Welcome to Karme Choling. 
We have a number of forms and policies for you to read and be aware of. We will need you to sign that you have read and understood them. 

Revised Dec. 2024

Karmê Chöling exists to support each individual in discovering their own inherent Basic Goodness. When this goodness is expressed in a community, Enlightened Society is formed.

Rooted in the Shambhala tradition, the Karmê Chöling community values respect for all individuals; regardless of age, race, gender, ethnic background, sexual orientation or identity, capabilities, politics, religion or occupation. Every person has the right to be free from harassment, intimidation, and discrimination!

Abiding by this Care & Conduct Policy is a requirement for all staff, residents, program participants, volunteers and visitors who stay at Karmê Chöling. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in dismissal or being asked to leave.

 

The Karmê Chöling Community
Consists of:

• Household Members consisting of Staff, Residents, and Volunteers: This is an ongoing group of people who reside at Karmê Chöling as their primary residence while they are here. They constitute a kind of backdrop or container for the Participants who come in for Programs.
  
  
• Participants come to Karmê Chöling on a temporary basis, to take part in a Program of specific duration. They are not part of the ongoing household at KCL but are here to focus on the Program, returning to their home after it has finished.
  
  

Behaviors To Engage In

1. Treat others with respect: Be genuine, honest and decent in relating to others
2. Be law-abiding and trustworthy: Do not waiver in meeting your obligations and take only what is freely offered by others.
3. Communicate: Listen to each other. Convey your needs clearly. Communicate gently and thoughtfully without manipulation or slander.
4. Learn from each other: Give kind and honest feedback and be willing to receive it.
5. Care for each other: Care for everyone’s well-being and work for the benefit of all without bias or prejudice.
6. Meditation and Practices: Commit to practice & study during your time at KCL. Staff and residents need to maintain an active ongoing relationship with a meditation instructor or someone who formally helps you reflect on your path. Practice disciplines that benefit yourself and others.
7. Take responsibility for yourself: Own your decisions and actions and learn from your mistakes. Take responsibility for your own state of mind. Continue medications and treatments that have been prescribed to you that you need.
8. Help protect the harmony and dignity of our community: Recognize that overindulgence of alcohol and use of drugs can negatively affect your behavior and impact the experience of those around you.
9. Positions of authority: Recognize that any position of power is a responsibility. Whether it is in the context of work or a program, authority is always in the service of promoting the well-being of others.
10. Engage in mindful relationships: Be especially caring and respectful in intimate relationships where vulnerabilities are shared. If Household Community Members wish to enter into relationships with each other, it is recommended that they give themselves 1-3 months to settle into their new life at Karmê Chöling and its meditation environment before becoming involved in an intimate relationship with a Housemate.

Behaviors to Refrain From

1. Unlawful Actions
   (which will be reported to law enforcement officials) including but not limited to:
   1. Sexual assault, stalking, or harassment
   2. Physical violence
   3. Financial malfeasance
   4. Theft
   5. Damaging property
   6. Possession of illegal drugs, including prescription medication not prescribed to you
   7. Abuse of children and vulnerable adults
   8. Sexual relationship with an underaged minor
   9. Providing alcohol to anyone under the legal drinking age of 21
   10. Possession or consumption of alcohol by individuals under the age of 21
   11. Violating any other state and federal laws
       
       
2. Firearms
   No bringing or possessing firearms on Karmê Chöling premises. This will automatically result in you being asked to leave.
   
   
3. Sexual Misconduct 
   Including but not restricted to:
   
   1. No sexualizing gestures, verbal innuendo, or invasive personal questioning.
   2. No inappropriate touching including touching or grabbing any part of a person’s body when that person has indicated that such physical contact is unwanted
   3. Do not continue to ask a person to socialize when that person has indicated they are not interested
   4. Do not tell sexual jokes or use sexually vulgar or explicit language in the presence of a person known not to welcome such behavior
   5. Do not use the dharma or other spiritual principles to obtain sexual favors.
   6. Sexual relations between a Participant who is at KCL to attend a specific program, and a Household Community Member are prohibited. (An exception would be if two people were already in a relationship when they entered KCL.)
   7. Sexual relationships between staff, residents, or volunteers where there is an imbalance of power is prohibited.
      For example:
      
      1. Supervisor and subordinate in a work situation
      2. Meditation instructor and the student they are instructing
      3. Teacher and student who are involved in a program

         (An exception is when two people are already in a relationship when they enter KCL.)

4. Harmful Speech 
   Including but not restricted to:
   1. False or deceptive speech, including denial of responsibility.
   2. Demeaning language with regard to race, gender, class, sexual identity, nationality, age, ethnicity, language, physical ability, and other differences.
   3. Verbal or emotional abuse including screaming, name-calling, shaming, intimidation, threats, and bullying.
      
      
5. Causing Division & Disharmony
   Behaviors that Splinter the Community including but not restricted to:
   1. Discrimination or exclusion with regard to race, gender, class, sexual identity, national origin, age, ethnicity, language, physical ability, or other characteristics.
   2. Shunning another. Retaliating against those who report harm.
   3. Behavior that causes a level of disturbance within the community requiring a formal response – such as the effects of unconscious racism or insensitivity to the experiences of others.
   4. Abuse of privileges or requiring unreasonable special treatment.
   5. Distorting and using teachings for personal advantage.
   6. Non-disclosure of a conflict of interest.
   7. Casually touching a person who has explicitly indicated that physical contact, no matter how innocuous, is not desired.
   8. Attempting social engagement with an individual who has indicated they do not want to interact.

Process for Complaints & Issues

Complaints and issues related to the Care & Conduct Policy are managed by the Care & Conduct Team which includes the Director of Personnel and several staff or household members.

This team addresses a variety of concerns, including:

• Complaints about potential violations of the Care & Conduct Policy
• Issues related to alcohol or substance use within the Household
• Mental health challenges that may affect community or workplace dynamics

The Care & Conduct Team can be reached by:

• Talking to a member in person. The Personnel Director is always one of the members.
• Placing a note in our dropbox that is on the table by the mailboxes
• Email: careandconductteam@karmecholing.org
  
  

1. Reporting Issues
   When an issue arises involving the Care & Conduct Policy, substance use, or mental health concerns, the following steps should be taken:
   1. Report Immediately: The issue should be reported as soon as possible to a member of the Care & Conduct Team.
   2. Recusal Process: If a member of the Care & Conduct Team is directly involved in the issue, they will recuse themselves from the review process to ensure impartiality.
      
      
2. Investigation Process
   Once a complaint is received, the Care & Conduct Team will conduct a thorough investigation. This process includes gathering relevant information by
   
   1. Speaking with the individual directly involved in the issue
   2. Interviewing the person who raised the concern
   3. Speaking with any witnesses or others present when the incident occurred
   4. Reviewing written communications that may be relevant
   5. Investigating any other materials or context related to the issue
   
   Based on the information gathered, the Care & Conduct Team will determine whether a violation of the Care & Conduct Policy has occurred or if there is an issue to be resolved. The team will then provide a written response to the person who raised the issue, outlining the findings and any actions to be taken.
   
   
3. Potential Actions
   If the investigation reveals that there has been a violation or issue, one or more of the following actions may be taken:
   
   1. Notification of Violation: The individual who violated the Code of Conduct will be notified, either through an interview or in writing, that a violation has occurred. They will be informed of the consequences of their actions.
   
   2. Remedial Actions: The individual may be provided with written instructions on the necessary steps to remedy the situation and prevent further violations.
   
   3. Community Resolution: Whenever possible, we encourage communal resolution through methods such as:
   
   a. Face-to-face communication between the parties involved
   b. Community meetings to address broader issues affecting the group
   c. Mediation by a neutral third party
   
   
4. Serious Violations
   For serious violations, the following additional actions may be considered:

   1. Documentation: The violation may be noted in the individual's personnel, resident, participant, or volunteer file.
   
   2. Dismissal: Depending on the severity of the violation, the individual may be dismissed from the program or community.
   
   3. Escalation: If necessary, the matter may be reported to the Shambhala International Code of Conduct office for further review. If anyone involved in the care and conduct matter indicates that they are pursuing legal recourse, KCL will stop its own care and conduct process and refer the matter to Shambhala’s legal counsel.
   
   4. Legal Reporting: Violations of the law will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

By following this structured process, it is Karmê Chöling's intention to handle all complaints and issues with fairness, integrity, and a commitment to maintaining a supportive and respectful community.

This document will be reviewed annually by the Executive Director, the HR Director and the Care & Conduct Team, or if changes in the law or other circumstances warrant earlier review.

Karmê Chöling’s Care & Conduct Policy is based on the principles set forth in the Shambhala Global Code of Conduct, the guiding document of our parent organization. In case of any discrepancy between Global’s or KCL’s policies, the stricter policy will take precedence.

 

I recognize that there are risks involved in participating in this activity and hereby assume all risk of injury, harm, damage, or death in connection with my participation in this activity. I understand and agree that neither KCL nor its trustees, officers, directors, employees, agents or representatives may be held liable in any way for any injury, harm, damage, or death that may occur to me as a result of my participation in this activity and hereby release Karmê Chöling, its trustees, officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives from any injury, harm, damage or death, which may occur while I am participating in the activity. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I agree to save and hold harmless Karmê Chöling, its trustees, officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives from any claim by myself, my estate, heirs, successors, assigns or other persons arising out of my participation in the activity.

I authorize Karmê Chöling through its trustees, officers, directors, employees, agents or representatives to render or obtain such emergency medical care or treatment for me as may be necessary should any injury, harm or accident occur to me while participating in this activity.

I understand and acknowledge that Karmê Chöling does not provide health or medical insurance in connection with the activity and I agree that I will be financially responsible for any bills incurred as a result of medical treatment, including emergency medical treatment and/or transportation to a medical facility, in connection with my participation in the activity.

Welcome to Karme Choling! To help us support you during your time here, please complete this questionnaire. The information you provide in this form is confidential and available only to the KCL HR Director, KCL Residency Coordinator, and your meditation instructor (if relevant), so they can skillfully maintain awareness of your wellbeing.

If any of the questions do not apply to your situation you can write "N/A".

If you are taking prescribed medications for any reason, it is crucial you continue to take them during your stay at Karme Choling. Meditation is never a substitute for medically prescribed medication.

Karmê Chöling is committed to creating an environment conducive to personal growth. Our intention is to support contemplative practices and a reflective lifestyle that is rooted in mindfulness. In accord with this vision, we ask that all staff, volunteers, program participants, and visitors follow our Alcohol and Drug Policy. We kindly request that everyone respect these guidelines, as failure to do so may result in dismissal or being asked to leave.

Alcohol

• No Alcohol in Public Spaces: No use of alcohol in public spaces at KCL except for ritual use and social events, both of which need prior KCL leadership approval. This includes:
  • The Main House and Ashoka Bhavan
  • Offices which are considered public spaces
    
    
• Where Alcohol is Permitted: Alcohol is permitted in your private room and in the "Commons" room located down in the basement.
  
  
• No Alcohol While Working: For staff and volunteers, there is no drinking while actively on the job. This includes days, evenings, or weekends.
  
  
• Dathüns: In order to create an appropriate practice environment for dathüns, modeled after the monastic tradition, there will be no alcohol consumption anywhere at KCL (Main House, Patneaude House, Ashoka Bhavan) during the first ten days of the program.
  
  
• Programs with Minors: No use of alcohol during programs involving minors (for example Family Camp).
  
  
• Inebriation: No consumption of alcohol to the point that it results in drunkenness.

Marijuana: There is no use or possession of marijuana on Karme Choling premises.

Illegal Drugs:

No use of illegal drugs on the Karmê Chöling premises, including prescription drugs that are not prescribed to you.

Karmê Chöling provides a contemplative practice environment for program participants, guests, and staff. This is supported by a culture of mindfulness and respectful community living.

While music and electronic devices are an integral part of modern life, they can be distracting in a retreat center. The following policy was developed with this in mind and applies to program participants, volunteers, and staff.

Electronic Devices:

1. Devices used visually with no sound:
   Computers, laptops, and any other devices used as computers (i.e. using your phone to check e-mails, or for texting). These can be used anywhere in the house except in the shrine room during a practice session.
   
   
2. Devices using sound and audio:
   Cell phones and other devices used for phone calls, Zoom calls or watching movies (even with headphones) are to be used in:
   • Private rooms
   • Offices
   • The Household Commons when otherwise not in use or
   • The MI meeting rooms on the third floor when not being used in a program.
     (If this proves to be a hardship, please see your program coordinator or Guest Services.)
     
     
3. Formal Group Practice or Study Sessions:
   Groups may use electronics to present teachings or a movie to a group in a public space, such as the lower living room, dining room, or Main Shrine Room. These will be arranged by the KCL leadership.

Music:

These guidelines apply to all Karmê Chöling premises, including Ashoka Bhavan. (Family Camp is an exception)

• Music may be listened to or played at all times in the “Commons” room in the basement. Please be mindful of the noise level depending on time of day. Music should not be heard beyond the Commons space.
• Music may be played outside only when there are no programs on the land, unless there is a special event. Please take the cues from the phenomenal world when this is appropriate.
• Music may be listened to quietly in the kitchen but ONLY when there are no programs or staff practice days, and no in-house retreatants.
• There may be other circumstances when playing or listening to music is acceptable and even encouraged. If you are unsure, please check with KCL leadership.

 

Noise Levels:

Please be aware of how sound can travel through walls and floors. Be mindful of the noise level from your conversations, phone calls, musical instruments, and computer use. Make sure that the sound can't be heard beyond the space you are in. There are electronic noise makers you can use outside your door and headphones work very well to reduce the noise.
If you are having difficulty working with these guidelines, please contact KCL leadership to come up with solutions

 

These policy guidelines for Electronic Devices, Music, and Noise Levels are self regulated. We all have the authority to ensure that our practice and living space is free from unnecessary distractions. Remember, not everyone is familiar with the protocols at KCL or they may have a strong unconscious habit of taking their devices everywhere with them.

With a light touch, all of us can gently remind one another when this policy is not adhered to.

If you feel uncomfortable reminding individuals of the policy, speak with your program coordinator, Department Head, or Guest Services to determine what skillful means can be employed.

Karmê Chöling uses the current CDC Guidelines for relating with COVID-19 and other airborne infectious diseases to guide our policies.

1. Everyone
   If you have any cold or flu symptoms while at KCL we will require you to mask, even if you test negative for COVID.
   
   
2. Day Visitors & Commuters
   Masking and Testing: While no longer required, masking and testing are still encouraged. If you are experiencing symptoms, it would be best to reschedule your visit. You will be asked to mask while on premises if symptoms arise while you’re here.
   
   If you have any questions, please contact us at guestservices@karmecholing.org
   
   
3. Those Staying on the Land
   Masking: Optional for all participants, staff, and teachers. Please bring your own supply of masks. We do have a limited supply available if needed.
   
   Vaccination: Not required; strongly encouraged.
   
   Negative COVID test: We recommend that you test before traveling and take careful precautions while en route to KCL. If someone tests positive after arrival, we will ask everyone in the house to test. Please bring COVID test kits with you.
   
   Sick Policy: If any participant becomes sick while on retreat, they will be asked to take a rapid-antigen test. If running a fever or seriously ill, they will be asked to quarantine for at least 24 hours or longer depending on the progression of fever or symptoms. If fever and/or severe symptoms last more than 72 hours, they will be asked to seek medical attention and return home.

If you have any questions, please contact us at guestservices@karmecholing.org

Day Visits:
Pets can be brought onto Karmê Chöling land for a “day visit”. Please follow these guidelines:

• Pet stays on a leash
• Please clean up any droppings your pet leaves behind
• Pets do not come into the house

Living Here:
Program Participants, Residents, Staff & Volunteers

There is a “no pets” policy at Karmê Chöling. This applies to staff, volunteers, residents, participants and guests. This policy accommodates people with allergies to animals as well as people who are not comfortable around them.

• No pets in the campground or cabins
• No pets in the Main House or Ashoka Bhavan
• We do accommodate Service Animals in accordance with Federal law, when we are notified at registration. 
  • Service Animals must be housebroken
  • They must be kept under control
  • Guest Services needs to know you will be bringing a Service Animal with you. Please let us know when you register.

What is ROTA?

ROTA is applying the teachings and practices to your living situation by participating in the cleaning and upkeep of Karmê Chöling. These tasks include tidying the Community spaces, washing dishes, and helping with the shrine positions during Meditation sessions.

ROTA could be viewed as simply doing chores, or they can be seen as an opportunity to bring the mindfulness you are practicing into your everyday activity and life.

The time commitment for ROTA is light. Even a staff person generally puts in no more than 5 hours per week.

 

ROTA Principles:

1. Everybody at Karmê Chöling offers in some way.
2. Dish shifts and shrine ROTA are generally shared by everyone.
3. ROTA is seen as an extension of our commitment to the Karmê Chöling community. We gently hold ourselves and each other accountable to show up and complete our ROTA shifts.
4. ROTA is part of our community life and is about maintaining our shared-home. If you feel your personal circumstances prevent you from participating in the typical ROTA tasks, you can discuss your situation with the Head of Personnel or the ROTA Coordinator in your program.

Significant Health Issues
You may be exempt from assigned ROTA, but are invited to offer in whatever ways you can. People needing this exception must discuss their situation with the Head of Personnel.

I understand that ROTA is an integral part of the view and practice of life at Karmê Chöling, and I agree to participate in my time here.

I authorize Karme Choling to allow the reproduction, dissemination, and/or public use of my likeness for media coverage, public relations, or other purposes that may involve the use of photographs and/or video recordings, in print or electronically, in connection with my participation in program activities at Karme Choling. I understand and agree that I will not receive any payments for the possible commercial use of my likeness.

When you have completed the required forms you can finalize your answers and submit the form. If the form won't submit, you may have missed signing one of the pages.