Ahimsa

– acting with care: We respect the INTEGRITY of all people with whom we are connected in yoga and act with care towards them.

We act with care towards all persons to whom we are connected in yoga , respecting the moral, social, cultural and religious values of our students, not discriminating against or refusing to teach anyone without good reason, taking responsibility to decide whether or not we can assist a student in yoga, making an appropriate referral if for any reason we are unable or unwilling to teach a student, acknowledging when and if a power imbalance exists between teacher and student or yoga associates in residential, retreats or within the yoga community. Not using our influence for our own gain, the gain of any institution or organisation with which we associate.  Remembering not to verbally, or in any other way abuse, harass or coerce students or associates, always obtaining consent from students or associates before using their image in teaching or publicity material,  and that we never claim to have or use ‘psychic powers’ in the course of our teaching.

1. 1.We act with care towards all persons to whom we are connected in yoga.
   

2. 2.We respect the moral, social, cultural and religious values of our students.
   

3. 3.We do not discriminate against or refuse teaching to anyone because of their gender, age, sexual preferences, disability, race, culture, religion or political belief.
   

4. 4.We take responsibility to decide whether or not we can assist a student in yoga.
   

5. 5.We take responsibility to make an appropriate referral if for any reason we are unable or unwilling to teach a student.
   

6. 6.We give priority to the teacher student relationship which takes precedence over other personal or professional connections with our students.
   

7. 7.We recognise that the teacher student relationship involves a power imbalance in favour of the teacher.  We also recognise that a power imbalance may exist between yoga associates, either in a residential/retreat situation or within the wider yoga community.
   

8. 8.We do not use this influence for our own gain, or the gain of any institution or organisation with which we are associated.
   

9. 9.We do not verbally or in any way abuse, harass, or coerce students and yoga associates.  We obtain consent from students and yoga associates to use their image for teaching and/or publicity purposes even when they are not identified. This also includes verbal and written case histories and audio or video tapes.
   

10. 10.We do not claim to have or use ‘psychic powers’ in the course of teaching yoga.
    

Satya

– speaking truth in the service of all.  We use truthful and clear communication to all people with whom we are connected in yoga.

Using truthful and clear communication with all people to whom we are connected in yoga, communicating our teaching credentials without misrepresentation in any form, teaching yoga within our capabilities, and always with respect to our students and associates, remembering to consider other teachers if establishing classes or programmes in their general area, also using the appropriate processes to respond to a complaint about unethical behaviour by another yoga teacher. Being truthful and realistic when advertising/promoting our yoga classes,  when writing about the benefits of yoga and claiming only levels of initiation and titles accredited to us by our lineage/teacher/s.

1. We use truthful and clear communication with all people to whom we are connected in yoga.

2. We communicate our teaching credentials truthfully and without misrepresentation to students, yoga associates and referral sources.

3. We reach yoga within the limits of our training experience and competence.

4. We speak of other yoga teachers and yoga associates with respect.

5. We negotiate with other teachers or yoga associates when we are considering establishing yoga classes or programs in the same teaching area.

6. We use the appropriate processes to respond to a complaint about unethical behavior by another yoga teacher.

7. We promote and advertise our teaching ability and our yoga classes truthfully making only realistic claims about the possible benefits and effects of yoga.

We do not use:

1. •False, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive or unfair statements
   

2. •Statements implying unusual, unique or one-of-a-kind abilities, including misrepresentation through sensationalism, exaggeration or superficiality
   

3. •Statements intended or likely to exploit a student’s fears, anxieties or emotions.
   

4. •Statements concerning the comparative desirability of offered services.
   

8. We claim only those levels of initiation that we have been granted. We use only those titles accredited to us by our lineage.

Asteya

– behaving honestly: We behave honestly in all interactions: financial, material, emotional and spiritual.

Being honest in all interactions, material, emotional and financial, using all resources with careand behaving in a professional manner with our students and colleagues, we should also observe recognized business and accounting procedures.

1. We behave honestly in all interactions: financial, material, emotional and spiritual and use all resources with care.

2. In all contractual matters we conduct ourselves in a clear, honest and professional manner.

3. We conduct our financial affairs in line with recognised business, accounting and taxation procedures.

4. Before requiring any commitment from students or yoga associates we provide full information on fees, refunds and other financial arrangements.

Brahmacharya

– being wise and caring in sexual conduct: We bring care in our sexual conduct and avoid all forms of sexual exploitation.

Sexual exploitation or harassment with students or yoga associates is unacceptable in any guise. A sexual relationship with a student is undesirable and the student should be referred to another teacher with a clear understanding that the student/teacher relationship has come to an end. It is also suggested that a ‘cooling off’ period of three months be adhered to if this relationship is likely to continue.

1. 1.We bring care and wisdom to our sexual conduct.
   

2. 2.We avoid all forms of sexual exploitation, harassment and assault. Sexual harassment is defined as but not limited to, repeated and offensive comments, gestures or physical contact of a sexual nature; the implication that the teacher is a ‘Tantric’ and misuses the teaching as a sexual practice; the implication that teaching/knowledge will be refused or withdrawn if a sexual relationship is refused, or the implication that a student or yoga associate has failed spiritually if a sexual relationship is refused.
   

3. 3.In any yoga teaching/learning situation, including a residential/retreat, any form of sexual exploitation or harassment of a resident/yoga associate/visitor is unacceptable.
   

4. 4.Any form of sexual behaviour with a student is unacceptable. Sexual behaviour is defined as but not limited to, all forms of overt and covert seductive speech, gestures and behaviour including physical contact of a sexual nature; as well as misusing Tantric Teaching, as sexual practices.
   

5. 5.Any form of sexual relationship with a student is unacceptable, including when a student invites or consents to such behavior. The exception is an ongoing sexual relationship that predates the teacher/student relationship. We acknowledge that teachers in many spiritual organisations and communities have developed relationships with students or former students. However, SYTA recommends these guidelines.
   

1. ◦If a sexual relationship develops between a teacher and a student, the teacher must end the teacher-student relationship immediately and refer the student to another teacher. There must be a clear understanding from both parties that the teacher-student relationship has ended.
   

2. ◦Before engaging in a sexual relationship both parties need to allow a ‘cooling off’ period. A suggested length of time for the cooling off’ period is three months from the last formal teaching between them.
   

6. Aparigraha
   

– accepting only that which is freely given: We use our yogic knowledge and skills for the benefits of all people with whom we are connected in yoga and not to gain unfair personal advantage.

Always keeping in mind that our yoga knowledge and skills are for the benefit of all people we connect with in yoga and in the general community, respecting their independence and autonomy in making decisions regarding their spiritual life. That we establish fair and clear guidelines regarding participation in our yoga and other classes/services that we might offer, in regard to: payment of fees, refunds, donations of time, goods or other financial arrangements, attempting to never gain unfair personal advantage.

1. 1.We use our yogic knowledge and skills for the benefit of all people with whom we are connected in yoga and not to gain unfair personal advantage.
   

2. 2.We respect the independence and autonomy of our students and yoga associates in making decisions regarding their spiritual life.
   

3. 3.We establish fair and clear guidelines for:
   

4. •Participation in our yoga classes and other services
   

5. •The payment of fees, refunds and other financial arrangements
   

6. •Donations of time, money or goods in relation to our teaching or to any organization with which we are associated.
   

4. 4.We give due acknowledgement to the sources of information, techniques and teaching materials used in our classes and courses, with full compliance on copyright where relevant.
   

5. 5.We do not coerce students or yoga associates to make payments or donations of money, goods or time to ourselves, another teacher or any organization with which we are associated