Guiding Principles & Policies
Guiding Principles
At the Asian Classics Institute, we ground our community in a set of guiding principles that reflect not only ancient Asian wisdom but also the values of respect, integrity, and care we want to bring into daily life together.
We see these as the ways that we care, as practices that help us create a safe, welcoming, and trustworthy space for everyone.
These guiding principles invite us to:
Refrain from harming or killing, honoring the preciousness of life.
Respect what belongs to others, cultivating generosity instead of taking what has not been given.
Bring integrity and care into our relationships, avoiding sexual misconduct.
Speak truthfully, building trust through honesty and kindness.
Keep our minds clear and steady by avoiding intoxicants, supporting mindfulness and presence.
Together, these five principles form a shared commitment to kindness, integrity, and community well-being. They remind us that how we treat one another—through our words, choices, and actions—shapes the environment we are creating together. By holding to these simple yet profound practices, we nurture a community where everyone can feel safe, respected, and inspired to grow.
Policies
In addition to our guiding principles, the Asian Classics Institute maintains a set of formal policies that provide clarity and consistency for everyone involved in our community—whether as staff, teachers, students, volunteers, or board members. These policies help us ensure safety, accountability, and fairness, while supporting the values of respect, integrity, and care that guide our work.