Out Ethics Statement

These policies reflect our ethical commitments within our Buddhist lineages, and exist to protect students, teachers, and the integrity of our shared community. 

1. Commitment to care and non-harm

By teaching with Dharma Homies, teachers commit to reflecting on power and impact, seeking support when complexity arises, and centering collective care over personal desire. This commitment supports a culture where everyone can practice with dignity, trust, and belonging. To read more about how we hold this value of non-harming, read our values statement here. 

2. Commitment to generosity and ethical receiving

Dharma Homies uses a dana model and sliding scales in order to honor the roots of our lineage that offer the teachings freely while acknowledging the livelihood of teachers under capitalism. As dana is not widely understood in the West as a community practice that supports teachers well and equitably, we seek to create financial models that engage everyone in the most meaningful way possible for accessibility, not to maximize profit. We appreciate any and all gifts of generosity, including financial support, time, care, and community presence within our programs.

3. Commitment to not misuse sexuality 

Dharma Homies is committed to creating spaces rooted in care, trust, consent, and non-harm. This includes clear and compassionate boundaries around teacher–student relationships. 

• A sexual relationship is never appropriate between a teacher and their student. 
• A teacher–student relationship is an ongoing dynamic in which one person holds another as a spiritual guide, mentor or authority and receives intentional guidance from them. This carries inherent power asymmetry and ethical responsibility, distinguishing it from mutual, peer-based community relationships. 
• Any outside relationship between Dharma Homies teachers and community members should be held with care and consideration to the power dynamics and complexities of being a teacher within a community. These boundaries help to ensure safety of all members of our practice community.
• If a teacher and student develop romantic feelings that they are committed to exploring, we ask for a clear ending of the teacher/student relationship and a waiting period of a minimum of four months before entering into a sexual/romantic relationship. Prior to this the respective teacher needs to actively and transparently engage the Dharma Homies Teacher Collective in order to support this process with care. We will support the student in finding another teacher during this waiting period, so as to stay connected to the dharma and sangha.
• Teachers may be asked to step back from certain teaching or leadership roles to avoid conflicts of interest. Decisions will be guided by community well-being rather than individual preference.

While Dharma Homies is a sex-positive community, we hold “on-retreat precepts” for our community programming to be free from sexual contact, flirting, etc. 

4. Commitment to speak truthfully and kindly

Dharma Homies teachers endeavor to maintain a culture of kindness, acceptance, and accessibility through our language. We commit to speaking the truth, particularly in speaking up against harm, oppression, and violence. We are open to hearing feedback and adjusting our language as we develop as a community.

Any harmful, bullying, or threatening language will not be tolerated in any Dharma Homies programming. This includes jokes that target marginalized groups, sexual innuendos, and come-ons. We commit to responding to any harmful language in a timely and compassionate way. 

5. Commitment to not misuse intoxicating substances that cloud the mind

Dharma Homies appreciates and honors the many ways substances and plant medicines can be of support to healing and connection. Understanding that a clear mind helps protect the other four precepts, we also honor the power of sobriety and approaches to substance use grounded in care and non-harm. Our teachers will not be under the influence of intoxicants while teaching and request that participants refrain from these during our programs.  

If a student feels uncomfortable, uncertain, or concerned about any ethical boundaries, they are encouraged to reach out to Dharma Homies via our feedback form or reach out directly to any Dharma Homies teacher. Concerns will be met with care, confidentiality, and with an emphasis on understanding, repair, and community safety.