the preceptors retreat had two main components: a discussion of the criteria that each private preceptor is asked to fulifil: and the bodhisattva-samvarasila, the ‘precepts’ of the bodhisattva.

We want to make sure that, when public and private preceptors are appointed, they have as wide a basis of agreement and support as possible within the Order and beyond. Before we recommend someone to the College as a private preceptor, we like to hear what others have to say.  We ask them to write to those Order Members, Mitras and Friends who know them well, and with whom they may have a connection, or perhaps difficulties. 

We’ve gone to some trouble to make sure the discussion is a helpful one for everyone involved. Locana, who is a trainer in non-violent communication helped to write this most recent set of questions that, with the consent of the proposed preceptor, the order is asked to consider.

a

Have you seen the person working effectively as a kalyana mitra?

How have they worked with the complexities of kalyana mitra relationships and with people’s projections? Are you aware of anything problematic in their relation to those less experienced that might have a bearing on a relationship with someone they might ordain?

b

Have they shown an understanding of their own character and personal conditioning?

c

How have they shown skill in communication?

Have you experienced an openness to criticism and comment?

d

Do you have a sense of a strong and deep spiritual practice, especially meditation practice?

Have you noticed anything in their spiritual life, their practice, or their views, that might lessen their ability to act as a preceptor? How have you seen their experience of the dharma showing in their lives?

e

Have you noticed their ethical practice to be consistently skillful? How have you seen this expressed by them ?

If you are aware of serious ethical breaches from the past, have you seen them do what they can to clear them up? Are you aware of unresolved issues?

f

Do you have a sense that they are in harmony with the spirit of the Order? Are there specific instances which bear this out? How are they active in the life of the Order? Have you seen or heard of any serious difficulties with other order members, especially other preceptors? Have they done what they can to resolve those?

g

Do you think they’ll be able to work with other public and private preceptors to support the unity of the order and common standards of ordination?

h

Are you aware of anyone else who we should talk to who might have an objection, for example a Mitra, a Friend, even an ex-Mitra or Friend?

on the retreat we discussed each of these questions in small groups. we reflected on our own practice and our communication with others, and discussed the feedback we had from others, which was sometimes obvious, sometimes bewildering, sometimes helped and sometimes hurt.