Aim |  Policy Overview |  Important Information  |  Read our Policies  |  Share Feedback and Concerns Regarding FPMT Inc.

Aim

The FPMT organization is devoted to preserving and spreading Mahayana Buddhism worldwide by creating opportunities to listen, reflect, meditate, practice, and actualize the unmistaken teachings of the Buddha – and based on that experience spreading the Dharma to sentient beings. We are committed to creating harmonious environments and helping all beings develop their full potential of infinite wisdom and compassion.

Therefore, upholding an environment that is safe, respectful, and supportive of Dharma practice is a fundamental responsibility of each person in a position of authority within the FPMT network. Each such individual safeguards the community’s well-being and shares in the responsibility to foster an environment of integrity. This shared responsibility includes refraining from behavior that harms others or negatively affects the environment in which Dharma is practiced and taught.

We acknowledge that children, young people and adults can be the victims of physical, sexual and psychological abuse, and neglect.  We acknowledge that in a spiritual context it is also possible for people to experience coercive control if those in a position of trust misuse their power and influence. We recognize that communities can only function safely, fruitfully, and harmoniously when individual community members understand, value, and uphold healthy boundaries.

We are committed to protecting those interacting with FPMT Inc., and with the entities comprising the FPMT network, from abuse; and we are committed to enabling all staff and volunteers to act promptly and appropriately when dealing with allegations or suspicions of abuse.

Policy Overview

In support of these aims, FPMT Inc. has developed policy and training regarding standards of ethical behavior, and protecting FPMT communities from abuse.

Our main policies relating to this are the Ethical Policy, and the Protecting from Abuse policy. FPMT Inc. requires our affiliates (FPMT centers, projects, and services) to have these policies, and related procedures, in place. 

FPMT Inc. requires that all in a position of authority within FPMT Inc. and its affiliates sign an acknowledgment that they understand and will adhere to the FPMT Ethical policy, and the FPMT Protecting from Abuse policy. Those in a position of authority include: FPMT Inc. board and executive committee members; FPMT regional and national coordinators; FPMT affiliate board members, directors, and spiritual program coordinators; FPMT registered teachers and resident teachers. 

In addition, FPMT Inc. requires that the individuals in those roles complete our Protecting from Abuse training presentation within three months of beginning their role; and take the refresher training if they are still holding that role after three years.

FPMT Protecting from Abuse policy requires each FPMT entity to appoint four Designated Protection People, split between management and board. If the affiliate is managed by a very small team, it is acceptable to have only two Designated Protection People.

FPMT policy requires affiliates to use suitable channels, both in their premises and online, for informing staff, volunteers, and members of the public about who the designated protection persons are, and how to contact them.  This information must be provided alongside the Protecting from Abuse and Ethical policies, and how to securely and appropriately provide feedback and share concerns.

As FPMT study groups are probationary entities and so are not required to have a board, study groups may not wish or be able to appoint a Designated Protection Person.  In that case, if an allegation is made regarding the study group coordinator, this should be brought to the relevant FPMT national coordinator, or regional coordinator if there is no national coordinator.

FPMT Inc. is committed to respecting the right to confidentiality of everyone interacting with us. However it is sometimes necessary to share information to ensure a person’s well-being. There may be a statutory or legal requirement to inform the local authority and other relevant agencies to ensure protection from significant harm or abuse. Such sharing will only include those who need to know and the information necessary to ensure that the person is protected from harm and abuse, and that proper processes are followed if they have been abused.

We note that sometimes the term ‘safeguarding’ is used to describe everything we do to keep people safe, protect them from abuse and harm, and respond appropriately if anyone has been abused.

Important Information

We recognize that Dharma practice is powerful, and that the Buddhist world view can be very challenging.

Therefore we recommend that if you have a history of mental illness, please consult with your health care provider before engaging in any meditation practice. This is not to say that the meditations will be harmful to you, but meditation is a powerful tool and it’s better to proceed with care.

If at any time you feel you might be uncomfortable engaging in the meditation or practices offered by an FPMT program, course, or retreat, then we ask that you do not proceed until you feel secure and comfortable with proceeding further.

All FPMT programs, materials and advice should be understood as only providing spiritual advice to help you deepen your own Dharma practice and understanding. You are entirely responsible for how you choose to understand, misunderstand, use or misuse any of our programs and materials.

We can accept no responsibility for any adverse affects, direct or indirect, that may result from your use of the information on our website, programs, materials, or in any of our communications and events, both online and in person. Furthermore, we make no guarantees that any of the programs, advice and practice material we provide will function in any particular way for you. By using these, you agree that you use the information entirely at your own discretion.

In the event that engagement with FPMT teaching or retreat events, programs, advice and practice materials brings underlying issues to the surface, or reveals some form of mental or emotional disability, we recommend that you seek suitable professional support.

It is important to understand that FPMT Inc. staff, affiliate staff, and FPMT registered teachers are not offering, nor qualified to provide, professional therapeutic or counselling assistance. Although each individual is committed to fulfilling FPMT policy, and doing their best to interact with kindness and compassion, there will be limitations of time, resources, and skills. We cannot and will not operate beyond the limits of our own competency.  Designated Protection People can walk alongside, within our available resources, and can signpost, but not offer, therapeutic help. 

The FPMT mission and vision is vast.  However FPMT Inc.’s International Office is run by a small and dedicated team on a limited budget.  This is similar with most FPMT affiliates. Many affiliates are managed by and entirely dependent on volunteers.

Safe Recruitment
Staff, teachers, and volunteers within the FPMT organization are in a position of trust. We recognize that it is important that vetting processes are followed when appointing individuals to these positions of trust, in order to ensure that no one who may pose a risk of abuse or harm is put in such a position. 

Read Our Policies

We have listed our key policies, guidelines, and procedures here for easy reference.

• FPMT Ethical Policy
• Protecting from Abuse Policy
• Confidentiality Policy
• Safe Recruiting Guideline
• Data Privacy

Share Feedback and Concerns Regarding FPMT Inc.

• Compliments and Comments
• Complaints
• Concern Regarding Abuse

If your feedback or concern is related to an FPMT affiliate, please use that affiliate’s reporting channels.

International Office is open to suggestions for how our complaints and concerns regarding abuse procedures could be improved.