ETHICAL AND PROFESSIONAL GUIDELINES FOR YOGA TEACHERS

Yoga is an integrated way of life, which includes moral and ethical practices. These standards are enshrined within the oldest Yogic texts, as well as the first two limbs of the Ashtanga Yoga Eight-Limb path. As a profession, many of these same virtues have been codified into studio and teacher training policies. Thus, it is reasonable to expect contemporary Yoga instructors to conduct their lives in consonance with same. As a Teacher Training, we expect no less of our trainees. We take these ethics seriously and expect our graduates to not only represent their teacher training program, but Yoga as a whole system. Therefore, it is with great seriousness that we espouse the following moral and professional principles to live, teach and practice by:
1. We are committed to practicing Yoga as a way of life and dedicate ourselves to a thorough and continuing study and practice of Yoga as a profession.
2. We are committed to maintaining impeccable standards of professional competence and integrity, and we will accurately represent our education, training and experience as Yoga teachers.
3. We are committed to avoiding substance abuse and if, for some reason, we succumb to chemical dependency, we will stop teaching until we are free again from drug and/or alcohol abuse.
4. We are committed to promoting the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of our students.
5. We will abstain from giving medical advice, or advice that could be interpreted as such, unless we have the necessary medical qualifications.
6. We will embrace the ideals of truthfulness and respect in dealing with all students and peers.
7. We will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, socio-economic status, national origin or physical disability, as well as on the basis of any assumptions of same. We will work equally with older students and students with physical disabilities, providing we have the skill to teach those students properly and safely. Where we do not, we will, to the best of our ability, help them find the proper care and instruction.
8. We respect the fact that every individual is entitled to his or her political worldview, ideas, and beliefs, and will consequently never force ours upon students.
9. We will avoid any forms of sexual harassment of students.
10. We will seek immediate counsel of peers before ever entering a consensual intimate relationship with a present student.
11. We will make every effort to avoid exploiting the trust and potential dependency of students and instead encourage them to find greater inner freedom.
12. We will practice tolerance and respect toward other Yoga instructors, schools, and traditions.