Our Ethics

Introduction

As members of this community, it is our aim to uphold a high standard for our spiritual practices and offerings and to provide for the transformation and evolution of all persons seeking enlightenment. We seek to refine our consciousness to make aware choices and act from a place of deep listening and inner presence that is informed by our love of the Divine Manifestation of Life in all of its aspects; to love the Earth, love all beings in existence and non-existence, including oneself; to love and respect all brothers and sisters, accept the truth of one’s divinity and one’s faults, and learn to embody forgiveness, compassion, and humility.

The principles here ask us to live with sincerity and respect for one another and to clear up any misunderstandings that might occur (as stated in The Decree of Mestre Irineu). This spiritual direction recognises our humanity, and therefore our tendency to make mistakes; it indicates where the moral line of behaviour is drawn, and what to do when a mistake is made. Our Code of Ethics outlines areas of behaviour and interaction that are potentially vulnerable and gives guidelines for healthy boundaries and behaviour.

Intention

Members and participants of our internal works are asked to serve their life and community in ways that reflect honesty, integrity, and wisdom.

Financial

We agree to be honest in our financial dealings and at all times maintain clear and honest business practices. In the spirit of service, we strive to accommodate our local San Marquense brothers and sisters to attend should they exhibit interest. We endeavour to make these meetings as affordable as possible to our demographic with consideration of the costs involved in offering these services.

We respect the sacredness of the spiritual work and therefore avoid the promotion of products or services or the solicitation or exploitation of members and visitors in any form in the vicinity of the Works. We endeavour to ensure honourable financial practices regarding the planting, harvesting and production of the sacred plants used in the making of our sacrament.

Harassment/Discrimination

We agree to provide an environment that is free of harassment of any form including discrimination because of age, sex, religion, creed, ethnic origin, or sexual orientation. To protect the welfare of all people, we realize that inappropriate sexual relations or the imposition of opinions, prejudices, or personal preferences of any kind are detrimental to the welfare of the individual and the community.

Participants Rights

We seek to preserve the autonomy and dignity of each person. Participation in the Works must be voluntary and based on prior disclosure and consent given individually by each participant. Participants must also be advised that participation can be difficult as well as transformative. No claims are made for healing or promoted as “shamanic” and the Works are not intended to be a replacement for any medical or psychological treatment or support. Limits on the behaviours of participants and community members are to be made clear and agreed upon in advance. All reasonable measures will be taken to ensure each participant’s health and safety during the Works and during the vulnerable periods that may unfold.

Integrity

To maintain integrity within our community, we agree to assist with only those practices for which we are qualified by personal experience, training, and education. It is usually not constructive or necessary to talk about other people. We agree to speak that which is true and necessary, to refrain from gossip in our community, to cultivate conscious and clear communication, and to cultivate the qualities of honesty and kindness as the basis for our speech. We recognise that competition, mistrust, or the spreading of rumours destroys the spirit of kindness and union which is the heart of our spiritual beliefs. In the event of a conflict or interpersonal difficulties, we strive to first resolve the problem directly with the individual. If the situation does not resolve we agree to seek counsel and/or guidance while maintaining sincerity and respect regarding the matter.

We strive to be aware of how our own belief systems, values, needs, and limitations affect us, and therefore our ability to serve others. We are willing to examine our own motives, and practise self-reflection, and we subscribe to the value of self-examination in order to promote personal growth in ethics. When uncertain whether a particular situation or course of action would violate the Code of Ethics, we agree to consult with appropriate counsel in order to choose a proper response. If a situation arises whereby the Code of Ethics has been violated, we agree to practice truth-telling and agree to seek help to remedy the situation.

Tolerance

We agree to practice openness and respect toward people whose beliefs are in contradiction to our own. We share our teachings with those who seek this path and these truths with humility and subscribe to the tenant not to proselytise, evangelise, or advertise our offerings except for within our private and online community groups. To help safeguard against the harmful consequences of personal and organisational ambition we avoid active promotion of the Centre, beyond this site.