Our differences are not obstacles to friendship, but opportunities to put the Buddha-dharma into practice. When we listen without dismissing, disagree without hostility, and learn from one another without imposing our views, we cultivate patience, humility, compassion, and wisdom. Sustaining admirable friendship across Buddhist traditions gives living expression to our conviction that the Dharma cannot be confined to any single tradition or outward expression. Harmony need not mean uniformity; it can grow through mutual respect and a shared commitment to reducing suffering.

Our community was initiated by individuals committed to studying, practicing, and sharing the Buddha’s teachings. Our practice is grounded in the foundations of early Buddhism—the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, and the cultivation of ethical conduct, meditative concentration, and wisdom—while some of us embrace the Mahayana bodhisattva aspiration. This orientation guides our community without the requirement that others set aside their own traditions.

Within our community, we honor both the arahant ideal and the bodhisattva path. Those who follow the arahant ideal seek liberation through the complete ending of greed, hatred, and delusion, while cultivating compassion and supporting others in the Dhamma. Those who follow the bodhisattva path cultivate bodhicitta—the aspiration to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all beings—and uphold the bodhisattva vows. We respect these distinct aspirations without requiring everyone to adopt the same goal or vows. Together, we put the teachings into practice through generosity, ethical conduct, meditation, wisdom, and everyday acts of care, encouraging one another on the path toward freedom from suffering.

To uphold this commitment, the initiators identify as dharmacārīs—practitioners of the Buddha’s teachings. We regard śīla—ethical conduct, integrity, and responsibility—as a foundation of Buddhist practice. We seek to align every aspect of our lives with śīla, including our thoughts, speech, relationships, livelihood, consumption, and use of time and resources. Through non-harming, honesty, restraint, compassion, and mindful responsibility, we continually examine our intentions and choices. In this way, ethical living supports the development of a calm and clear mind, strengthens meditation and wisdom, and enables us to contribute to the well-being and liberation of all beings.

As lay practitioners, we support ourselves through work and livelihood, and seek to embody samyag-ājīva (Right Livelihood) in practical ways. We aim to earn a living honestly, without exploitation, deception, violence, or participation in activities that cause serious harm to people, animals, or the wider world.  We maintain a simple lifestyle and vegetarian diet. Through study, meditation, ethical livelihood, and service, we seek to nurture a community where wisdom and compassion grow together, and where admirable friendship bridges differences without erasing them. We dedicate the goodness of our practice to the liberation of all beings.