This Statement of Ethics guides yoga teachers in their work of supporting students’ yoga practice. It is based on the traditional yogic ethical principles, the yamas and niyamas, as outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. This Statement of Ethics reflects the timeless, living principle that our essential nature is awake, aware, compassionate and peaceful.
Yoga is a system of self-investigation, self-transformation and self-realisation. Its practices and lifestyle aim to integrate the body, mind, heart and spirit and awaken students to their innate wholeness. The role of the yoga teacher is to guide and support students in their practice of yoga. Yoga teachers aim to nurture the physical, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual well-being of students.
- Ahimsa – Nonviolence and Compassion As yoga teachers we seek to do no harm to others and to act with care and compassion.
- Satya – Truthfulness As yoga teachers we act truthfully at all times.
- Asteya – Not stealing As yoga teachers we only take what is rightfully ours.
- Brahmacharya – Self-Restraint in the path to wholeness We recognise that the teacher – student relationship exists to serve the deepest goals of yoga. Thus we practise self-restraint and direct our energy and actions toward these deep aims of yoga.
- Aparigraha – Non-clinging As yoga teachers we practise the principle of nonattachment and generosity and we welcome change, acknowledging the natural abundance of life.
- Sauca – Purity/Cleanliness As yoga teachers we cultivate purity of body, mind and environment. This includes fostering clarity of intention, ongoing self-care and a clean environment for yoga practice.
- Santosha – Contentment/Happiness As yoga teachers we practice an active acceptance of the present thus developing deep happiness.
- Tapas – Discipline As yoga teachers, we are dedicated to a disciplined and committed yogic lifestyle.
- Swadhyaya – Self-Study As yoga teachers we are committed to ongoing self-reflection and continued learning.
- Ishvarapranidhana – Relationship with Wholeness Our aim as a yoga teacher is to serve the deepest goals of yoga. We honour and encourage an on-going relationship with innate wholeness and oneness with all life.