A Code of Conduct is a difficult document to write. In theory, it sets out your responsibilities as members in good standing, and what we, as a community, expect of each other.

In practice, it’s easy for a Code of Conduct to be so generic it is of little use, and for there to be next-to-no consequences for violating it. So we’re taking a different approach, with a few specific aims in mind:

We expect this document to evolve, with your help, and we’re excited to figure out together what real accountability might look like in yoga teaching.

This sounds obvious, but it's also the most enforceable clause to have in a Code of Conduct. We expect AYC members to teach in accordance with all appropriate legislation in your jurisdiction when teaching yoga. We’re not going to police your practice, but if your behaviour towards your students and colleagues violates civil or criminal law, we will recommend and support legal action. Unethical behaviour of a legal nature could result in expulsion from AYC.

Secondly, to be a member in good standing, we expect you to teach in accordance with the following values, which reflect the core values of AYC as an organization.

Lastly, to be an effective and ethical yoga teacher, we believe it is vital to have considered your own personal code of conduct. You might reflect on Patanjali’s yamas and niyamas, on the five Buddhist Precepts for right living, on the lay Jain code, or on any other philosophical sources. We would like you to describe that code of conduct in your own words.

Additionally, this school has established a specific code of conduct that must be upheld:

Devanadi's Code of Ethics follows the Yamas and Niyamas of yoga. Read them here: https://www.devanadiyoga.com/docs/Devanadi_Code_of_Conduct.pdf

YAMAS
AHIMSA: NONVIOLENCE
Late Arrival Time: If a student arrives after the start of the class, the student should wait at the entrance and only upon given a nod from the teacher shall enter the classroom area. Once the student enters the classroom, try to take a seat where the student is not interfering with the ongoing session. Passing Etiquette: Do not walk on or over someone else’s practice mat. Be respectful of their presence and space, and try to minimalize disturbing the focus. Other Traditions: Trainees shall strive to practice tolerance toward other Yoga teachers, schools, and traditions.

When criticism has to be brought, this should be done in fairness and with appropriate regard for the facts. Speaking of other teachers with disrespect is unethical and creates a distasteful environment for learning. Cell Phone: Cell phones are to be turned off or on Airplane mode during the classroom time. If you must have your phone for emergencies, please turn off the ringer and vibrate feature. Cross Talk and Loudness: Please avoid cross talk and if applicable, chatting on Zoom, while the teacher is sharing. Avoid speaking/laughing loudly during the lecture or break time while in the lecture room/hall. This is to keep the sanctity of the room and maintain ahimsa (non violence through words, actions and thoughts) all the time, as well as respect the building and its other occupants.

Queries/Asking Questions: Please refrain from interrupting during lectures and/or asking the teacher (personal or subject related) questions during break times, lunch time, rest room breaks, before the class begins and upon ending of the session. Be mindful that your rest time is also the teachers’ rest time. Proper space is given from time to time in the session for Q & A Sessions. Teachers may also indicate they are open for questions on a time to time basis outside of class time.

SATYA: TRUTHFULNESS
Teacher-Student Interaction: After the student enters the classroom, please acknowledge the presence of the teacher by nodding or “Namaste” mudra as soon as there is eye contact with the teacher. The student should take seat or Asana after acknowledging the presence of the teacher in the classroom.

The student is required to inform the teacher or TAs of any late arrival or absence. Student must give at least one-hours notice by emailing/texting the Teacher’s Assistant(s) (if applicable) or info@devanadiyoga.com. Queries: Trainee/student should avoid any kind of exaggeration in terms of sharing their experiences.

ASTEYA: NON-STEALING
Arrival Time: Please be on time. Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the class start time in order to be completely ready for the class so that we can start on time.
If possible, please do not enter the class in the middle of meditation, mantra chants, savasana and practice sessions. Know that doing so is like stealing from other trainees’ time and experiences. If the trainee/student is late for any reason, please be patient and wait till the practice session is over. If you are joining via ZOOM, please enter with sound off so as not to disturb the class.
Acknowledgement of the Source: Be mindful of acknowledging the source of the knowledge/words by stating the name of the teacher, book, website etc. wherever the information is inspired from.

BRAHMACHARYA: MODERATION IN SENSORY
ENGAGEMENTS/STUDENT CODE
Attendance: The student should mark the check-in as well as check-out time the attendance sheet upon arrival and before departure from the training session daily. This is required in order to make sure you have attended the number of hours as it aligns with the certificate as well as to secure the CEU’s thorough professional organizations.

Sexual Etiquette: Everyone irrespective of background, race, religion, tradition, color, age, gender, sexual orientation is welcome to the training. As trainee/student, you agree to not engage in sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is sexual solicitation, physical advances or verbal or nonverbal conduct that is sexual in nature, that occurs in connection with the trainees activities or roles as a student and that either (1) is unwelcome, is offensive or creates a hostile educational environment, and the trainee knows or is told this or (2) is sufficiently severe or intense to be abusive to a reasonable person in the context. Sexual harassment can consist of a single intense or severe act or of multiple persistent or pervasive acts.

Eating/Drinks: Do not eat/chew gum/candies while in the training session. Trainee/students are welcome to bring tea/water/coffee but make sure it is properly secured in a closed mug/bottle/container. Appropriate breaks are given during the training to relax, stretch, eat and use restroom. Perfumes and Fragrances: Avoid the use of strong perfumes, essential oils. Many people are sensitive/allergic to
certain fragrances/aromas. Please be mindful that it is a group study and while your intentions are not to harm, we may not know about other participant’s sensitivities. Let us be kind to everyone.

APARIGRAHA: NON-POSSESSIVENESS, NON-GREED
Recording and Pictures: Recording devices of any sort (video/audio) are not allowed during the class and are in violation of our privacy rights with both our studio and contracted teachers. Please ask before taking photographs to preserve the privacy of the student and/or teacher and teachings.
Electronic Devices: If trainee/student chooses to bring laptop or any other electronic device to make notes, please make sure that their neighbor is not disturbed by its presence. A suggestion is to sit near the back row or off to the side in order to maintain a quiet and serene environment for others to study.

NIYAMAS
SAUCHA: PURITY & CLARITY OF MIND, SPEECH & BODY
Hygiene: Please wear clear, fresh clothing. Maintain a proper hygiene as a participant. Keep the body, clothes, and Yoga mat/asana clean and free of bad odor. Let your presence be pleasant to others.
Dress Code: Wear yoga appropriate dress, which is graceful, comfortable, breathable, and not too restrictive. Vedic Dress Code (optional): It’s a tradition for seekers of Yoga to follow the color code based on the planet, day and color. If the trainee/student feels inspired to be dressed following the vedic color code, here are the guidelines to benefit from the aligning with Macro-cosmic energies.

• Monday (Moon): White/Pink/Off White/Silver/Shades of White and Moonlight
• Tuesday (Mars): All shades of Orange and Red
• Wednesday (Mercury): All shades of Green
• Thursday (Jupiter): All shades of Yellow, Brown, Gold
• Friday (Venus): All shades of Purple, Lilac, Violet, Magenta
• Saturday (Saturn): All shades of Grey, Blue and Black
• Sunday (Sun): All shades of sunrise - Red, Orange, Yellow (bright colors)
Drugs etc.: Do not participate in the training while under the influence of mind-altering drugs or alcohol. If taking prescribed medication (affecting sleep, energy, moods, emotion), it is the responsibility of the trainee to consult with their medical physician regarding any side effects that could potentially impair their functioning or participation in the training. Smoking: Smoking of any kind is not permitted in the classroom setting/studio campus.

SANTOSHA: CONTENTMENT, ACCEPTANCE OF OTHERS & OF ONE’S CIRCUMSTANCES
Training material: Every training session is unique in terms of exact content. It is not just inspired by the subject but also the participants. At times a certain subject may go deeper based on the curiosity of the attendees. It’s important to know that no training is absolutely complete without the work and effort done by the participant. Yet training can be always fulfilling if you keep your mind open and accept the unique setting and group that you are a part of. The teacher shall do their best to share the subject with utmost sincerity and openness. Q & A: Please keep the queries relevant to the subject matter in question. There will be a proper time and acknowledgment to the queries makes a note of the questions as and when they come up. Most of the time the queries are answered naturally in due course of discussion.

TAPAS: AUSTERITY, SELF-DISCIPLINE
Placement of Study Material: Please do not keep the education material (i.e. manuals/handouts/notebooks/ books/laptop) directly on floor or touch them with feet. All the education material is considered Divine, and in the Yoga Tradition, it is considered a disrespect to touch them with feet or keeping them directly on floor. Children/babies: If the trainee/student chooses to bring her/his child/baby to the classroom, please make sure to request proper permission from the teacher/staff.
Pets: Any kind of pets are not allowed in the classroom setting.

SVADHYAYA: STUDY OF SELF & SELF-REFLECTION
Self Study: It is important that during the days of the training, trainee/student keeps a reflective attitude. Make sure to revise to notes every day and/or read about the subject matter before and during the training. Such trainings are auspicious times to delve into our own minds. Schedule Your Study: Succeed in your intention to complete this program with enough time and energy to do so. Schedule time in your calendar NOW for you to read, practice, teach, and study. Knowing you have the time to study and practice will lead to faith, which is a key ingredient in your path to Yoga.

ISHVARAPRANIDHANA: ATTITUDE OF SURRENDER
Please do not sit with the feet pointed towards the teacher/teaching presence. We will discuss in class why this action is not only considered impolite in some cultures, but also energetically challenging. In case of the need to stretch the legs, please stretch them sideways or place a scarf/blanket over the feet. Trainee/student may choose to sit on a chair, quietly excuse themselves for a restroom break or simply lay down with the head pointed towards the teacher in case they have to.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
By reading/receiving this document as trainees of the program, you agree to abide by these rules/conduct/ ethics. If you have any questions please write to info@devanadiyoga.com. Thank you and many regards as you embark on this time of self growth and study!
Devanadi Staff, Faculty, & Guest Teachers