The following ethical principles serve as guidelines, not rigid rules. They should be applied relative to each unique circumstance and context. These time-honored qualities foster harmony among individuals and organizations. Avatar Yoga School encourages all members to uphold the highest standards that reflect the life-affirming values of the school.
- Avatar Yoga School follows a traditional approach to yoga, helping students understand the timeless wisdom yoga offers. Our teaching methods are designed to ensure that ethical practices are deeply understood by our students.
- We encourage students to practice contemplation. If any strong questions arise, we suggest you reflect on them during your personal time and seek answers within yourself. If you still have questions, feel free to discuss them with the instructors by prior arrangement or during designated discussion time.
- Students should approach the program with the mindset of learning the beautiful art of balance. Those who are only seeking certification are kindly requested to refrain from attending our program.
- Yoga teachers recognize and honor that teaching yoga is a noble and uplifting endeavor, connecting them to a long lineage of respected and honorable teachers.
- Yoga teachers fully embrace the principle of truthfulness in their interactions with students and others, ensuring they accurately represent their training and experience in relation to their yoga teaching.
- oga teachers are dedicated to living yoga as a way of life.
- Yoga teachers commit to ongoing study and practice, particularly focusing on the theoretical and practical aspects of the specific branch or style of yoga they teach.
- Yoga teachers are dedicated to fostering the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being of their students.
- Yoga teachers should avoid giving medical advice unless they are qualified healthcare professionals. This helps maintain clear boundaries and ensures students receive proper medical care when needed.
- Yoga teachers are committed to instructing all students, regardless of race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, or social/financial status. This ensures an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
- Yoga teachers are open to accepting students with physical disabilities, as long as they have the skills and knowledge to offer safe and appropriate guidance for those students.
- Yoga teachers will treat students with respect, avoiding any form of yelling or physical force. Harsh language or aggressive behavior, such as shouting corrections, is not acceptable.
- Yoga teachers will respect each student's individual worldview, ideas, and beliefs, never forcing their own opinions on them. If a student's beliefs hinder the teaching process, the teacher may choose to discontinue the relationship, seeking an amicable resolution if possible.
- Yoga teachers will maintain a professional and respectful environment, avoiding any form of sexual harassment towards students.
- Yoga teachers will make every effort to avoid exploiting the trust between themselves and their students, focusing instead on fostering greater inner freedom and personal growth.
- Yoga teachers acknowledge the importance of teaching in the proper context and commit to avoiding a casual approach. They will maintain appropriate decorum both inside and outside the classroom.
- Yoga teachers will establish clear boundaries between themselves and their students to maintain their role of service. If a consensual relationship develops, the teacher is obligated to keep it separate from the yoga environment or may advise the student to find a different teacher.
- Yoga teachers will create and maintain a sacred and safe environment for all students, fostering a space of respect, trust, and openness.
- Yoga teachers will honor and pay tribute to their past teachers and the sources of their knowledge and skill, acknowledging their influence in classes
- Yoga teachers will acknowledge each student with a bowing Namaste at the beginning or end of class, demonstrating humility and respect.
- Yoga teachers will practice humility, openly saying "I don't know" when necessary and committing to research and return with an answer. They will remember their own beginner experiences and approach students with compassion, fostering a supportive learning environment.