CODE OF ETHICS
We, as yoga teachers are examples to our students. We should strive to exemplify the change we wish to see in the world. We can best achieve this goal by conducting ourselves in a way that fosters peace, harmony and integrity.
As a Registrant of Yoga Alliance, a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) and a representative of a Registered Yoga School (RYS), we agree to the following Code of Conduct as a declaration of acceptable, ethical, and professional behavior to which Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT) and Registered Yoga Schools (RYS) should adhere when conducting the teaching and business of Yoga:
1. Conduct all interactions with integrity and in a professional and conscientious manner.
2. Do not falsely represent my skills and scope of practice and if necessary, refer students to seek alternative instruction, advice, treatment, or direction when same is out of the purview of my skills.
3. Provide a safe, clean and holistic environment where all students regardless of age, physical limitations, race, creed, gender, ethnicity, religion affiliation, or sexual orientation feel welcome.
4. Respect the privacy of all students and treat them in a dignified manner at all times.
5. Do not sexually, verbally or physically harass any student.
6. Abide by yogic ethics as set forth in the Yamas and Niyamas.
7. Follow all local government and national laws pertaining to the business of yoga
8. We will NEVER share your personal information with third parties for any reason not associated with the regular operation of our yoga Studio or to meet the requirements of Yoga Alliance without your permission.
We believe that "action taken, deeds done and words said" should enhance the beauty of the world, increase harmony between beings and promote the general wellness of the community. Actions, deeds and words opposed to these principles should be avoided. We are guided by the Yama and Niyama as follows:
Yama
The Yama are behavioral restraints. They guide our interactions with humans, non-humans and our interactions with the world we inhabit. This is a short discussion and
Ahimsa. Avoid violence or unkindness in word, deed and thought, and avoid activities that stunt the realization of harmony.
Satya is being honest in word, deed and thought. Manifesting an authentic representation of ourselves and others by not concealing truth, and by not downplaying or exaggerating our abilities and accomplishments.
Asteya. In its simplest form it means do not steal or take what is not yours and includes physical items such as money and items as well as ideas, identities, and experience. Do not act out of jealousy.
Brahmacharya is behaving in an ethical, God-like way that enhances all that is Divine. It encompasses unconditional love, true joy for others, and treating all with integrity. It includes practicing moderation in all practices and allowing only pure motivations to be acted upon.
Aparigraha means non-clinging. Live simply. Do not accumulate things needlessly. Do not hoard and do not give material objects, status or greed priority over that which enhanced truth and harmony.
Niyama
The Niyama guide us in our relationship with ourself. They are observances we should adhere to.
Sauca is Purity or Cleanliness. It enhances balance and sharpens clarity.
Santosa is Contentment. Contentment with yourself, with others and with the situation of your life, Santosa involves surrendering to your faith and truly believing that the process of yoga will bring you from personal suffering toward great happiness.
Tapas is the fire of self-discipline. Think of it as the willpower to follow through.
Svadhyaya is the Study of the Self. We self-inquire, we practice mindfulness, it is also the study of scriptures and chanting. Svadhyaya opens us to our own divine nature.
Ishvara Pranidhana is devotion or surrender to the Divine. It is about being open-hearted to the possibilities.
Other Ethical Guidelines... honoring truth, acting only out of kindness, speaking only with compassion, avoiding harmful words and deeds, living simply and avoiding indulgences, practicing charity, practicing discipline, engaging in self-study, avoiding judgmental tendencies, acknowledging the inherent beauty of the overall picture before making any other assessment, enhancing harmony, embracing shri, living in spiritual freedom.
