A Code of Ethics for Yoga Teachers

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.

Regards,
Simone

Simone Riml

Community Relations Manager

Inside the Yoga Studio - Meet Sue!

Hi Everyone! Meet Susan Horning, YogaBC Board member and owner and operator of Unity Yoga Teahouse. These are her answers to the 10 questions made famous on Inside the Actors Studio:

1. What is your favourite word?

Treasure. I treasure each day in each moment as a gift and treasure the people around me. I delight starting each day as I am, enjoying the treasures I find along the way.

2. What is your least favourite word?

My least favourite word is abuse. Imagine what kind of world it would be without the abuse of power, abuse of property, abuse of language, or abuse of respect!

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

The idea that there is something greater that we all strive toward inspires me. The mystery of the universe and its creative connections that are weaved into everything around us is inspiring even in something as simple as a traffic jam –imagine the bigger picture that surrounds it and its just another cosmic contraction or expansion.

4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

People who are not creative, spiritual, or emotional.

5. What sound or noise do you love?

The sound of Techno, loud, with my high def earplugs in.

6. What sound or noise do you hate?

The sound of death.

7. What is your favourite curse word?

Mreow.

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?


I’d love to be a Politician – sort of. Maybe not a Politician, but a Spiritual Leader.

9. What profession would you not like to do?

I don’t think I’d like to be a Miner working deep underground.

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

“Want to do it again?”

Feel free to add a couple of your answers to these questions, in the comments section below,
thanks,
Simone

Inside the Yoga Studio

First YogaBC blog posting!


In order to get to know Yoga BC members, I have asked them the ten questions made famous by 'Inside the Actors Studio'. Today, get to know Erin Senior, Yoga BC Board member with her answers to these life altering questions:


1. What is your favourite word? Animate & Facilitate



2. What is your least favourite word? Boring



3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Creatively: Groups or individuals pushing the perceived boundaries of culture and our understanding or experience of “creativity” in unique or unusual spaces. Spiritually: Kundilini Yoga, Canadian poets and writers who uncover the precise words that capture and exclaim the human experience ( Patrick Lane, Tia Mcleanan, Margaret Atwood, Robert Kroetsch, Alister McLeod) Emotionally: Transparency, honesty and my family.



4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Creatively: Small limited and conventional thoughts, limited funding Spiritually: Withholding, manipulation and isolation Emotionally: Arrogance and finality



5. What sound or noise do you love? the sound of the piano being played in a large hall after the crowed has left.



6. What sound or noise do you hate? the sound of sires that disrupt the night



7. What is your favorite curse word? I like traditional old school east coast or french curse words- “For the Love of Christ” “Marde”



8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? if I had to pick a new one : Working as a Marine Biologist



9. What profession would you not like to do? a cashier at Ikea



10.If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

I have this image of God standing at the gates jumping up a down,very excitedly flinging his/her/it’s arms shouting “You made it, you made it!” We would laugh out side the gates as God gives me a hug and says, “Just kidding” and then goes to close the gates and then laughs out loud and says “NAW.. I got you! Come on in!” God is a bit of a joker and likes to kid around in my books, always keeping me on my toes.