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.

Sattarka School of Yoga Code of Conduct

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

Purpose Statement
The purpose of the Sattarka School of Yoga Code of Conduct is to elevate the integrity of yoga teachers and yoga teaching with agreements on ethical and professional behavior. Above all, Sattark School of Yoga (SSY) teachers agree to uphold the highest moral standards, striving in all arenas to ensure that their intentions, actions, and speech are based on honesty, compassion, selflessness, trustworthiness, and transparency.

Professional Growth and Continuing Education
SSY Teachers dedicate themselves to being a life-long learner and cultural caretaker of yoga’s philosophy and practices. Teachers recognize that the process of learning is not linear and is never complete. Teachers acknowledge that they are walking on the spiritual path along with their fellow teachers and students. Teachers commit to translating the ancient wisdom of yoga accurately and relatably as they guide practitioners confidently, without being authoritarian or promising to always have the right answers. Teachers lead with curiosity and commitment to understanding at all times.

Teacher-Student Relationships
SSY Teachers recognize that their purpose is to serve their student’s personal exploration and growth. Teachers are continually aware of their position of power and influence in their relationship with their students and maintain professional boundaries to avoid any exploitation of the inherent teacher-student power dynamic. Teachers practice recognizing their own agendas, perceptions, and desired outcomes to avoid projecting on their students. Teachers avoid any activity or influence that is in conflict with the best interests of their students or that may be solely for their own personal gain or gratification.

SSY Teachers welcome, accept, and support all students regardless of religion, gender, sexual orientation, language, nationality, political, or cultural background. Teachers are committed to making yoga more equitable, inclusive, accessible and diverse.

Scope of Practice
SSY Teachers are part of a network of health care and well-being professionals and seek to develop interdisciplinary relationships. Teachers refer their students to medical doctors and complimentary licensed professionals when appropriate and do not give medical advice, diagnose physical or psychological conditions and do not suggest rejecting a physician's advice. Teachers keep all personal information disclosed by their students strictly confidential.