrespectful, discriminatory or preferential treatment of others on the basis of race,
gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, income, ethnicity or
national origin is considered a violation of our ethical code and should be reported to the
teacher or practice leader of the group who will meet with the parties and determine the next
steps.

Ethical Guidelines
All finances administered by BrokenBroom must be used in the interest of BrokenBroom in good faith.  

Drugs, alcohol and other addictive substances cannot be consumed or brought onto any
premises designated for use by BrokenBroom.

Teachers and others in positions of leadership must refrain from any romantic or sexual
involvement with students. If such a relationship should emerge it should be reported to a
teacher or practice leader.  In no case may a transmitted teacher begin such a relationship with
a shoken student or any student who attends dokusan with the teacher.  Any exploitative
conduct (sexual or otherwise) causing a breach of trust is in violation of the Ethics Policy.  

To ensure an atmosphere of trust and harmony in the sangha, teachers will maintain 
confidentiality for dokusan interviews.  Confidentiality is meant to protect the dokusan process
and not to create an atmosphere of secrecy. In certain instances a teacher may consult another
teacher in the Dharma Wheel Asangha, for example, when there is reason to believe that the
student may be in danger of causing harm to themselves or others.  Students are asked to
maintain a similar respect for the dokusan relationship.  In the case of students however, they
may share aspects of their dokusan interviews at their own discretion.  

Grievance Process
When a disagreement between people (whether members or visitors) emerges, the involved
parties are urged to make an effort to work out the disagreement through compassion, deep
listening and an open mind.  If this is not possible, or if the complainant feels they are not being
heard, they should take their grievance to the teacher or a practice leader who will determine
what further steps may be needed. The teacher or practice leader will meet separately with the
parties concerned, after which they will convene a meeting of all involved. If the grievance
cannot be resolved, an Ethics Committee of three sangha members and the teacher (or practice
leader, if the teacher is party to the dispute) will be formed in consultation with the two parties. 
The resolution process will be decided by the Ethics committee. If the issue cannot be resolved
by the Ethics committee and the parties involved, an outside consultant may be called in to
investigate.