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:

Janet Stone Yoga – Code of Conduct

Grounded in the Yamas & Niyamas
Our community is rooted in the shared commitment to practice with integrity, compassion, and presence. The following Code of Conduct guides all participants, assistants, mentors, and faculty in Janet Stone Yoga Teacher Training programs. It reflects the ethical foundation of yoga and supports a safe, inclusive, respectful learning environment across all formats—virtual, hybrid, or in-person gathering.

I. YAMAS — Ethical Principles in Community

1. Ahimsa — Non-Harming
We commit to emotional, psychological, and interpersonal safety for ourselves and others.
We refrain from language, communication, or behavior that demeans, intimidates, or excludes.
We honor personal boundaries and individual comfort levels with sharing, visibility, and engagement.
We practice compassionate communication, especially in moments of challenge.

2. Satya — Truthfulness
We speak with honesty and clarity, avoiding gossip, misrepresentation, or hidden agendas.
We bring concerns directly to faculty or staff rather than speaking behind others’ backs.
We commit to authenticity in our learning process, acknowledging what we know and what we are still discovering.

3. Asteya — Non-Stealing
We respect the time, attention, and energy of the community.
We participate fully and avoid disrupting shared learning experiences.
We honor the intellectual property of teachers and peers and do not reproduce materials without permission.
We avoid dominating shared discussions or group spaces.

4. Brahmacharya — Wise Use of Energy
We cultivate presence and avoid behaviors that distract from learning.
We refrain from romantic or sexual advances within the training community, especially in relationships involving power differentials.
We engage in communication channels (verbal, written, digital) in ways that uphold the integrity of the training.

5. Aparigraha — Non-grasping
We release the need to control outcomes or the experiences of others.
We avoid hoarding attention or resources in shared settings.
We practice generosity, open-mindedness, and patience.
We refrain from comparison, competition, or clinging to fixed ideas of how learning “should” unfold.

II. NIYAMAS — Personal Commitments in Practice

1. Saucha — Clarity & Cleanliness
We cultivate internal and external clarity by minimizing avoidable distractions.
We maintain a professional and respectful presence in shared learning environments.
We uphold clear communication and contribute to a calm and focused learning atmosphere.

2. Santosha — Contentment
We approach the training with curiosity, patience, and acceptance.
We avoid excessive complaining or negativity that affects the collective.
We practice gratitude for the opportunity to learn and for the diverse paths within the community.

3. Tapas — Discipline & Steady Effort
We commit to the required coursework, practices, and assignments.
We attend sessions consistently and communicate proactively about absences or changes in capacity.
We show up with sincerity, consistency, and effort—honoring our own pace and edges.
We take responsibility for our participation and learning.

4. Svadhyaya — Self-Study
We reflect on our patterns, triggers, and biases as they arise in learning and community settings.
We welcome constructive feedback and approach it as part of the learning process.
We honor the lineage and study the teachings with humility.
We examine how our actions and communication impact others.

5. Ishvara Pranidhana — Surrender to Something Greater
We recognize that this practice is larger than any one individual.
We make space for trust, presence, and reverence.
We release perfectionism and expectations, allowing transformation to unfold.
We lean into devotion, curiosity, and openness.

III. Community Expectations

These principles apply across all training formats and communication platforms:

Respect & Inclusion
We honor all bodies, identities, backgrounds, abilities, and lived experiences.
Discrimination, harassment, or boundary violations in any form will not be tolerated.

Confidentiality
Personal stories shared within the training remain within the container.
We do not record, screenshot, or replicate others’ contributions without permission.

Intellectual Property
Videos, documents, practices, and teaching materials are for personal study only and not to be distributed or used for teaching without explicit permission.

Communication Boundaries
Trainees refrain from coaching, diagnosing, or giving advice outside their scope.
Faculty, mentors, and assistants maintain clear professional boundaries with all trainees.
Romantic or sexual relationships between faculty/assistants and current trainees are prohibited.

Professionalism
We engage with presence, respect, and attentiveness in all training contexts—live sessions, recordings, mentorship meetings, group discussions, written submissions, and online platforms.

IV. Accountability & Process
If a participant’s behavior is out of alignment with this Code of Conduct:
—A Conversation: Faculty or staff will meet with the participant to clarify concerns.
—Opportunity for Realignment: The participant may be asked to take specific steps to repair harm or modify behavior.
—Removal from the Program: In cases of repeated or serious violations, the participant may be removed from the training without refund.

V. Commitment
By participating in Janet Stone Yoga’s Teacher Training programs, you agree to embody these principles to the best of your ability. This code creates a container for trust, transformation, and authentic learning.