Advocacy & Ethics

Ethics as a teacher is as old as the practice of Yoga, however it is a subject that is always relevant. Whether one considers ethics from the perspective a student-teacher relationship, or from our individual responsibility as human beings it is worth contemplating.

Advocacy is a newer aspect to the evolution of modern yoga. The rapid growth of teachers and studios across the world has opened the door for questions of regulation. There are conversations of ethics in this ever expanding arena. This segment of the site is dedicated to organizations advocating on the behalf of yoga teachers. Also included are links to videos, online conversations, and other sites reflecting on ethics based aspects of the modern yoga scene.

Building A Relationship with Students, Are you clear?

A student’s thoughts on the “job of a yoga teacher.”

Why Your Yoga Teacher is Not Your Friend

A conversation on defining what the relationship between a Yoga teacher and student is and how it depends on the teacher and student and the degree of connection, commitment and intention on the part of one or both parties.

Yamas for Yoga Teachers with Sivia Mordini

Guidance for yoga teachers to apply the Yamas and Niyamas in their teachings “in order to elevate the profession from good to great to exemplary.”

Yoga Alliance

A segment of Yoga Alliance that is constantly monitoring issues that are important to the yoga community regarding: regulations,copyrights, patents & other prohibitive actions.

 

NOTE: Some of the resources offered are through organizations that require a membership to review their materials.

Videos

Definition of A Yoga Teacher 

“A yoga teacher is nothing less than a friend and nothing more than a friend.” Conversation contemplating the nuances of Mark Whitwell’s statement about being a yoga teacher.

Further Reading

Yoga For A World Out Of Balance: Teachings on Ethics and Social Action       by Michael Stone

“Every aspect of our life has a part to play in the great ecological system…How do we bring this large view to our yoga practice?”