American Yoga Council Code of Conduct

v1.0, last updated 18 September 2025

Preamble

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 want the Code of Conduct to be more adaptable to your own ethics as a teacher or school in good standing.
  • We want the public to easily be able to see a School's code in order to hold them accountable to it.
  • We want our Code of Conduct to reflect our values as an organization.
  • And we want this Code of Conduct to be a key tool in holding ourselves to account as a community.

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.

The American Yoga Council Code of Conduct

1. Follow the Law

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.

  • I will teach in accordance with all appropriate legislation in my jurisdiction.

2. Uphold AYC Core Values

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.

  • Following the core value of Generosity, I will share my teachings in the spirit of collaboration rather than competition, and conduct my financial dealings fairly with others.
  • Following the core value of Transparency, I will represent my yoga education, background, and the content of my teaching honestly and accurately.
  • Following the core value of Right Livelihood, I will teach to the scope of practice of my training and experience.
  • Following the core value of Embodied Relationships, I will teach with respect for the value of ethical human to human connections.

3. Creating a Personal Code

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.

  • In accordance with my own practice and understanding of yogic philosophy, I commit to teach and live by the personal code of conduct written below.

Himalayan Institute Code of Conduct

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

The Himalayan Institute—its faculty, staff, and residential community—holds its role as a steward of a wisdom tradition and learning community as our highest guiding principle.

Any form of harassment or abuse is unacceptable, including violations of the student-teacher relationship. We are acutely sensitive to the pain and trauma that any victim of abuse suffers, as well as the erosion of mutual trust and confidence that ensues within the broader community in which abuse or breach of trust of a student-teacher relationship occurs.

For decades, the Institute has made every effort to be a responsible and compassionate steward of our community. We’re grateful for the authentic, inviting and nurturing environment the Himalayan Institute community has created, for us all to practice, study and grow together.

As a spiritual and educational organization, we hold the integrity of the student-teacher relationship in the highest regard, and have clear organizational policies and grievance procedures which govern and safeguard the integrity of these relationships. We take allegations of abuse, misconduct or harassment seriously, and make every effort to respond swiftly and appropriately.

The ancient lineage of the Himalayan masters is the source of our wisdom tradition. We honor our connection to this living tradition. The Himalayan Institute continues to serve humanity by sharing these life-changing teachings, in the broader context of the vast pool of wisdom and practice that the Himalayan Tradition has preserved over thousands of years.