Open Mind Zen Louisville is an affiliate of Open Mind Zen Meditation International, and is bound by the ethics and grievance policy and procedures of that organization. Please see the policy linked below.
Angie Reed Shinho Garner teaches under the supervision of Roshi Al Rapaport. He may be contacted at OpenMindZen@aol.com
Open Mind Zen Ethics Policy
The intent of this policy is to nourish and protect the treasure of Sangha and to promote harmonious relationships among all its members and participants.
A compassionate standard of behavior is expected from everyone who participates in Open Mind Zen (OMZ) activities. This standard is based on respect for each person as a unique expression of Buddha nature regardless of age, race, gender, ethnic background, religious background, appearance, sexual orientation, physical abilities, political beliefs, social class, or occupation.
For your reference, the latest ethics policy can be found here: https://openmindzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Ethics-Policy-Draft-2022-01-02-v4-Signed.pdf
The OMZL Sangha Committee [OMZL-SC or SC] consists of committed volunteer members of OMZL, who strive to set up appropriate processes and policy for the sangha while learning and adjusting to the present moment.
The present members are: Daniel Burford, Jane Nicklaw, and Lisa Steelsmith.
Mission Statement
Our foremost concern is to provide a safe, positive, and equitable space for all to practice. The SC will work together to bring any concerns, ideas, and challenges—from the infinitely subtle to the incomparably profound—to the teacher's attention and collaborate with the teacher and the sangha to address them. Any requests made to one committee member will be shared with the others, so as to form a cohesive, appropriate response.
It is the sincere intention of the SC to foster an environment where all practitioners feel valued, heard, and respected, and to amplify marginalized voices. Our aim is to engage in the work of the committee by practicing the Bodhisattva Vows: liberating sentient beings, transforming delusions, studying practice paths, and embodying the enlightened way.
Daniel
danieluburford@gmail.com
Lisa
lsteelsmith@gmail.com
Jane
for.sweetjane@yahoo.com
Open Mind Zen Louisville Intoxicants Policy
[This policy exists thanks to much effort from the OMZL Sangha Committee and many individual conversations with OMZL members about how to care for sangha and respect individual choice, responsibility and freedom.]
The following expectations apply equally to all participants in OMZL activities, regardless of time in training, personal history, and comfort levels with intoxicants.
Do not use intoxicants before (the day of) or during sangha activities.
For multi-day retreats, this means zero use of intoxicants during the retreat, including the evenings. If you use, please accept that your retreat experience is over.
Do not use OMZL activities and retreats to try to detox or quit an addiction.
Caffeine, nicotine, and prescribed medications are not covered by this policy, though they have impacts for training. If prescribed cannabis, please use edibles instead of smoking as is possible for the sake of others’ well-being. Carefully respect smoking/non-smoking locations.
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Sekisô said, ‘What are you doing?’ Zengen said, ‘I am seeking the sacred bones of our late Master.’ Sekisô said, ‘On the billows of the great ocean, whitecaps swell to the sky. What sacred bones of our late master are you looking for?’ Zengen said, ‘This is good for my training.’ Daigenfu said, ‘The late master’s sacred bones still exist.’ —Case 55, Blue Cliff Record
May I cultivate a mind that sees clearly. This is the precept of Not Being Ignorant. —5th Grave Precept
This policy exists so that you may make informed decisions about your choice to participate in OMZL activities, and know what is expected of you for the duration of your participation. The expectations above apply to you and to all people in OMZL space.
Intoxicants function in a variety of ways, but they reduce awareness of pain and suffering—suffering both of the self and that of others. We can’t train with reduced awareness.
Zen training is not a bypass for addressing chemical dependency. If you are struggling with chemical dependency, the zendo isn’t enough support. At certain moments in recovery, Zen training may not be any support at all but a source of additional frustration and suffering. Focus first on sobriety, then cautiously bring in Zen training to support sobriety.
Abstinence is not required or expected in our lay lineage tradition. Personal responsibility and self-knowledge are essential. Meanwhile, these capacities can’t be taken for granted. Clear seeing and self-awareness are fragile gifts.
Thus we practice and take refuge to stay grounded in reality. The story of our White Plum founding teacher Taizan Maezumi Roshi offers equal parts inspiration and caution for individuals and sanghas.