Awhile back I had a discussion with a teacher about a Code of Ethics for yoga teachers. He raised the point that there was no need to sign a Code because of his strong commitment to his yoga tradition demonstrated by daily practice and adherence to the Yamas and Niyamas which in fact provide a ‘higher code’ for him. This got me thinking, “is a code of ethics redundant for yoga teachers?”
As YogaBC, the yoga association of British Columbia, moves to adopt its first Code of Ethics the AGM, June 13th, 2009, I pondered further and realized a code of ethics is not just for teachers; but perhaps more importantly, it is for the public. A code of ethics, code of conduct, teacher registry programs – all of the stuff that makes up a professional association – is put in place for the people we serve. I would suggest that a professional association which consists of these public safety structures is even more essential for the yoga community than in many other professional communities. Yoga practitioners must take a leap of faith as they put their body, mind and spirit into the hands and intentions of their yoga teachers. In fact the number one question we get at the association from the public, “what yoga should I practice, and from whom?” let's us know the public wants some guidance and reassurance.
So I have come to think of signing a code of ethics as the least I can do as a teacher to best serve the public and allow me to share the teachings I deeply believe in. Surely this may seem one sided coming from the yoga association’s community relations manager. I would love to hear your opinions, especially those who disagree and/or can add further insight. In the meantime here is a one question anonymous poll to see what your fellow yogis think.
As YogaBC, the yoga association of British Columbia, moves to adopt its first Code of Ethics the AGM, June 13th, 2009, I pondered further and realized a code of ethics is not just for teachers; but perhaps more importantly, it is for the public. A code of ethics, code of conduct, teacher registry programs – all of the stuff that makes up a professional association – is put in place for the people we serve. I would suggest that a professional association which consists of these public safety structures is even more essential for the yoga community than in many other professional communities. Yoga practitioners must take a leap of faith as they put their body, mind and spirit into the hands and intentions of their yoga teachers. In fact the number one question we get at the association from the public, “what yoga should I practice, and from whom?” let's us know the public wants some guidance and reassurance.
So I have come to think of signing a code of ethics as the least I can do as a teacher to best serve the public and allow me to share the teachings I deeply believe in. Surely this may seem one sided coming from the yoga association’s community relations manager. I would love to hear your opinions, especially those who disagree and/or can add further insight. In the meantime here is a one question anonymous poll to see what your fellow yogis think.
Regards,
Simone
Simone Riml
Community Relations Manager
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