Safe Buddhism Website Initiative
As mentioned in the August BSWA eNews there is the intention to create a “Safe Buddhism” website (before the end of November) — an independent platform to promote safety, transparency, and ethical conduct in Buddhist communities across Australia.. It will offer resources on the Vinaya, Codes of Conduct, dispute resolution, and support pathways that align with Australian law and good governance.
There are 6 elements proposed for the Safe Buddhism website
The first 4 ought not produce too much difficulty as they are either available now, or will be relatively easy to upload. A monastic will assist with the first 4 elements for clarity and accuracy.
The first 4 are as follows:
- Inspect the Vinaya of all Traditions and clearly understand the vows of a Monastic.
- Understand the importance of a Code of Conduct in every Buddhist location.
- Provide guidelines on Dispute resolution (where necessary) and the multiple paths, including external resources, presently available.
- Post Non harm statements from Elders in their Tradition – clarifying their position that Abuse is not acceptable in any circumstance.
This is an appeal for professional resources that can assist the creation of content where we are under-resourced (with regard to the remaining 2 elements – in bold), or not sufficiently competent:
- A web developer and designer that can oversee the design and integration of the required elements.
- A qualified professional who has experience in establishing a confidential portal for reporting serious abuse – and how it will be followed up by Independent and professional personnel.
- A counsellor qualified in facilitating a Victim and Survivors group, and aware of Support services and Resources – to assist recovery.
Aims of the Safe Buddhism Initiative:
- The initiative will allow any Australian to check examples of the Vinaya and Codes of Conduct that ought to be publicly available in any Buddhist location that they choose to frequent.
- Some pointers on how Disputes ought to be resolved in Australia can be shared.
- In the event of serious harm or abuse the website can indicate the processes that should be available to an individual through the organisation’s Constitution; Dispute resolution procedures; Mediation; and State based law.
- Access to a qualified and supportive Victim and Survivors group will be established.
Please email silaforsbi@gmail.com if you can assist.
Venerable Mettaji
August 2025