Code of Professional Standards for Yoga Teachers & Trainers
Version 1.0.1 Last Edited 5 February 2016
Samkalpa : Affirmation of Intent The teachers of The Krishnamacharya Healing and Yoga Foundation (KHYF) place immense value to the delicate and unique nature of the student-teacher relationship. It is understood that it is the responsibility of the Yoga Teacher and/or Yoga Teacher Trainer to offer a safe and secure space where the healing, learning and/or spiritual growth of the student is optimally facilitated.
Dharma : Guiding Principles In order to safeguard the sanctity of this potentially vulnerable relationship, and to keep up the highest professional and moral standards for Yoga teachers and/or Yoga Teacher Trainers, we fully embrace the following guiding principles:
1. To provide equal opportunity to all seekers and avoid discrimination based on caste, faith, race, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin.
2. To establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries within the teacher-taught relationship.
3. To continually stay updated through personal practice and continuing education in the field of Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Research and other applicable fields of knowledge and learning.
4. To work closely with a mentor, who plays the role of a professional and spritual supervisor, and who also guides in our own evolution and personal transformation.
5. To actively engage in collegial relationships, with an awareness that it can contribute to better judgement and perspective.
6. To provide instruction and counselling only for issues that are within the reasonable boundaries of personal competence.
7. To adhere to guiding principles of yama and niyama suggested by the Yogasutra-s of Patanjali in the best possible manner.
8. To cultivate and practice an attitude of spirituality in our teaching and personal practice.
Karma : Professional Principles With an intention to advance the profession of Yoga Teaching, we maintain the following professional principles in teaching and practice : 1. We utilize our knowledge, experience and and professional associations for the benefit of the students we teach, and not to obtain any personal advantage. 2. We will discuss all financial and contractual matters involving the engagement with the student’s classes or training, without hesitation or ambiguity in a professional and frank manner. 3. We will represent facts truthfully to students and referral sources regarding the services rendered, and credentials concerned. 4. We do not malign other colleagues or professionals.
Student – Teacher Relationship We fully understand that it is our responsibility to maintain a professional relationship with our students. In this regard we will use the following as our guiding principles. 1. We will do our best to provide the optimal care and appropriate service that is consistent with the student needs and capabilities. 2. We will not neglect or abandon students. If we are unable, or unwilling for appropriate reasons, to provide professional help or continue a professional relationship, we will help or advice within every reasonable effort for continuation of instruction with another teacher. 3. We will show sensitivity and regard for the religious and moral beliefs of students and groups. 4. We will ensure that we only give realistic statements regarding the benefits of yoga. 5. We recognize and fully acknowledge the trust placed in the unique student-teacher relationship, and will do our best to consciously avoid exploiting the same. 6. We acknowledge that all forms of sexual behavior with students is unethical, even if it is of a consensual nature. 7. We will continually try to avoid dual relationships with students (such as personal, or sexual relationships) that could interfere with and compromise the integrity and sanctity of the teacher – student relationship. 8. We will avoid all forms of harassment, abusive words or actions, or exploitative coercion of students.
Rahasya | Confidentiality The integrity and welfare of all the students who work with us is of utmost importance, and hence it is our duty to protect every information about them, that is obtained through the instruction process. 1. All documented information relating to the students will be stored or disposed in a manner that respects the confidentiality and safety of the student. 2. All forms of communication with the student will be treated with utmost discretion and professional confidence. 3. When discussing student cases with colleagues, internees or research partners, for educational purposes, care will be taken to ensure professional confidentiality so that the student’s safety and dignity are respected. 4. We will only disclose student confidence if there is legal or fiduciary necssacities, that warrant the disclosure of such information. 5. We obtain consent of students before permitting third party observation of their sessions or if there is a necessity to record the session for research or educational purposes.
This document is prepared by and copyright © of Krishnamacharya Healing and Yoga Foundation (KHYF). This is current and precedes any previous versions of the same. KHYF reserves the right to change, alter or update this documentation without prior notification.