DOCUMENTS
Articles of Incorporation Shasta Abbey is a 501(c)3 tax exempt non-profit organization, incorporated in the State of California since 1976. We are grateful to be able to train in a country that allows freedom of religion and offers generous tax considerations for nonprofit organizations and those kind donors who support such organizations with donations, whether financial donations or offerings of in-kind materials or services. Please contact the Executive Secretary or the Bursar should you have any questions.
Confidentiality Statement Monks at Shasta Abbey observe the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives’ Policy on Confidentiality.
STATEMENT OF INCLUSION
Suffering is a human condition which can be worsened because of biases or prejudices for or against any race, ethnic origin, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, political party, or other belief or position which separates the One Buddha Mind into many. We welcome all who come through our gates and are respectful of others.
THE SHASTA ABBEY ETHICS REFUGE
The Shasta Abbey Ethics Refuge was set up in 2011 when it became clear that there was a need to have a place for people to go with ethical concerns related to Shasta Abbey and its wider Sangha. Its members are Anne Johnson, Marty Sochet, Rev. Master Amanda Robertson, Rev. Allard Kieres, and Rev. Vera Giordano. The Refuge meets several times a year to respond to someone’s query, but more often to support the ongoing work of clarifying our purpose and to discuss topics relevant to ethical issues in a Buddhist Sangha.
We would like the lay sangha in particular to be aware of the Refuge so they can feel at ease if they have ethical concerns. There are brochures about the Ethics Refuge available in the Abbey’s Guesthouse (the Vimalakirti Hall), and on the bulletin board outside the Skanda Hall (the Abbey’s dining room/kitchen). In June 2016 we had a meeting of monks and lay Sangha focusing on how we can air concerns about the behavior of fellow Sangha members without breaking the Precept on speaking against others. The Ethics Refuge meets regularly and welcomes peoples’ concerns.
If you have an ethical concern within the Shasta Abbey Sangha, please contact the Shasta Abbey Ethics Refuge. The Shasta Abbey Ethics Refuge members are Anne Johnson, Marty Sochet, Rev. Master Amanda Robertson, Rev. Allard Kieres, and Rev. Vera Giordano. Our purpose is “to offer a Dharma refuge to anyone who has a current ethical concern within the Shasta Abbey Sangha, and to promote trust, truthfulness and harmony within the fourfold Sangha.” We are happy to hear from anyone with a concern, a suggestion, advice, or questions. To email, please use the Shasta Abbey Ethics Refuge form, or any individual on the Refuge may be contacted directly. For further information, please read the Shasta Abbey Ethics Refuge Brochure.