OFFICE OF SIRIDANTAMAHĀPĀLAKA / HSWAGATA MUSEUM – INTERNAL USE
Template No.: T03
Related Research Case IDs: Case 3 – Rukkha-soe / Guardian of the Area
Date: ____ / ____ / ______
Prepared by / Role: ________________________________________________
Confidentiality Level:
[ ] Public summary [ ] Internal [ ] Restricted / Sacred
1. BACKGROUND & PURPOSE
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Describe briefly the relic site, sacred tree area, or surrounding
environment for which a guardian (rukkha-soe / “guardian of the area”)
is needed:
Location / area description:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Current issues or needs (e.g. rubbish, noise, unsafe behaviour, lack of
signage, plant damage, visitor confusion):
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Main purpose of appointing / clarifying the role of a Relic Site Guardian:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Guiding question (case-based):
What practical responsibilities does a “guardian of the area” have today
(cleanliness, safety, quiet, signage, environmental care, accessibility)
to support both devotion and peace?
Notes:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
2. BUDDHIST DOCTRINAL–ETHICAL LENS
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Key relevant teachings:
(e.g. mettā – loving-kindness; khanti – patience; sīla – virtue;
right speech; non-violence towards humans, animals, and plants;
non-ownership of sacred spaces)
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Guiding reflection:
How can a Relic Site Guardian embody mettā, gentleness, and restraint
while performing duties, avoiding territorial behaviour, harshness, or
attachment to “my area” or “my power”?
Expected inner qualities of the guardian (attitudes and virtues):
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
“We act as trustees of the sacred space for all beings, not as owners.”
Planned ethical stance / commitments for this role:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
3. PEACE, CONFLICT & SDGs
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Possible risks for conflict or harm at the site:
(e.g. arguments with visitors, volunteer rivalries, exclusion of certain
groups, aggressive enforcement of rules)
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
How can clear guardian duties support:
- Negative peace: preventing quarrels, harassment, and intimidation?
- Positive peace: welcoming atmosphere, fairness, safety, and respect
for all visitors?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
How might guardian behaviour reduce structural or cultural violence?
(e.g. avoiding discrimination, treating all visitors politely regardless
of status, gender, ethnicity, or donation level)
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
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: ___________________________________________________________
4. GOVERNANCE, ROLES & PROCEDURES
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Appointment and supervision:
- Appointing authority (Saṅgha / committee / museum director): ________
- Supervisor of guardian(s): _________________________________________
Number of guardians and duty system (e.g. shifts, rotation):
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Main duties of the Relic Site Guardian:
(Select / adapt as appropriate)
[ ] Keep area physically clean and tidy
[ ] Gently remind visitors about dress code and behaviour
[ ] Help maintain quiet, meditative atmosphere
[ ] Protect trees, plants, and structures from damage
[ ] Give simple information and directions to visitors
[ ] Report security or safety concerns to appropriate authorities
[ ] Support special ceremonies without blocking access
[ ] Other: ___________________________________________________________
Limits of authority:
(What the guardian MAY NOT do – e.g. accept money, decide doctrine,
threaten visitors, physically restrain people except in emergencies)
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Relevant internal rules/policies:
(e.g. 15 Principles, visitor code of conduct, security SOP, complaint
procedure)
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
5. ACTIONS / DECISIONS & H96 REFLECTION
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Immediate actions to implement or revise the Relic Site Guardian role
(who will do what, by when):
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Training / orientation needed for guardians:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
H96 reflection:
“What would a peace-oriented H96 custodian expect from a Relic Site
Guardian so that the sacred area is protected, visitors feel welcome,
and no one misuses this role for ego or control?”
Reflection notes:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Check:
Are we designing this role as service and stewardship, or are there
hidden risks of power, status, or control?
[ ] Mainly service and stewardship
[ ] Some risk of power/control (explain): _____________________________
______________________________________________________________________
6. RISK & SAFEGUARDS
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Key risks linked to the guardian role:
(e.g. complaints about rude behaviour, misuse of authority, neglect of
duties, physical incidents, social media scandals)
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Safeguards and mitigation measures:
(e.g. clear written duties; identification badge; training; supervision;
rotation; complaint and feedback mechanism; regular review)
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
7. FOLLOW-UP & LEARNING
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Next review date for this duty statement and the guardian system:
____ / ____ / ______
Monitoring and feedback:
- Who will observe / collect feedback about guardian performance?
______________________________________________________________________
- How will visitors and staff give feedback or complaints?
______________________________________________________________________
Follow-up actions required and person responsible:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Lessons learned or points for training future custodians and guardians
(link to case ID and archive location):
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
