Code of Ethics

Introduction

As members of this community, it is our aim to uphold the traditions of the Santo Daime and to provide for the transformation and evolution of all persons seeking enlightenment. We desire to live the teachings of the Santo Daime, love the Divine Creator, love the Earth, love all beings in creation, including oneself, 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 of the Santo Daime ask us to live with sincerity and respect with one another, and to clear up any misunderstandings that might occur (as stated in The Decree of Mestre Irineu). This spiritual direction recognizes our humanity, and therefore our tendency to make mistakes; it indicates where the moral line of behavior is drawn, and what to do when a mistake is made. The Code of Ethics outlines areas of behavior and interaction that are potentially vulnerable and gives guidelines for healthy boundaries and behaviour.

Intention

Members of the community are to serve in ways that reflect honesty, integrity, and wisdom.

Money

We agree to respect the property of others, to assist in bringing consciousness to the use of all the earth’s resources, to be honest in our dealings with money, and at all times maintain clear and honest business practices. In the spirit of service we strive to accommodate participants regardless of their ability to pay or make donations. We also 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 endeavor to ensure honourable financial practices regarding the planting, harvesting and production of the sacred plants used in the making of the Santo Daime sacrament.

Harassment/Discrimination

We agree to provide an environment that is free of harassment of any form including discrimination because of age, gender, 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, is 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. Disclosure shall include discussion of any elements of the religious ceremonies that may present physical or psychological risks, including medication contraindications and dietary considerations. Consent shall include signed consent forms, as well as general guidelines for the Works. Participants must also be advised that participation can be difficult and transformative. The Santo Daime is a religion and the Works are religious services; no claims are made for healing 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 follow.

Integrity

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 recognize 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 conflict or interpersonal difficulties, we first strive to 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, practice 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.

Competence

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. Peer feedback is essential for community health, as is individual willingness to recognize and address issues of projection, transference, and counter-transference. This includes personal, monetary, religious, racial, or sexual considerations. We acknowledge the need to ask for assistance, training, or supervision where necessary to maintain this integrity.

Tolerance

We agree to practice openness and respect toward people whose beliefs are in contradiction to our own. We share the teachings of the Santo Daime with those who seek this path and these truths, while recognizing that proselytizing is forbidden. To help safeguard against the harmful consequences of personal and organizational ambition we avoid active promotion of the Church.

Substance Use

The use of alcohol or any illegal substances during the Works or in the vicinity of the Works is forbidden.