About Us

While codes of ethical conduct are presented in the texts of all major yoga traditions, the most widely recognised is that offered by the renowned Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Patanjali divides the ethical and conduct recommendations into Yamas and Niyamas. The Niyamas pertain to one’s relationship with yoga as a spiritual path while the yamas pertain to one’s relationships with other people. The Yamas are: Ahimsa (acting with care/non violence); Satya (truth); Asteya (honesty); Brahmacharya (wise and caring sexual conduct); Aparigraha (accepting only that which is freely given). The Niyamas are: Saucha (cleanliness); Santosha (contentment); Tapas (self-discipline);Svadhyaya (self-study); Isvara-Pranidhana (surrender to a Higher Force/God).

YPVF adopts the Yamas and Niyamas as the basis of its Code of Ethics and Conduct, providing specific guidelines for the application of these principles as they relate to our roles within the Foundation.

The terms “Yamas & Niyamas” are included in parentheses where appropriate.

All individuals involved in the YPVF Team, whether yoga teachers, therapists, artists, professionals, or academics, members of the Board, volunteers or employees, are required to read and familiarise themselves with the guidelines which are applicable to all members. (Satya).

We promote the yog within the context of teaching activities. This applies to everyone involved in our projects regardless of their particular role. Our aim is to promote the implementation of a simple comprehensible, accessible and globally-relevant “Code of Ethics and Conduct” to ensure that each individual is safe and protected. The standards offered in these guidelines are intended to support the YPVF team as a whole, students, instructors, and all those involved in the Foundation’s activities. (Satya)

The Duty of Care and internal enforcement of this “Code of Ethics and Conduct” provides an ethical framework for all participants of YPVF trainings with the intention of ensuring that teaching practices are safe and imparted in a manner that is ethical, honest and consistent. It also serves as a statement to beneficiaries, donors and the public of our serious and heartfelt commitment to maintaining high standards, explaining the fundamental principles, operational principles, and standards which guide the actions and management of YPVF in working towards sustainable development of all people, Peace, Reconciliation, Unity and Justice. (Satya)

All individuals within the YPVF team are required to adhere to  the Foundation’s “Code of Ethics and Conduct”. It is not intended to supersede the ethics of any yoga tradition, school or any holistic, professional, or academic activity, but is intended to be a genuine and sincere basis for proper conduct through the use of authentic ancient yoga principles, universally applicable, regardless of profession, gender, ethnicity, religion, age, physical limitations, socio-economic status or sexual orientation/identity. (Satya)

The YPVF “Code of Ethics and Conduct” forms the basis of best practice in all projects,activities, studies and practices in all the various fields of engagement within this organisation, whether yoga-related or not. It seeks to cultivate awareness and responsibility, to promote dignity for all individuals involved in the activities of YPVF and offer a solid framework for “wholesome” behaviour (honest and correct) for all interactions with the students and participants of our programs.  (Ahimsa & Satya) 

All individuals involved in the YPVF Team, whatever their location or scope of work, need to  recognise their own ethical, personal and professional responsibility in maintaining high standards of conduct and care, and of personal and professional development. Thus,all participants are expected to commit themselves to the continual examination of their thoughts, motives, attitudes, words and actions (Satya). 

All members of YPVF are expected to continue to build on a culture of understanding, support, safety and welfare within their personal and professional relationships. Members of the YPVF Team commit to nurturing effective and honest practices as befits the path of classical yoga in relation to all interactions – whether with students, colleagues or members of the YPVF, or participants of yoga training programmes (Satya, Ahimsa)

It is important to acknowledge that there is often an implicit power dynamic in the teacher-student relationship or trainer-trainee relationship.It is critical that teachers remain humble and do not exploit this dynamic. Students/trainees tend to look up to their teachers and trainers (culture of teacher supremacy). Teachers, professionals and academics in such situations can become proud, arrogant and confused. This can lead to misunderstandings around what constitutes the right kind of attitude to foster between themselves as teachers and their students/participants. The trust vested in them by their students/participants might then be exploited for personal gain. It is necessary that all YPVF team members develop a very fine sense of discrimination in this regard to avoid taking advantage of the trust and dependency shown by students and participants. (Satya)

The YPVF “Code of Ethics and Conduct” applies to all members of the YPVF team; yoga instructors, academics and staff (employees and volunteers), and the activities that are part of their educational, professional, or scientific roles. This includes teaching groups or one-to-one classes. It also extends to counselling activities, research, public and social service activities, creative arts initiatives, events, administrative activities and other activities that the YPVF is engaged in. The YPVF “Code of Ethics and Conduct” applies to activities which take place within the following contexts:in-person, on the telephone, by post, through social media, internet and other types of electronic communication. (Satya)

All members of the YPVF team are personally responsible for their work, practices, studies and teachings. They are answerable for their attitudes, behaviour, actions and omissions. (Satya)

All YPVF team members: patrons, members of the Board of Directors,  instructors, professionals, academics, volunteers and staff and all those involved directly in YPVF activities, recognise that all people are born free and are equal in dignity, demonstrating sensitivity to the moral values, religion, customs, traditions, and culture of the communities they serve. (Ahimsa)

We ask that all YPVF team members dedicate themselves to study, teach, share, promote and cultivate the art, science and philosophy of yoga as well as other holistic, professional, academic and sustainable practices, and to maintain high and transparent standards of professional competence and integrity. They will deliver instruction only in those areas that are within the reasonable boundaries of their competence and skills. (Satya) 

 YPVF instructors, professionals, academics, volunteers and staff will offer their knowledge and skills with truth and transparency in accordance with their education, training, and experience. They will refrain from misrepresenting their professional qualifications and functions (not make false claims regarding certification or titles given by any organisation). (Satya)

YPVF teachers acknowledge the limitations of their skills and scope of yoga practice, never giving any medical diagnosis to their students and where appropriate, referring students to seek alternative instruction, medical advice, treatment or direction. (Satya) 

YPVF teachers cultivate an attitude of humility and only make genuine and realistic statements regarding the benefits of yoga teachings. (Satya) 

The YPVF team members are not publicly critical of or offensive towards other teachers, therapists, instructors, professionals, academics, students or any other yoga tradition. We will encourage diversity by respecting all paths of yoga and any holistic and sustainable practice. (Ahimsa).  

YPVF instructors, professionals, academics, volunteers and staff support and empower a wide variety of students and participants who have a genuine interest to learn, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, physical limitation, socio-economic status or sexual orientation/identity, honouring their rights, dignity and privacy. (Ahimsa). 

YPVF instructors, professionals, academics, volunteers and staff should maintain a clean and well-groomed appearance. They are required to create and maintain a safe,clean and comfortable environment for the practice of yoga or other related activities offered through YPVF projects, using positive, encouraging and respectful language. They will not speak or act abusively towards students, participants or staff in any location in any case or situation. (Saucha, Ahimsa) 

YPVF instructors, professionals, academics, volunteers and staff will not sexually harass students or make physical advances or employ verbal or nonverbal conduct that is sexual in nature. (Ahimsa & Brahmacharya)  

All YPVF team members, patrons,members of the Board of Directors, volunteers, staff and all those involved in the Foundation’s activities strive to do their best in all cases in all their activities, keeping their attitude humble and honest at all times and remain committed to working to improve the programmes and systems of the Foundation for the benefit of the entire YPVF community through “Seva Yoga” practices, meaning selfless service. (Satya & Santosha).  

All YPVF team members: patrons, members of the Board of Directors, volunteers and staff and all those involved directly in YPVF activities, respect the religion and belief systems of all human beings seeking peace, togetherness and integration, regardless of profession, gender, race, ethnicity, age, physical limitations, socio-economic status or sexual orientation/identity. They exercise tolerance and are accepting of the many different ways human beings take part in devotional practices (prayer and worship) . (Isvara Pranidhana). 

All YPVF team members: patrons, members of the Board of Directors, volunteers, staff and all those involved directly in YPVF activities must exhibit a responsible and caring attitude toward the environment in all their activities. (Ahimsa). 

All YPVF team members: patrons, members of the Board of Directors, volunteers, staff and all those involved directly in YPVF activities, recognise that their conduct and activities impact on the public perception of other foundations and NGOs.

All YPVF team members: patrons, members of the Board of Directors, volunteers, staff and all those involved directly in YPVF activities are committed to working beyond the borders of politics, religion, culture, race and ethnicity. Where the activities and values fall within the scope of the organisation’s mission, YPVF willingly collaborates with other organisations and individuals that share its values and objectives. 

All YPVF team members: patrons, members of the Board of Directors, volunteers, staff and all those involved directly in YPVF activities, shall carry out their activities with professionalism centred on the ethos of serving others (Seva), working towards realising YPVF’s  Mission Statement. (Satya).  

All YPVF team members: patrons, members of the Board of Directors, volunteers and staff, support the organisation and endorse fundraising campaigns which support YPVF projects, working honestly and transparently in this regard and not misusing/exploiting public money for personal gain. (Aparigraha). 

All YPVF team members: patrons, members of the Board of Directors, volunteers, staff and all those involved directly with our projects, shall express solidarity with the campaigns and actions of other foundations and NGOs, and promote the effectiveness and success of other foundations and NGOs, provided that doing so does not compromise the integrity or values of the YPVF.  (Satya).

1. Yoga Teacher – Student Relationship

A good yoga teacher–student relationship requires the teacher to have high standards of professional and personal conduct. Yoga teachers need to respect the rights and dignity of all students. They also need to respect the trust placed in them by their students. The following guidelines emphasise trust and safety as the basis for a wholesome teacher – student relationship. Please note that for the purposes of this document,  the word ‘student’ includes those attending yoga classes, teacher trainees and those being mentored.

1.1 Respect and Rights

YPVF teachers will:

1.1.1 Show respect to all students regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, physical and psychological limitations, sexual orientation/identity or religious affiliation within the context of yoga. (Ahimsa)

1.1.2 Respect the values, beliefs and aspirations of all yoga students. (Ahimsa)

1.1.3 Take responsibility for  making an appropriate referral, if for any reason they are unable or unwilling to teach a student. (Satya)

1.1.4 YPVF teachers of “Yoga for Children” will follow the guidance of YPVF’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy (Ahimsa) 

1.1.5 Always promote the positive aspects of yoga (e.g. non-competitiveness) and never condone violations of good practice such as bullying. (Ahimsa)

1.2 Confidentiality

YPVF teachers will:

1.2.1 Protect students’ privacy and the right to confidentiality. (Satya)

1.2.2 Treat all information about students as confidential. (Satya)

1.2.3 Obtain consent from students (and from caregivers if students are minors) before taking photographs, making audio or video recordings or permitting third party observation of yoga sessions. (Satya)

1.2.4 Ask students (or caregivers if the students are minors) permission before adding their names to mailing lists and be transparent about the content of e-correspondence. (Satya)

1.2.5 On issues relating to duty of care, report any concern they have for the safety and wellbeing of their student to the relevant emergency support person/agency. (Ahimsa)

1.3 Effective Communication

Relationships based on trust and clear communication enable teachers to work effectively with their students.

YPVF teachers will:

1.3.1 Communicate with students in a courteous, respectful, compassionate and honest manner. (Ahimsa)

1.3.2 Communicate respect for students through their actions, language and behaviour. (Ahimsa)

1.3.3 Listen to students’ needs, concerns and preferences.

1.3.4 Communicate clearly about ways to practise yoga safely. (Satya)

1.3.5 WIll not touch their students. In the case of students with special needs who require physical assistance involving hands-on contact in order to practise safely and meaningfully, the teacher will first seek the student’s and parents’/ caregiver’s’ consent and remain respectful (not intrusive) at all times of the student’s sense of physical space/boundaries. (Ahimsa)

1.3.6 Make comments about a student’s practice that are constructive and positive and not denigrating. Equally, avoiding giving praise to certain students/offering preferential treatment to individuals and excluding others (Ahimsa)

1.3.7 Clarify with students at the outset (and with their parents when relevant) exactly what is expected of them and what they are entitled to expect from the teacher. (Satya)

1.4 Safety

YPVF teachers will:

1.4.1 Place the well-being and safety of the student above the development of the practice. They should follow all guidelines laid down by YPVF.

1.4.2 Maintain a safe, clean and comfortable environment for the teaching and practice of yoga. (Saucha)

1.4.3 Ensure the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual.

1.4.4 Maintain safety procedures for yoga equipment. (Ahimsa)

1.4.5 Safeguard the wellbeing of students and ensure their physical safety and psychological well being are a priority when offering them yoga activities. (Ahimsa)

1.5 Professional Boundaries

YPVF teachers will:

1.5.1 Be considerate of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of students. (Ahimsa)

1.5.2 Be considerate of the preferences and limitations of students. (Ahimsa)

1.5.3 Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and develop an appropriate working relationship with students, based on mutual trust and respect. Teachers must not exert influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.  (Satya)

1.5.4 Recognise the implicit power imbalance that tends to exist between teacher and student and refrain from harassing or exploiting students physically, psychologically, emotionally, sexually or financially. (Ahimsa)

1.5.5 Declare and take appropriate steps to address any conflict of interest that may arise in dealings with students. (Satya)

1.5.6 Avoid relationships that could compromise the integrity of the teacher-student relationship. (Brahmacharya)

1.5.6 Any form of sexual behaviour with a student is unacceptable. Sexual behaviour is defined as, but not limited to, all forms of overt and covert seductive speech, gestures and behaviour including physical contact of a sexual nature, as well as claims about touch or other inappropriate practices being Tantric,and/or teaching tantric sexual practices. (Satya & Brahmacharya)

1.5.7 Any form of sexual relationship with a student of any age is unacceptable, including when a student invites or consents to such behaviour. The exception is a consensual ongoing sexual relationship between people aged 18 or above that pre-dates the training. (Brahmacharya)

1.5.8 Acknowledging that yoga teachers in many spiritual organisations and communities have developed relationships with students or former students, YPVF recommends, if a sexual relationship or romantic interest develops between a teacher and a student, the teacher must end the teacher-student relationship immediately and refer the student to another teacher. There must be a clear understanding from both parties that the student-teacher relationship has ended. (Brahmacharya)

1.5.9 Encourage and guide students to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and practice.

1.6 Grievances

YPVF teachers will:

1.6.1 Acknowledge the student’s right to make a complaint. (Satya)

1.6.2 Take all necessary steps to resolve any complaints or grievances. (Satya)

2. Relationship with Peers

These following guidelines outline a professional approach to working with other yoga teachers and relevant professionals.

YPVF teachers will:

2.1 Speak respectfully of other yoga traditions. (Ahimsa)

2.2 Treat other yoga teachers and colleagues in a respectful manner. (Ahimsa)

2.3 When appropriate, refer to and work cooperatively with other yoga teachers and relevant health practitioners to meet the needs of the student. (Satya)

2.4 Consult and take advice from colleagues and mentors, when appropriate. – Humility – 

3. Professional Practice

These codes of conduct relate to maintaining professionalism in yoga teaching as expected by peers, students and the community.

3.1 Professional Performance

YPVF teachers will:

3.1.1 Update and review their teaching skills and knowledge in accordance with YPVF’s guidelines. (Svadhyaya & Satya)

3.1.2 Acknowledge and teach yoga within the scope of their skills, knowledge and ability. (Satya) 

3.1.3 Maintain their own Sadhana (yoga practice). (Svadhyaya & Tapas)

3.1.4 Agree to cooperate fully with any YPVF inquiry in relation to behaviour and responsibilities as a member of YPVF. (Satya)

3.1.5 Abide by all YPVF policies and procedures. (Satya)

3.1.5 Undertake training and educational programmes offered by YPVF in order to remain up to date on professional issues and relevant legislation, to re-examine attitudes and to renew motivation. (Svadhyaya & Satya)

3.2 Integrity in Teaching

YPVF teachers will:

3.2.1 In all professional matters, act in a manner which honours that of a yoga teacher, displaying consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance. This includes refraining from using intoxicating substances/stimulants such as alcohol or tobacco when engaging in yoga activities and avoiding the use of illegal drugs at all times. (Satya & Saucha)

3.2.2 Promoting and advertising their teaching and yoga classes truthfully, making only realistic claims about the possible benefits of yoga. Avoid making false, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive or unfair statements, statements which promise extraordinary, unique or one-of-a-kind abilities. This includes mis-representation through sensationalism, exaggeration or superficially, statements intended or likely to exploit a student’s fears, anxieties or emotions, statements concerning the comparative desirability of an offered service. (Satya)

3.2.3 Give due acknowledgment to the sources of information, techniques and teaching material used to prepare the classes or workshops, respecting copyright and acknowledging sources when drawing on the work of others. (Satya & Asteya) 

3.3 Business Integrity

YPVF teachers will:

3.3.2 Ensure all information relating to the benefits of yoga and information used for promotional and marketing purposes is accurate, fair, clearly stated and not misleading in any way. (Satya)

3.3.3 Treat all employees, the community, students, colleagues and other yoga businesses fairly, transparently and honestly in the course of all business transactions. (Asteya)

3.3.4 As much as possible, adhere to environmentally-friendly and sustainable business practices, including, but not limited to, recycling, using energy-efficient products, being energy-efficient, reducing waste, saving water and travelling smarter. (Ahimsa)

3.3.5 Before any commitment from students or yoga associates, yoga teachers will provide full information on fees, refunds and other financial arrangements. (Satya – Asteya – Aparigraha)