Introduction
The rules of the Order are a practical extension of the Buddhist Precepts. They embody the founding principles of the Order which, in addition to the Precepts, are: The Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha; the practice of Serene Reflection Meditation; and the teachings of its Founder, Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett.
These rules are not private and are available for anyone to read at any temple of the Order. Since the Rules are over forty pages in length, this overview is provided to give a sense of what the rules cover.
In the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives, as in all Zen traditions, the teaching is based on the transmission from master to disciple. The Head of the Order and chief priests of temples are given considerable latitude in how they interpret and implement the rules, always with the intent of carefully keeping to their spirit and doing what will be for the good of all in the day-to-day matters at hand.
To Whom the Rules Apply
The rules of the Order govern only the conduct of members of the Order, that is, monks, postulants, and lay ministers: those who officially represent the Order actively or by example. They do not govern the conduct of lay congregation members who are not postulants or lay ministers. Where they exist, rules that may apply directly to lay congregation members are in the rules of the individual temples and meditation groups. These sets of rules are different from the Rules of the Order and may vary somewhat from temple to temple. They must, however, be in accord with the Rules of the Order.
General Outline of the Rules
There are fifteen sections to the Rules. Most govern the conduct of ordained members of the Order, that is, full priests and novices. Some of the rules that govern the priesthood are important for congregation members to be aware of because they cover situations that affect the congregation. These include rules on confidentiality of communications, celibacy, and misconduct by members of the Order.
The rules that apply to lay ministers are important since lay ministers represent the Order and are an example of one form of lay training as practiced in the Order. These rules cover such things as what a lay minister is authorized to do, commitment to the Order’s form of religious practice, the importance of keeping the Precepts in one’s private as well as public life, and circumstances whereby a lay minister may be asked to cease representing the Order. Other rules that may be important to know about are those governing what activities are permitted or not permitted in a temple of the Order including matters relating to health and safety, laws of the land, and political and social action.
Rules on Confidentiality of Communications
The Rules require that spiritual communications with a priest or lay minister are confidential. In the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives it is not a breach of confidentiality for a priest to consult with teachers or masters, and for a lay minister to consult with another lay minister, or a teacher or master. In the rare and very serious situations where more harm may be done by remaining silent, a priest or lay minister must follow his or her conscience, and may, usually after taking advice from teachers or masters of the Order, divulge confidential information.
Rules on Celibacy
The Rules require that all priests of the Order are celibate and that all postulants remain celibate during the period of their postulancy. Lay ministers are not expected to practice celibacy. They are expected to understand and practice the Buddhist Precept on refraining from sexual activity which may cause harm to themselves or others.
Rules Regarding Misconduct by a Member of the Order
Four important rules that congregation members may wish to be aware of are in Section IV, numbers 11, 12 and 13 and in Section XV, number 26. These rules address abuses of power, authority or trust, sexual harassment, and sexual abuse. They provide definitions of each of these types of misconduct and set forth procedures to follow if any such misconduct is potentially developing, has occurred, or if one believes that they are being suspected or accused of misconduct.
Other Important Rules
Several rules state clearly that the laws of the land must be consulted and respected. If a rule is found to be contrary to the law of the land, it must be reviewed and acted upon immediately by the Head of the Order.
There are a number of rules that address health and safety matters. In addition to requiring normal standards of cleanliness, health, and safety in temples, care is taken to ensure that people are not harmed by using meditation postures that may cause joint injuries, or by being required to meditate for too long at a time.
Section XIV of the Rules focuses primarily on priories and meditation groups. The rules in this section cover such matters as how a chief priest of a temple may be selected or removed, conduct of the chief priest and his or her authority, what activities a temple is expected to offer, what activities are not permitted, and who may teach meditation.
Rule number 20 of this section states that the purpose of a temple of the Order is solely for the practice of religion. “Although political or social action functions may in themselves be worthwhile, it is important that the religious purpose of the temple not be diluted. Therefore, temple buildings and grounds are not to be used for political or social action functions.”
Several rules cover matters relating to finances and property. Temples and meditation groups must follow good accounting practices and there must always be careful separation between temple funds and property and personal funds and property.
