I. Statement of purpose
We are aware of the hierarchical structure characterizing the Student – Teacher relationship in the context of yoga. We also believe that it is the teacher’s responsibility to frame this relationship, in order to provide a safe environment for the student to evolve physically, mentally and spiritually.
II. Code of Ethics
We acknowledge that we, as teachers, must be mindful of establishing boundaries that are appropriate and professional in our relationships with students.
In this regard, we strive to conduct ourselves according to the fundamental principles outlined in the Yoga-Sūtra of Patañjali and known as the yamas and niyamas.
1. We are first and foremost students of yoga ourselves, and as such we are committed to maintaining our own regular personal practice as a mean of personal evolution.
2. An essential part of this process is the regular connection with our mentor / supervisor who supports and guides us; this person is also our reference to clarify any doubt we might have on how to proceed with our students.
3. As mentor and teacher to our own students, we give them help and guidance within the scope of our knowledge and competence, to the best of our abilities.
4. We do not discriminate or refuse professional help on the grounds of gender, age, race, nationality, sexual preference or religious belief.
5. Yoga is not a substitute for medical care. We do not advise our students to cease or reduce medical treatments, and we do not advise students on medical matters.
6. We acknowledge the limitations of our knowledge and when it is applicable we refer our students to medical professionals and / or therapists if we think that they need it.
7. We manage our personal life in a healthy fashion and would seek professional help to solve our issues and conflicts, should we need it.
III. Professional practices:
1. As a service provider, we work for a financial retribution, not for donations, and we do not give credit for our services.
2. We at times render services to individuals or groups without expecting any financial reward.
3. All fees and other financial arrangements are made clear from the outset.
4. We do not receive or pay commissions for referrals of yoga students
5. We view our knowledge, services and professional associations as being for the benefit of the people we serve, and we do not use them to gain unfair personal advantages.
6. We do not promote the bartering or exchanging of goods or services for yoga classes.
7. We do not engage in the sale or resale of any retail items, related to yoga or not, such as yoga clothes and accessories, health supplements, etc. The exceptions may be the sale of books recommended in our yoga education programs.
IV. Student – Teacher relationship:
1. We do not make exaggerated claims about the benefits of yoga’s techniques; we avoid unrealistic statements about the same.
2. We are sensitive of our students’ religious, moral and ethical beliefs and will not promote our own or any other belief system in and out of the classroom / practice hall.
3. We recognise the trust placed in the teacher by the student and the power that the teacher might derive from it. We are therefore mindful to avoid taking advantage of this trust. We do our best to remain humble, keeping in mind that our relationship with the student must be the foundation that supports him / her in all circumstances.
4. All forms of sexual behaviour with a student are unethical, even if the student is consenting, and will result in the end of the Student – Teacher relationship.
5. The teacher may encourage the student to seek another teacher / mentor in certain situations, if the teacher believes that it is in the interest of the student.
6. It is our obligation to maintain strict privacy in all exchanges with students. The information shared with us is absolutely confidential; we do not discuss a student’s situation with a third party unless it has been specifically requested / permitted by the student. Examples of such situations are: sharing information with parents about their child, when there is clear and immediate danger for the student’s welfare, or when it is necessary to discuss with a health professional.
7. On occasions, we use photographs or videos or our students on our website or on social media. We always ask for their permission before publishing.
8. We do not share the contact information of our students unless they have authorised us to do so. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for more information on such matters.
9. If we mention a student as a case study in a teaching context (training courses, etc.), the identity of the student is not revealed.