Community of Mindfulness New London
A Plum Village-Inspired Sangha

As members and leaders of the Community of Mindfulness New London, we enter into this shared
covenant with the intention to nourish mindfulness, compassion, inclusivity, and ethical integrity in our
practice and in our relationships with one another. Rooted in the engaged Buddhist teachings of Zen
Master Thich Nhat Hanh, our ethical foundation draws upon the Plum Village Tradition, the East Bay
Meditation Center’s Agreements for Multicultural Interactions, and Still Mind Zendo’s Code of Ethical
Conduct.

I. Our Shared Commitment

We, as a community, vow to uphold and embody the following principles:

1. Mindfulness in All We Do
   We commit to cultivating presence and awareness in every action, word, and thought. Our
   meditation, daily living, and community interactions are grounded in mindfulness, allowing us
   to develop insight, joy, and peace.
2. Compassion and Non-Harming
   We recognize suffering in ourselves and others, and respond with understanding and loving-
   kindness. We refrain from actions, speech, or behaviors that cause harm—physically,
   emotionally, or spiritually.
3. Inclusivity and Respect for Diversity
   We welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. We strive to create a
   safe and accessible environment for all, honoring the dignity and uniqueness of every
   individual.
4. Interbeing and Simplicity
   We acknowledge our deep interconnectedness with all beings and the Earth. We practice
   simplicity, sustainability, and gratitude, embracing a lifestyle that supports collective well-being.
5. Ethical Speech and Deep Listening
   We are mindful in our communication, practicing loving speech and deep listening. We avoid
   gossip, harsh language, and reactive speech, choosing instead to speak and listen with clarity,
   care, and intention.
6. Accountability and Integrity
   We take responsibility for our actions and acknowledge the impact they have on others. We
   seek to correct harm when it occurs and participate in practices of reconciliation and healing.
7. Healthy Boundaries and Right Relationship
   We recognize the power dynamics that can arise in spiritual communities. We refrain from
   misuse of authority, and maintain appropriate ethical, emotional, and sexual boundaries in all
   relationships, especially in roles of leadership, mentorship, or teaching.

II. Guidelines for Sangha Members and Facilitators

In alignment with our values and the spirit of the Five Mindfulness Trainings, we:

1. Uphold confidentiality and protect the privacy of members in sharing circles or private
   conversations.
2. Foster a culture of consent, especially around physical touch, emotional sharing, or
   invitations to deeper connection.
3. Acknowledge and challenge implicit bias and systemic forms of oppression in ourselves
   and our structures.
4. Remain open to feedback, engage in self-reflection, and participate in restorative processes
   when needed.
5. Practice Mindful/Active Listening and do our best to practice curiosity and bear witness to
   what others are saying, even when in disagreement. We try to avoid planning what we’ll say as
   we listen to others and refrain from interrupting or speaking over others.
6. Practice Self-Focus and speak about our own experiences and responses, using “I”
   statements. And refrain from speaking for a whole group or expressing assumptions about the
   experience of others. Please share openly and honestly while trying to stay connected with
   heart, mind, body, and spirit.
7. Practice compassionate presence, exercising nonjudgmental compassion toward ourselves
   and others. We honor and respect our experience as our own & honor and respect others’
   experiences as their own. We practice vulnerability and avoid criticizing the way others and
   ourselves show up.
8. Acknowledge power and difference, making room to notice our differences, the ones we
   were born with and the ones that human society has constructed. We aim to be reflective of
   and sensitive to the differences in our social contexts, our legacies, our lands, and our material
   conditions. As we come from many different parts of the globe, we work to cultivate openness
   and curiosity about each other’s worlds and the social, spiritual, political, environmental,
   economic, and historical forces that shape it.
9. Take care of ourselves, our well-being, and our boundaries. We exercise caution and
   discernment if we feel unsafe or hurt. It is more than okay to step back, redirect attention, or
   even to decide that a gathering is not suitable.

III. Responding to Harm or Conflict

If harm or conflict arises within the Sangha:

1. We first turn inward, practicing mindfulness and compassion toward our own reactivity.
2. We seek resolution through dialogue, supported by deep listening and loving speech.
3. When needed, we may request the presence of a neutral facilitator or ethics committee to
   support resolution.
4. All concerns regarding misconduct—especially those involving power imbalance, abuse, or
   discrimination—are taken seriously and addressed in a timely, confidential, and
   compassionate manner.
5. If needed, we will turn to the All Souls Unitarian Universalist SAFER CONGREGATIONS
   POLICIES & PROCEDURES

IV. Ongoing Practice and Collective Responsibility

Ethics is not static—it is a living, breathing part of our mindfulness journey. As a community, we:

1. Commit to revisiting and renewing this covenant regularly.
2. Encourage ethical education, reflection, and peer support among members and facilitators.
3. Celebrate the joy, beauty, and transformation that arise when we live with integrity, awareness,
   and love.

With open hearts and clear intention, we walk this path together—cultivating peace in
ourselves and in the world.

In the spirit of mindfulness, compassion, and interbeing,
The Community of Mindfulness New London