Code of Conduct
PURPOSE
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The Swadhyaya Yoga School Code of Conduct is intended to provide specific standards to cover most situations encountered by our yoga teachers. Its primary goal is the welfare and protection of our students, teachers, yoga community, and the public. It articulates the ethical standards that our teachers must follow. The Code of Conduct is intended to elevate the professionalism and integrity of our yoga teachers by adopting uniform standards for behavior yet recognizing the diversity of the many traditions of the teaching and practice of yoga.
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The Swadhyaya Yoga School Code of Conduct is intended to promote an orderly and peaceful existence within the Swadhyaya Yoga School community and as a basis for yoga principles.
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The Swadhyaya Yoga School Code of Conduct is a declaration of acceptable ethical and professional behavior by which all students agree to conduct themselves during the course of their training.​
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Discipline. Discipline is an integral part of the training program. I will strictly observe the course routine. (Yama Niyama).
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Rules and Regulations. I will respect the rules and regulations of Swadhyaya Yoga School’s Yoga Teacher Training program and understand that to do otherwise could result in termination of studentship with no refund.
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Class Attendance. I will consult with an instructor or manager prior to absenting myself from the scheduled program and understand that excusing myself from the class without prior permission may be considered a gross breach of discipline.
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Meals. I agree to notify management in advance if I intend to forgo a meal to avoid food waste.
Activities Not Related to Swadhyaya Yoga School. I understand and acknowledge that Swadhyaya Yoga School does not make arrangements for guests of students; and that any activity that is not related to the course is not permitted.
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Class Times. I agree to be on time for classes. I understand I will not be permitted to enter any class once it has commenced.
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Close Accounts. I agree to return all library books and any other articles belonging to Swadhyaya Yoga School before departing from the school.
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Substance Abuse. Smoking, Vaping, Alcohol and Intoxicating Substances. I agree to abstain from all smoking, alcohol and intoxicating substances and understand these are not permitted during the training course.
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I agree to conduct myself in a professional and conscientious manner. This includes, but is not limited to ensuring that I live up to any commitments I make to my teachers, classmates or Swadhyaya staff, ensuring that my practices and behavior conform to the representations I make about myself in holding myself as a yoga practitioner who adheres to certain precepts.
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Safe Space. Create and maintain a safe, clean and comfortable environment for the practice of yoga.
Refrain from using words and demonstrating actions which constitute sexual harassment or harassment based on other legal protected characteristics with my classmates and my teachers.
Adhere to the traditional yoga principles as written in the yamas and niyamas.
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I understand that Swadhyaya Yoga School reserves the right to withhold certifying me if they find that I am unable to comply with the Code of Conduct of the school, including a finding of failure to uphold the standards set forth in the Code of Conduct, which may or may not result in expulsion.
Prior to expelling me from the course, Swadhyaya Yoga School will provide me with a verbal notice, informing me of the basis for the potential expulsion and provide me with an opportunity to respond in writing or verbally. After review of the evidence, Swadhyaya Yoga School will issue a decision whether or not to expel me from the course, based on its reasonable judgment of the evidence presented to them.
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ETHICAL GUIDELINES
Swadhyaya Yoga School adopts the ancient approach to Yoga discipline to impress upon students the innate wisdom manifest in yogic teachings. Teaching and learning are thus designed in such a way that ethical practices are ingrained automatically in the students throughout the course.
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The day begins with a daily regimen (Dincharya) an ancient code of conduct. Activities are planned according to the seasonal code of conduct (Ritucharya). Students are expected to adopt the concept of behavior chemistry (Achar-rasayan).
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Maharishi Patanjali prescribed certain rules of behavior in society (Yama) and a personal code of conduct (Niyama) as essential behaviors for individuals to follow. We at Swadhyaya Yoga School expect the behavior as described above, to be understood and practiced sincerely and honestly by all students to the best of their ability.
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Before students register for the yoga teacher training course they must be aware that this traditional teaching will differ from that of the West. There could even be a fundamental difference in the understanding of the yogic path as taught in yoga schools in the West.
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Modified exercises that go by the name of yoga are frowned upon by Swadhyaya Yoga School. Therefore, only those students who are willing to commit to the strict regimen of the course should consider signing up.​​​​​
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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 careful and considerate manner.
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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 avoid dual relationships with students (e.g. business, close personal or sexual relationships) that may impair their judgment, compromise the integrity of the teachings and/or use the relationship for their personal gain. 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.
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INTEGRITY
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Teachers shall strive to adhere to the traditional yoga principles as delineated in the yamas and niyamas, and role-modeling best practices to the bes of their abilities.
Teachers are committed to maintaining impeccable standards of professional competence and integrity. Teachers are committed to promoting the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing of their students. Teachers are committed to practicing yoga as a way of life, which includes adopting the fundamental moral principles of yoga and making their lifestyle environmentally sustainable.
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SCOPE OF PRACTICE
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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.
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CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
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Teachers shall keep all personal information disclosed by their students or clients strictly confidential. A teacher who receives personal information from a student or client may not disclose such information unless it obtains the written consent of the student or client. All discussions among teachers concerning students or clients shall be conducted in secure, non-public environments.
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INTER-PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
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Teachers are part of a network of health care and well-being professionals and shall seek to develop interdisciplinary relationships. Teachers shall conduct themselves in an honorable manner in their relations with their colleagues and other wellness practitioners. Teachers shall not openly criticize practices followed by other yoga schools or teachers.
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YOGA EQUITY
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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.
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Last Updated: December 14, 2024