NBEF Dhamma Teacher Service and Representation Policy

NBEF Dhamma teachers share a responsibility to preserve the integrity of the Buddha’s teaching and maintain the trust of the practitioners they serve. This policy clarifies the standards under which teachers serve within NBEF and distinguishes NBEF service from their independent activities.

NBEF provides instruction without charge to individual practitioners. NBEF does not provide instruction to businesses or other outside organizations.

Active NBEF Dhamma teachers ordinarily volunteer approximately one to two hours per week teaching or supporting NBEF practitioners. Reasonable periods of leave are permitted when personal circumstances require.

Teaching within NBEF is offered as service. NBEF Dhamma teachers do not request or accept fees, honoraria, donations, gifts, or other compensation for teaching NBEF practitioners. An occasional modest meal or tea may be accepted when freely offered, provided that it is never requested, expected, or treated as payment. Other personal gifts connected with NBEF teaching are not accepted.

When teaching NBEF practitioners as volunteers, teachers may identify themselves as NBEF Dhamma Teachers. Outside NBEF, they may truthfully state as part of their credentials that they have been recognized by NBEF as Dhamma Teachers. This credential does not indicate that their independent teaching or other activities are conducted, sponsored, or approved by NBEF.

NBEF Dhamma teachers remain free to teach independently outside NBEF on a volunteer, donation-supported, or paid basis, and they may use teaching and practice methods learned through NBEF. To maintain a clear distinction between NBEF and independent activities, the NBEF name and logo are reserved for authorized NBEF activities and may not be used to promote independent work.

The relationships and contact information developed through NBEF are held in trust for the benefit of its practitioners. They are not used to solicit NBEF practitioners for paid services or other personal business activities.

Each Dhamma teacher reviews and accepts this policy before being authorized to teach NBEF practitioners. Continued authorization reflects the teacher’s commitment to these shared standards. When necessary to preserve the integrity of NBEF and the welfare of its practitioners, authorization to teach on behalf of NBEF may be suspended or withdrawn.