Retreat Teacher Agreement

This Agreement outlines the mutual understanding and responsibilities related to the retreat program described below.

• Accommodations for the duration of the retreat; accommodations for a teacher’s assistant when possible
• All meals during the retreat period
• Travel arrangements and transportation for the Retreat Leader(s)
• Administrative and on-site logistical support during the retreat
• Opportunity for participants to offer Dāna (voluntary donations) directly to the Retreat Leader

• Arrive on time and be fully present for the duration of the retreat
• Teach and facilitate all scheduled sessions as outlined in the retreat schedule
• Provide Southern Dharma with a retreat description and general session outline within a mutually agreed-upon timeframe prior to the retreat
• Support marketing and promotional efforts by sharing retreat information with their community and providing relevant content for Southern Dharma’s communications, such as written reflections, blog posts, short teachings, retreat preview zoom sessions, videos, testimonials, guided practices, or other materials as appropriate.
• Follow Southern Dharma’s on-site guidelines and community agreements (attached)
• Provide any content or materials (as relevant) for the Retreat Center Director or Programs Manager to prepare in advance of the retreat start date.

Ethical conduct is a cornerstone of all Buddhist traditions because it sets the mind on a path of non-harm and creates a safe space where participants can focus on the teachings and practice. The role of a spiritual teacher is one that fosters a unique trust relationship between student and teacher but also creates an unequal dynamic of power and authority that can lead students to distrust their own innate wisdom. We trust that teachers will maintain appropriate relationships with students in all professional contexts. While we value the diversity of teaching styles and lineages that Southern Dharma offers, we require teachers to agree to uphold the following principles:

Prohibited Conduct

Teachers must not enter a sexual relationship with any student or staff during a retreat, event, or any other situation when they are in a position of authority.

Teachers must not share amorous or sexual feelings, flirt or use suggestive language during retreats or formal teaching.

Teachers must not engage in intimidation, bullying or physical violence.

Teachers must not engage in emotional or psychological abuse, harassment, or slanderous speech.

Teachers must not use intoxicants during retreats or while on retreat premises or be under the influence of intoxicants while teaching.

Teacher Code of Ethics

Integrity

• Teachers will treat all students, colleagues, staff, and community members with respect, kindness, and compassion.
• Teachings will be delivered with honesty and fidelity to the Dharma.

Boundaries

• Teachers will be aware of their unequal power and influence over students and maintain appropriate boundaries to prevent conflicts of interest, manipulation of students to fulfill personal needs, or dependency.
• Teachers will avoid multi-role relationships (e.g., romantic or financial) that could impair professional judgment or exploit the trust of students.
• Teachers will avoid sexual relationships with students and refrain from flirting or using suggestive language.

Confidentiality

• Teachers will maintain the confidentiality of all personal and spiritual information shared by students unless there is a concern of self-harm or harm to others.
• Teachers will avoid gossip or unnecessary sharing of private matters.

Competence

• Teachers will accurately represent their education, training, and experience.
• Teachers will recognize the limitations of their role and refrain from offering treatment.
• Teachers will commit to a path of introspection, examining habits of mind that can lead to reactivity and unskillful interactions with others.

• Teachers will welcome constructive feedback and be willing to be held accountable for their actions.


Diversity

• Teachers will create a welcoming and safe environment for all students.
• Teachers will seek to understand and address oppression, prejudice, and privilege in their own lives and within the community.
• Teachers will embrace diversity and actively work against discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, or any other characteristic.


Communication

• Teachers will speak with honesty and kindness, reflecting on whether the time is right, whether it will benefit the listener, and whether it will create harmony rather than division.
• Teachers will avoid lying, divisive speech, harsh words, and gossip.


Living the Precepts

• Teachers will serve as role models of ethical and mindful living.
• Teachers will live in accordance with the five core Buddhist precepts and encourage students to do the same.