Disagreements and conflict arise in zen communities as in any other setting. Part of our practice involves learning how to skillfully address disagreements and conflicts in ways that strengthen relationships and our community. We value honesty and support engaging in respectful communication between members of the sangha to discuss conflicts and disagreements. We encourage members to respectfully communicate with other members to communicate concerns, discuss disagreements, and seek improved understanding which will ideally strengthen relationships and the community.

The following protocol has been drafted to encourage members of the AZC community to take the initiative for informal, face-to-face communication when there is disagreement or conflict. It offers a respectful and considerate way to promote resolution and restore harmony in accord with our values and practices. This protocol is a work in progress; you are encouraged to take it up as a form for resolving conflict, and to make suggestions for changes and improvements.

Members may:

choose to consider the information here and initiate a discussion with a person with whom there is a disagreement or conflict;
choose to consult with a practice leaders or ombudsman about the disagreement or conflict for support in discussing a disagreement or conflict with someone in the sangha; or
if members feel an issue, disagreement or conflict merits it, pursue a formal grievance. It is recommended that if possible, an informal discussion be explored before a formal grievance is filed, however such an exploration is not a prerequisite for pursuing a formal grievance.

If you have a conflict or concern you wish to address with a member of the community…

Preparation

Reflect on the potential benefits of having a conversation to address the issue or concern. There may also be potential drawbacks, or better ways to address the issue.
In preparing for the conversation, consider the other person’s perspective; reflect on your own part in the conflict; and keep in mind that you don’t know what you don’t know.
Consider checking in with a trusted third party (e.g. a practice leader, friend, or conflict resolution facilitator) who can serve as a confidential sounding board and provide impartial, compassionate feedback or guidance to you. In enlisting this person’s support, be clear that you wish to avoid gossip or other divisive dynamics.
Respectfully request a conversation. Briefly state the issue and share your intention, if possible in terms of a shared value or goal, so the other person has a chance to reflect before the meeting. For example, “Could we meet to talk about _______ so we can continue our work together better?”
Set a time and place, and decide if you would like a neutral third party to witness or facilitate.

The Conversation Itself

You may wish to begin by bowing, thanking the other person for agreeing to the conversation, acknowledging discomfort, or sitting quietly for a moment before beginning.
Share your intentions for meeting together.
Assume positive intent on the part of the other, and be curious and open. Be sensitive to cultural differences and different communication styles.
Share your view of the situation using “I” language, owning your own perspective and experience. Describe how the situation has affected you, emotionally and/or functionally. Make an effort to let go (or acknowledge the presence) of assumptions, interpretations, judgment, and blame.
Ask the other to share their perspective and experience. Listen carefully, and be prepared to work towards a mutually beneficial solution.
At the end of the meeting, check for mutual understanding, agree on next steps, and determine how and when you will follow up with each other. Decide together if the results of your discussion will affect others, and if so, what should be communicated to them (e.g., to inform others who are aware of the conflict that it has been resolved). Clarify whether the conversation will otherwise remain confidential.

If you are the receiver of a concern from another member of the community…

Preparing

Prepare by reviewing this communication protocol, and consider checking in with a
trusted third party, as above.
Assume positive intent on the part of the person who has initiated the conversation. Think of it a learning conversation, and cultivate an attitude of respect, curiosity, openness, and empathy.

The Conversation Itself

1. Listen without interrupting, except to ask brief clarifying questions. Notice any new
information you have gained. Accept the person’s narrative as something that is true for them. 2. Reflect back what you have heard, checking for accuracy and completeness. 3. Share your perspective on the situation and its impact on you. Be prepared to discuss possible solutions. 4. At the end of the meeting, check for mutual understanding. If necessary, agree on next steps and determine how you will follow up with each other. Decide whether the result of your discussion will affect others, and if so, what should be communicated to them. Clarify whether the conversation will otherwise remain confidential.

If both parties make a good faith effort to resolve the problem, but are unable to do so, options include (all with mutual agreement):

• Enlist the support of an impartial third party (e.g., someone trusted by both parties, conflict resolution facilitator, or practice leader).
• Take a break and return to the issue at a later date.
• Respectfully disagree, let it go, and move on.
• Raise the issue with a decision-maker (e.g., Director or supervisor) if there are questions about sangha policy or job descriptions, or other issues under the responsibility of AZC (e.g., zendo practices, AZC living arrangements, etc.).
Reminders
• Conflict and disagreement are inevitable parts of living and working with other people. It is potentially very productive, and can help deepen our intimacy and ease with each other.
• Communicating in conflict is a practice, and it may take time to develop skills in this area. The more you practice, the easier it will become.