Ethics for Yoga Teachers
Friends of Yoga (FRYOG) Teachers are expected to maintain the integrity of Yoga as taught by Patanjali in the 8 Limbs of Yoga namely:
- Yamas – non-harming, truthfulness, non-stealing, conservation of energy, non-greed
- Niyamas – purity, contentment, self-discipline, self-study, connection to your higher source
- Asana – physical practice
- Pranayama – control of breath & prana
- Pratyahara – withdrawal of senses
- Dharana – concentration
- Dhyana – meditation
- Samadhi – enlightened bliss
Friends of Yoga (FRYOG) have developed the following guidelines for teachers to improve the quality of teaching and practice in the modern world:
- Our teachers understand that teaching Yoga is a privilege and that they are part of a tradition whose lineage can be traced back.
- Our teachers are committed to promoting the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of their students.
- Our teachers will treat their students with respect.
- Our teachers will avoid any form of harassment of their students (including sexual harassment)
- Our teachers will never give medical advice or advice that could be interpreted as such unless they have a suitable qualification.
- Our teachers are willing to accept students with physical limitation providing the teacher has the necessary skills to teach such a student properly.
- Our teachers welcome all students regardless of race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation and social or financial status.
- Our teachers strive to practice tolerance towards other Yoga teachings and traditions.
- Our teachers should conduct themselves in a professional manner both inside and outside the classroom.
- Our teachers continue their studies of the theoretical and practical aspects of yoga by attending one CPD (Continued Professional Development Day) each year organised or approved by Friends of Yoga.
