Code of Ethics
The Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada has provided the CODE OF ETHICS for all Iyengar yoga teachers, student teachers and members. The Code of Ethics is applicable to all teachers and student teachers who are members of IYAC. Teachers should read and be familiar with this document. The Code of Ethics corresponds to the yamas and niyamas of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and they are included at the request of Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar. The yamas and niyamas and their English translations are included in parentheses where appropriate.
Definition
Code of Ethics - A systematic collection of rules of conduct guiding ethical behavior.
- 1. Applicability of the Code of Ethics
- 1.1 The Code of Ethics is not exhaustive. Failure to address any particular conduct does not mean that the conduct is necessarily ethical or unethical. Teachers and student teachers should adhere to and honour classical and legal codes of conduct.
- 1.2 Lack of familiarity with or misinterpretation of the Code of Ethics does not justify unethical conduct.
- 1.3 Failure to cooperate in an ethics investigation or proceeding by the IYAC Ethics Committee is a violation of these guidelines.
- 1.4 An Iyengar yoga teacher or student teacher who is uncertain of how the Code of Ethics should be applied in a particular situation should contact the IYAC Ethics Committee for guidance before acting.
- 1.5 The dissemination of the Code of Ethics is intended to assist teachers and student teachers, and does not create any liability on the part of the IYAC.
- 2. Professional Ethics of Iyengar Yoga Teachers
- 2.1 (Tapas; ardour) Iyengar yoga teachers and student teachers dedicate themselves to studying, teaching, disseminating and promoting the art, science and philosophy of yoga according to the teachings and philosophy of Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar, and to maintaining high standards of professional competence and integrity.
- 2.2 (Svadhyaya; study of the self) Iyengar yoga certified teachers and student teachers should study and stay current with the teaching and practice of yoga as taught by Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar, his family and those teaching in the Iyengar tradition. This can be done either directly by study with the Iyengar family in accord with Patanjali's eight-fold path; or indirectly, by participation and study with certified Iyengar yoga teachers of at least one higher level of certification.
- 2.3 (Satya; truth) Iyengar yoga teachers and students teachers should accurately represent their education, training and experience.
- 2.4 (Sauca; purity) While teaching, Iyengar yoga teachers and student teachers should teach yoga according to the methods set forth by Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar. Teachers and student teachers should not mix contradictory or incompatible elements from other disciplines in their teaching. Teachers and student teachers should clearly distinguish Iyengar work from any related/associated/compatible disciplines they may draw upon, such as anatomy, physiology or philosophy.
- 2.5 (Ahimsa; non-violence) Iyengar yoga teachers and student teachers should strive not to be publicly critical of another Iyengar yoga teacher's character or of any other systems of yoga.
- 2.6 (Asteya; non-stealing) Iyengar yoga teachers and student teachers should not use any figure and temple service mark registered with the United States Patent and Trade Mark Office in the name of B.K.S. Iyengar, unless they have received approval from, and have paid the required fee to, the service mark committee of IYAC.
- 2.7 (Aparigraha; non-coveting) Iyengar yoga teachers and student teachers should refrain from inappropriate advertising or other promotion which would in any way compromise their teaching role or result in conflict of interest.
- 3. Responsibility to Students
Iyengar Yoga teachers and student teachers should:
- 3.1 (Satya: truth) Be truthful.
- 3.2 (Ahimsa: non-violence) Welcome all students with friendliness, warmth and compassion, regardless of race, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age or disability. Treat all students with respect.
- 3.3 (Ahimsa: non-violence and Brahmacharya: continence) Not harass students (sexually or otherwise).
- 3.4 (Ahimsa; non-violence and Aparigraha: non-coveting) Avoid intimate relations with their students.
- 3.5 (Brahmacharya: continence) Recognize when the student-teacher relationship has been compromised by the existence of an intimate relationship, and in such circumstances, assist the student in finding another Iyengar yoga teacher if possible.
- 3.6 (Ahimsa: non-violence and Bramacharya: continence) Understand and apply appropriate methods of touch in assisting students.
- 3.7 (Aparigraha: non-coveting) Maintain the role of guide and inspire trust by example.
- 4. Personal Responsibility
Iyengar Yoga Teachers should:
- 4.1 (Sauca: purity) Maintain a clean and well-groomed appearance
- 4.2 (Sauca: purity) Dress in a modest manner while teaching yoga.
- 4.3 (Sauca: purity) Avoid misuse of substances such as drugs and alcohol.
- 4.4 (Sauca: purity) Be mindful of speech.
- 4.5 (Tapas-Svadhyaya: study of self) Maintain a regular personal practice.
If you have any questions or need a matter addressed, please contact Leslie Hogya, IYAC President, for direction on procedure.
