Ethics & Safety
Our Commitment
Safety, integrity, and respect for your autonomy are at the core of our activities.
Dharma Gates commits to:
Non-harm: No teaching or organizational goal takes precedence over participant wellbeing.
Compassionate response: We honor vulnerability, maintain clear spiritual boundaries, and respond to distress with skill and loving-kindness.
Respect for the Dharma: We offer space for teachings with depth, rigor, and integrity, avoiding dilution or commercialization.
Strong governance: We operate with transparent governance, defined responsibilities, and feedback and safeguarding mechanisms.
Multidimensional safety: Physical, psychological, digital, and data safety are built into our programs and operations.
Ongoing reflection: We review and refine our policies in response to learning, growth, and community needs.
Dharma Gates exists to serve the Dharma and those who seek it. Our programs are educational and contemplative in nature, not a substitute for medical or mental health care.
Manifesting Skillful Action
Dharma Gates’ Code of Conduct has roots in the ethical teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha.
The principles within our Code of Conduct guide behavior for teachers and facilitators, participants, volunteers, staff and board members during Dharma Gates activities. The Code of Conduct applies during retreats, on-site and online programs, and Dharma Gates events, including informal periods immediately before and after these activities.
Especially if attending an event, we encourage you to read the Code of Conduct with an open mind and a sincere heart.
Reporting Conduct Concerns
We see raising concerns with conduct as an expression of compassion and right action.
Dharma Gates is committed to responding promptly and responsibly to concerns involving misconduct, boundary violations, abuse of authority, or harm within our programs or community spaces.
If you have experienced or witnessed conduct that raises serious concern—including inappropriate behavior by a teacher, facilitator, staff member, volunteer, or participant—we encourage you to report it.
Reports are reviewed carefully, handled with discretion, and protect the privacy and confidentiality of those involved. Dharma Gates does not permit retaliation for raising a concern.
For concerns involving teachers, facilitators, volunteers, and staff:
Submit a report to the Executive Director
For concerns involving the Executive Director or a Board Member:
Submit a report to the Board of Directors
Safeguarding Data
Dharma Gates views data as trust to steward, not an asset to exploit.
We handle personal data with restraint and responsibility. Our systems only collect what is necessary and are transparent about how information is used. We safeguard all data against unauthorized access, especially with sensitive or vulnerable information.
Dharma Gates collects limited health-related information for retreat screening and participant safety. This information is used solely to assess program suitability and is not used for diagnosis or treatment. Access is restricted to designated staff and stored in a secure system. Confidentiality is maintained to the extent permitted by law, including circumstances involving risk of harm or legal obligations.
Please email team@dharma-gates.org for questions or feedback about how we protect your data or our commitment to ethics and safety.