OFFICE OF SIRIDANTAMAHĀPĀLAKA / HSWAGATA MUSEUM – INTERNAL USE
Template No.: T11
Related Research Case IDs: Case 11 – Cātummahārājika Devas & Ideal Guardianship
Date: ____ / ____ / ______
Prepared by / Role: ________________________________________________
Applies to (team / role): ___________________________________________
Confidentiality Level:
[ ] Public summary [ ] Internal [ ] Restricted / Sacred
1. BACKGROUND & PURPOSE
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Context for this behaviour code:
(e.g. relic room guards, museum security, ushers, volunteer stewards,
frontline staff at sacred sites)
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Why is an “Ideal Guardian” code needed here?
(e.g. to protect relics and visitors; to avoid harshness or misuse of
power; to clarify expectations for all guardians)
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Short description of the duties covered:
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Guiding question (case-based):
What daily behaviours should a guardian follow to protect relics and
visitors “like the Cātummahārājika devas” – with vigilance, fairness,
and compassion – instead of acting from ego or anger?
Additional notes:
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2. BUDDHIST DOCTRINAL–ETHICAL LENS
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Key inspirations from Buddhist teachings:
(e.g. Cātummahārājika devas as protectors of the four directions;
mettā – loving-kindness; khanti – patience; sīla – virtue; right speech;
non-violence; non-ownership of relics and spaces)
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Core guardian attitudes (to be encouraged):
[ ] Mettā – warm goodwill to all visitors
[ ] Upekkhā – calmness in stressful situations
[ ] Sacca – truthfulness and honesty
[ ] Sīla – non-violence, respect, self-control
[ ] Hiri–ottappa – wise shame and fear of wrongdoing
[ ] Dāna–citta – spirit of service, not business
Other important qualities:
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Guiding reflection:
How do we translate the image of noble, non-human guardians into
concrete human behaviour – so that guardians protect without pride,
serve without harshness, and remember they are trustees, not owners?
Examples of behaviour that reflects the Dhamma:
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Examples of behaviour that contradicts the Dhamma:
(e.g. shouting at visitors, using position for personal gain)
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3. PEACE, CONFLICT & SDGs
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Common risks around guardian roles:
[ ] Arguments with visitors
[ ] Use of threatening language or gestures
[ ] Discrimination (by status, gender, ethnicity, wealth, etc.)
[ ] Accepting tips or gifts in exchange for favours
[ ] Power struggles among guardians / volunteers
[ ] Other: _____________________________
Describe any recent or potential problems:
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How should guardians support:
- Negative peace: preventing quarrels, intimidation, and fear?
- Positive peace: creating a safe, respectful, welcoming atmosphere for
all who come to the relics?
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Structural / cultural violence to avoid:
(e.g. always favouring rich donors; ignoring poor or “unimportant”
visitors; being tougher on certain groups)
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SDG links (tick all that apply):
[ ] SDG 11.4 – Protect cultural and natural heritage
[ ] SDG 16 – Peace, justice, and strong institutions
[ ] SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
[ ] Other SDGs (list): _______________________________________________
4. BEHAVIOUR CODE – DOs & DON’Ts
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A. DO – EXPECTED BEHAVIOURS (tick those that apply here)
Guardians are expected to:
[ ] Greet visitors politely and offer help when needed.
[ ] Give clear, calm instructions (e.g. where to walk, how to line up).
[ ] Protect quiet, meditative atmosphere respectfully (gentle reminders).
[ ] Watch carefully for safety risks (crowding, theft, damage).
[ ] Treat everyone equally, regardless of status or donation.
[ ] Explain rules briefly when asked “why”.
[ ] Report problems to supervisors instead of acting violently.
[ ] Keep personal conduct modest (dress, speech, behaviour).
[ ] Other DOs specific to this site:
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B. DON’T – PROHIBITED BEHAVIOURS
Guardians must NOT:
[ ] Insult, shout at, or humiliate visitors.
[ ] Use physical force except in genuine emergency.
[ ] Ask for or hint at money, gifts, or “tips”.
[ ] Break rules secretly for friends, donors, or VIPs.
[ ] Claim personal authority over relics or sacred spaces.
[ ] Spread gossip or confidential information.
[ ] Show strong bias for or against certain groups.
[ ] Bring personal conflicts into duty time.
[ ] Other prohibited behaviours:
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5. GOVERNANCE, ROLES & H96 REFLECTION
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Appointment and supervision:
- Appointing authority: _____________________________________________
- Direct supervisor of guardians: ___________________________________
Duty system (shifts, rotation, minimum number on duty):
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Training and briefing:
[ ] Initial training session on Dhamma & peace lens
[ ] Practical training on site rules, emergency procedures
[ ] Regular refresher training (how often?): __________________________
Disciplinary and support process:
- Who handles complaints about guardians?
- What steps will be taken (warning, retraining, removal if necessary)?
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H96 reflection:
“What would a peace-oriented H96 custodian expect from those guarding
relics and sacred areas? How can we design this role so that guardians
are protectors of peace and dignity – not small rulers or gatekeepers?”
Reflection notes:
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Check:
Does the current design of the guardian role encourage service and
humility, or does it risk creating small centres of power and fear?
[ ] Mainly service and humility
[ ] Some risk of power / fear (explain and adjust):
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6. RISK & SAFEGUARDS
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Key risks connected to guardian behaviour:
[ ] Damage to relics or heritage
[ ] Loss of trust or faith among visitors
[ ] Complaints to media or authorities
[ ] Internal tension among staff/volunteers
[ ] Safety incidents
[ ] Other: _____________________________
Details:
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Safeguards:
[ ] Clear written code (this document) shared with all guardians
[ ] Signed acknowledgement by each guardian
[ ] Visible identification (badge, uniform, etc.)
[ ] Simple complaint/feedback system for visitors
[ ] Regular observation and feedback by supervisors
[ ] Rotation to avoid over-attachment to one spot
[ ] Support for guardians under stress (rest, listening, guidance)
[ ] Other: _____________________________
Explain how safeguards will be implemented:
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7. SIGNATURES, FOLLOW-UP & LEARNING
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A. GUARDIAN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I have read and understood the “Ideal Guardian” Behaviour Code. I agree
to follow these behaviours as part of my duty as guardian of this site.
Name: ____________________________ Role: ___________________________
Signature: ________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ______
Name: ____________________________ Role: ___________________________
Signature: ________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ______
(Attach additional lines / page if needed.)
B. SUPERVISOR / INSTITUTION CONFIRMATION
We commit to supporting guardians to follow this code, providing training,
clear instructions, and fair handling of complaints.
Name: ____________________________ Position: ________________________
Signature: ________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ______
C. FOLLOW-UP & LEARNING
Next review date for this behaviour code:
____ / ____ / ______
How will we collect feedback on guardian behaviour?
(e.g. visitor forms, staff meetings, observation, suggestion box)
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Lessons learned and improvements planned:
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Notes for future custodians:
(What should future leaders remember about guardian behaviour at this site?)
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