Code of Conduct

Healthy relationships are fundamental to the practice and teaching of Yoga and hence all Yoga practitioners and especially teachers and therapists need to develop certain attributes that will enable these relationships to be in tune with the principles of Yama-Niyama.

Through the practice and sharing of Yoga, one should evolve as a Noble Humane being. We must not limit ourselves to a mere sharing of techniques and concepts but always strive to understand the process of transformation and transcendence that is the core of Yoga Sadhana.

Hence it is imperative that we as Yoga teachers/ therapists should always hold ourselves worthy of the trust our students and clients place in us. It is our responsibility to uphold and foster this sacred, safe working environment.  It is imperative that any teacher/therapist has a high degree of personal integrity and maintains clear boundaries while supporting the holistic spiritual growth of their students/clients.

Being a teacher/therapist places us in a position of power over our students/clients, however subtle or obvious this may be at times. We become their mentors, facilitators and helpers.  Some students may idealize us or project that we are wiser or more evolved than they are.  It is necessary not to get carried away with such exalted positions and allow arrogance pride and ego to enter into our heads which will defeat the very purpose of Yoga practice.

All possible efforts should be made to remain composed and remind ourselves that we are just instruments in carrying forward a great tradition for the benefit of the humanity.

As professionals, we must remain aware of this power dynamic and never exploit the vulnerability of a student for our personal gain or gratification. As teachers, we must follow the codes of the Yamas and Niyamas, in all our interactions with students.

In simple terms, it is essential for every yoga teacher to follow certain disciplines.  Every teacher/therapist should therefore commit himself/herself to a very high degree of personal and professional ethical code.

A few guidelines are given below:

1. Proper Yogic etiquette in thought word and deed is to be followed in all sessions including online classes.
2. Strive to make every participant feel comfortable in the class room.
3. If you sense any problem, be open to discuss it with them and if need be, take it up to appropriate higher authorities.
4. As far as possible it is better to avoid direct physical contact with the participants. When there is a need to correct postures/positions, try to explain verbally and when this fails, with the permission of the student, correct them. If possible make sure such safe touch happens only in the presence of another witness.
5. It is always judicious to avoid comments like “Yoga / I will cure any illness” etc. Creating false hopes is unethical.
6. Be open to the feedback from the students especially with regard to their physical states as this will help avoid overstretching and minimize injuries
7. Maintain appropriate personal distance and avoid unnecessary comments that may be taken personally especially about politics and religion.
8. Don’t personalize with the problems of the students.  If you are in a position to help the students outside the classroom, do it without any expectations.
9. Always present yourself in a dignified manner and dress as appropriate to the customs and manners of the local community.
10. Timeliness is next to godliness, and all yoga professionals should be timely in respect to their keeping of appointments as well as in the starting and ending of classes.
11. Be simple, straight forward and direct in all your communications.
12. Avoid talking in high decibel both inside and outside class room.
13. Never use abusive language
14. Never hesitate to apologize if the participant feels hurt.
15. Avoid arguments with students both within and outside the teaching space.
16. Don’t enter into discussion of controversial topics like politics.
17. Do not entertain negative comments about other systems/schools of Yoga.
18. Refrain from making any degrading remarks about other teachers/ consultants/institutions.
19. The teacher/therapist should always strive to maintain cordial relationship with other Yoga teachers and therapists.
20. All professional dealing with other professionals and institutions should be based on the yogic principles of morals and ethics as understood in practice of Yama-Niyama.
21. Conflict of interest should be avoided with regard to other institutions and professionals in areas of research, therapy and teaching.
22. Do not misuse your position as a teacher in seeking undue favours.
23. Don’t thrust your personal ideas, faiths, and beliefs on students.
24. Above all, do your personal Sadhana regularly and keep in constant touch with your gurus/mentors for your guidance.

(Draft No.1 – By Yogacharya Sridharanji, Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram)

(Draft No.2 – By Dr Ananda B Bhavanani, ICYER & ISCM of SBV)

(Draft No.3 – Finalised with inputs from Dr Ganesh Rao, ACT Yoga and Kaivalyadhama)