In order to maintain a safe refuge for meditation, Kalaripayatt/ Martial Arts practices, Kalari Chikilsa / healing practices, and contemplative experiences, we join together in living by a Code of Ethics during our time at Dharmikam Ashram and the Indian School of Martial Arts (ISMA).
We are an institution steeped in the Spiritual traditions in which values, ethics and the sanctity of all life are the basis from which we conduct ourselves and our foundation. For this reason, we follow a strict Code of Ethics. This code applies to all management, teachers, students, staff, guests, residents, retreat participants, and visitors.
It encodes our intentions and aspirations, provides guidelines for ethical behavior, and clearly prohibits certain behaviors and actions. As individuals, as a community, and as an organization, we commit to the Code of Ethics, and we will use the formal Grievance Policy to hold ourselves accountable for harm created by ethical violations.
The Code of Ethics is an evolving standard of values and principles that we commit to as individuals, an organization and a community.
Prohibited through the Code of Ethics would be any action or words considered to be discriminatory to individuals based on ability, age, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and other such marginalization and unethical behavior. Prohibited behavior and conduct includes, but is not limited to, physical harm, sexual misconduct, destructive or deceptive speech, verbal or emotional abuse, harassment, discrimination, and violence of any kind.
The behavior and conduct outlined that is clearly prohibited may result in remedial or legal actions.
When deep healing and contemplation occurs in an energetically vibrant environment, one can experience heightened states of awareness, feelings, emotions, sense perception, and elevated states of consciousness. This can be a vulnerable process which requires a compassionate response and a strong ethical foundation to protect the welfare of individuals. We will lovingly support the healing process and will not misrepresent the benefits of Kalaripayatt/ Kalari Chikilsa.
We aspire to cultivate an environment promoting mutual respect, truthful interaction, inclusivity, diversity and in service to the genuine integrity and harmony of the community.
We are sensitive to the power imbalance that can exist within the teacher/ student relationship and we intend to raise awareness of this issue through the Code of Ethics. We maintain sensitivity to cultural differences.
We respect the wisdom of the Spiritual teachings. We will not misuse the power assumed by our role within a retreat setting, by our professional position at Dharmikam Ashram/ ISMA, or by our wider cultural status. Instead, we will utilize our increased influence to prevent harm, empower others, and serve them in their practice of awakening to their own innate healing and self-transformation.
We practice humility and generosity, and honor, accept and respect our fellow human beings.
We hold ourselves accountable as an organization and we expect everyone who comes to Dharmikam Ashram /ISMA to honor these ethical commitments in both word and deed.
Detailed institutional Anti-Harassment, Ethical Guidelines and Grievance Policies should be read and signed every year by all students, management and guests at the Ashram.