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.

The Kaivalya Yoga Method Code of Conduct

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

Code of Conduct Policy

Purpose Statement
The purpose of our Code of Conduct is to help our teachers serve in their purest spirit and to
protect our students and community.

Professional Growth/Continuing Education
Teachers shall maintain the integrity, competency, and high standards of the yoga profession by
continuously striving to improve their skills through keeping current in new developments in
yoga practice and by participating in continuing educational programs.

Teacher-Student Relationships
Teachers shall demonstrate high regard for the moral, social, and religious standards of their
students. Teachers shall avoid imposing their personal beliefs on their students, although they
may express them when appropriate in the class and in a sensitive and careful manner. Teachers
recognize the trust placed in them by students and the unique power of the student-teacher
relationship. Teachers shall avoid exploiting the trust and dependency of students. Teachers shall
not engage in harassment, abusive words or actions, or exploit students. Teachers recognize that
the teacher-student relationship involves a power imbalance and shall exercise caution if the
teacher chooses to get into a personal relationship with a student.

Integrity
Teachers shall uphold the highest of moral standards. Teachers shall strive to ensure that their
intentions, actions, and speech are based on honesty, compassion, selflessness, trustworthiness,
and transparency. Teachers recognize that the process of learning is never complete. Teachers
recognize that they are walking on the spiritual path along with their fellow teachers and
students. Teachers shall cultivate an attitude of humanity in their teaching and dedicate their
work to something greater than themselves.  

Scope of Practice
Teachers shall represent their qualifications honestly and provide only the services they are
qualified and certified to perform. Teachers shall not give medical advice. Teachers shall not
recommend treatment, diagnose a condition, or suggest that a student disregard medical advice.
Teachers shall refer their students to medical doctors or complimentary licensed professionals
when appropriate.

THE KAIVALYA YOGA METHOD ACADEMY

Confidential Information
Teachers shall respect and protect the welfare of all of their students or clients. Teachers shall
keep all personal information disclosed by their students or clients strictly confidential. All
discussions among teachers concerning students or clients shall be conducted in secure, non-
public environments. Teachers shall not disclose personal information belonging to a student or
client except (a) to comply with the law or the order of a court; (b) to prevent bodily harm or
danger to the client or to others; or (c) where the information has already been disclosed to the
public.

Inter-Professional Relationships
Teachers are part of the well-being community and should strive to develop and maintain
relationships within the community for the benefit of their students and their own professional
development. Teachers shall practice tolerance toward other teachers, schools, and traditions.
Teachers shall not undermine a student’s trust in teachings they have received from other
traditions, schools or teachers by criticizing such teachings without reasonable cause. If a teacher
hears such criticism being made by students or colleagues, he or she must act with the utmost
discretion and professionalism in voicing their view on the matter.

Yoga Equity
Teachers shall welcome all students regardless of age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity
and perceived gender expression), sexual orientation, color, race, national origin, marital status,
parental status, veteran’s status, religion, or physical or mental disability, provided that the
teacher has appropriate expertise.