Buddhist Business Network

In line with the Buddha teachings in relation to business, BBN members are encouraged to follow the guidelines stipulated below:-

Rules & Regulations

1. Membership shall be confined to individuals who profess to be Buddhists. In this context, a Buddhist is defined as an individual who believes in the Four Noble Truths and takes refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.
   (Note:Dhamma - Teachings of the Buddha, Sangha - Community of monks)

2. Candidates must be briefed and made to understand the Code of Ethics before joining the group.

Code of Ethics

1. A member shall not divulge any information of the business dealings and activities of the group or personal information of members deemed
   confidential to any parties outside the group. (Reminder: Stick to Right Speech)

2. Members involved in any business transaction or members having knowledge of such transactions shall not divulge personal particulars, wealth and other privileged information of fellow members and details of such transactions deemed to be confidential to other members of the group or to any other parties. (Reminder: Stick to Right Speech)

3. A member shall not apply undue influence or pressure to secure any business deals or employment.

4. A member having an interest in a business deal shall not query a member having the authority to pre-qualify, grant, approve or award the deal in the way the deal is conducted.

5. A member having the authority to pre-qualify, grant or approve a business deal shall do so in a fair and just manner.

6. A member seeking employment shall not query a member having the authority to pre-qualify, approve or appoint staff in the way the interview or selection is conducted.

7. A member having the authority to pre-qualify, approve or appoint staff shall do so in a fair and just manner.

8. Members involved in a business deal or in an employment situation shall divulge all necessary information adequately, truthfully and fairly to each other to enable a fair and realistic agreement to materialize. When so requested, members shall give a true picture of their financial situation, job / business experience, capability, track record, manpower, business assets, and other details. (Reminder: Honour the 3rd Precept)

9. A member in the capacity of a pay-master shall have adequate funds or has made the necessary financial arrangement for the payment of services or products in a timely manner.

10. Members in the capacity of pay-masters who experience financial distress shall truthfully inform creditors and shall hold discussions with them to resolve the financial issue in an amicable manner.

11. Members shall adhere strictly to the terms and conditions agreed among themselves in any business deals and in this respect, they are strongly encouraged to specify the terms and conditions in written form, which may be an exchange of letters.

12. A member has the absolute right to have preference dealings with certain members or with parties outside the group, if his criteria are unable to be met. (Reminder: Refrain from Dosa (ill-will)

13. Members who are shareholders, directors and/or employees shall at all times maintain their integrity in so far as the company is managed. (Reminder: Honour the 2nd Precept)

14. A member shall not claim to represent the Buddhist Business Group to any parties outside the group.

15. Members are strongly discouraged to borrow money from other members, unless a cash flow problem arises due to unforeseen circumstances. Discouraging borrowing would ensure members plan their finances well and to prevent possible conflicts and Dosa (ill-will) from arising.

16. Business activities shall comply with the Buddhist tenet of Right Livelihood i.e. no dealing in weapons, poisons and intoxicants, animals for slaughter and trafficking of human beings.

17. Code on Direct Selling, Multi-level Marketing.
    
    "No members shall solicit business directly form other members through direct selling or marketing of his/her services or products unless such services or products have been specifically requested."

18. Conflicts, disputes, misunderstanding and disagreements may arise in the course of doing business. Members shall approach and resolve such situations through the spirit of Dana (generosity), Sila (morality), Panna (wisdom), Viriya (effort), Khanti (patience), Adhitthana (determination), Metta (loving kindness), Sacca (truthfulness) Upekkha (equanimity), Karuna (compassion) and Alobha (non-greed).

19. An aggrieved member shall immediately raise the points of contention with the member concerned or he may appoint another member (mediator), he feels would be able to help to resolve the issue.

20. Members having disputes may, if they so desire, refer to the Facilitator of Buddhist Business Group for mediation and resolution. The Facilitator may appoint any number of members he deems fit and necessary to help to resolve the disputes. Under no circumstances will the Facilitator and/or his appointees be held legally liable or responsible in the process.

21. Aggrieved members shall not engage in bad-mouthing. (Reminder: Stick to Right Speech)

HOW YOU CAN HELP?

1. Negotiate with members for provision of products and/or services or invite members to submit quotations or tenders.
2. Employ members.
3. Recommend members for employment to other organizations.
4. Recommend member's products and services to your friends.
5. Introduce members to friends and business associates who need the member's products and/or services.
6. Inform members of possible opportunities.
7. Advise members who are starting a business.
8. Sharing business experience.

Also Abiding:-

a) Five Precepts - I undertake the rule of training to refrain from:-
(i) killing
(ii) taking what is not given
(iii) false speech
(iv) sexual misconduct and
(v) partaking of intoxicants

b) Right Speech - No false speech, slandering, harsh words and abusive language and frivolous or vain talk.

c) Right Livelihood - No dealing in weapons, poisons, intoxicants, animals for slaugther and trafficking human beings.

May the Triple Gems protect you and May your Business be thriving and everything going smoothly.