Yoga is much more than physical postures and breathing exercises. It is a spiritual practice that connects body, mind, and soul. As yoga has evolved into a global phenomenon, the role of a yoga teacher has become incredibly important, not just in teaching asanas but in guiding students on their personal journeys toward holistic well-being. For this reason, yoga teacher ethics play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the practice. If you’re considering becoming a yoga teacher or deepening your understanding of yoga, it’s essential to understand the ethical guidelines that shape the profession.
In this blog, we will explore the key principles of yoga teacher ethics and why they are crucial for both teachers and students alike.
1. Ahimsa (Non-Violence)
One of the foundational ethical principles of yoga is Ahimsa, or non-violence. This applies to both the physical and mental space between a teacher and a student. Teachers are expected to create a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive environment for everyone.
Ahimsa also means respecting the physical limitations of your students. Pushing a student into a posture that they are not ready for can be harmful. At Maa Shakti Yog Bali, we encourage yoga teachers to be patient and compassionate, allowing students to explore their bodies at their own pace.
2. Satya (Truthfulness)
Truthfulness, or Satya, involves being authentic in your actions, words, and teachings. As a yoga teacher, it is essential to be honest about your own limitations and not portray yourself as someone who has all the answers. This also extends to teaching methods—remaining true to the teachings of yoga and ensuring you are imparting genuine knowledge.
Being truthful with your students means acknowledging when you don’t know something and encouraging exploration together. This authenticity fosters trust, an essential component of the student-teacher relationship.
3. Asteya (Non-Stealing)
Asteya means not taking what is not freely given. In a teaching context, this applies to respecting the intellectual and personal boundaries of others. Yoga teachers should credit their sources, not misrepresent themselves as creators of knowledge they’ve learned from others. Additionally, this principle encourages respecting the time, energy, and finances of your students.
At Maa Shakti Yog Bali, we emphasize the importance of giving proper credit to the rich lineage of yoga that has been passed down through generations.
4. Brahmacharya (Right Use of Energy)
While Brahmacharya traditionally refers to celibacy, in the modern context it is understood as using your energy wisely. For yoga teachers, this means maintaining professional boundaries with students. It is vital to avoid situations where emotional or physical boundaries could be crossed. Respect for your students' personal space and emotions is an essential aspect of ethical teaching.
5. Aparigraha (Non-Greed or Non-Attachment)
Yoga teachers should cultivate a sense of non-attachment, or Aparigraha, toward the outcomes of their teaching. While it is natural to want your students to succeed, it is crucial not to become attached to their progress or expect them to meet certain goals within a set timeframe. Every student’s journey is unique, and the role of a yoga teacher is to guide, not control.
6. Svadhyaya (Self-Study)
Self-study, or Svadhyaya, is an ongoing process that all yoga teachers must engage in. This principle encourages teachers to continuously reflect on their own practices, biases, and motivations. To effectively teach others, a yoga teacher must first understand themselves. Through continuous self-reflection and learning, teachers can stay aligned with their ethical responsibilities.
At Maa Shakti Yog Bali, we place a strong emphasis on self-awareness and encourage our teachers to continuously evolve through personal and professional development.
7. Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to a Higher Power)
Yoga teachers should always remember that they are not the ultimate authority. Ishvara Pranidhana means surrendering to a higher power or universal consciousness. In practical terms, this means teaching with humility and understanding that yoga is not about the ego. Teachers should guide students without imposing their own beliefs or desires.
8. Confidentiality and Respect for Privacy
Maintaining student confidentiality is a key component of ethical yoga teaching. Personal details about a student's practice, health, or life shared in confidence should not be disclosed to others without consent. This also extends to respecting a student's right to privacy during class, especially when it comes to physical adjustments or personal struggles.
At Maa Shakti Yog Bali, our teachers are trained to handle sensitive information with care, respecting the confidentiality of each student.
9. Inclusivity and Non-Discrimination
A yoga teacher must treat all students with equal respect and dignity, regardless of their background, gender, ethnicity, age, or physical ability. Yoga is for everyone, and it's essential to foster an environment where all students feel welcome and supported. Inclusive teaching can be achieved by offering modifications for different levels of ability and encouraging a culture of acceptance.
10. Commitment to Continuing Education
Ethics in yoga teaching also extend to a commitment to continuous learning. Yoga is an ever-evolving practice, and teachers should regularly seek opportunities for further education and personal development. This commitment ensures that the teacher remains informed and can offer their students the most accurate, safe, and effective guidance.
Why Ethics Matter for Every Yogi
Whether you are a yoga teacher or a student, ethical guidelines in yoga help maintain the integrity of the practice. For teachers, it serves as a guide to navigate the responsibility of leading others on their spiritual and physical journey. For students, it creates a safe, respectful environment where growth can occur.
At Maa Shakti Yog Bali, our mission is to uphold the highest ethical standards in our teachings. By instilling these values in our teacher training programs, we aim to cultivate yoga teachers who are not only skilled in the physical aspects of yoga but also deeply committed to the moral and spiritual responsibilities that come with the practice.
Conclusion
Ethics in yoga teaching go beyond adhering to a set of rules. They are an integral part of living and teaching authentically, with compassion and humility. Whether you are a student aspiring to become a yoga teacher or a seasoned instructor, understanding and practicing these ethical principles will help you create a positive, lasting impact on those you guide.
By embracing these ethical practices, you contribute to the authenticity and integrity of the global yoga community—making the world a better place, one asana at a time.