The Code of
Professional Standards of a Kundalini
Yoga Teacher
Teacher/Student Relationship
It is the responsibility of the teacher to maintain a professional
relationship
with students. This also applies to anyone assisting the teacher of
engaged
in any related activities.
- A Teacher recognizes the trust placed in and unique power of the
student
teacher relationship. A teacher avoids any relationship with a student
that could impair his or her professional judgment. He or she does not
sue the relationship for personal gain.
- All forms of sexual involvement with students are unethical, even
when
the student invites or consents to such behavior. Sexual behavior
includes,
but is not limited to, all forms of overt and covert seductive speech,
gestures, and behaviors.
- A Teacher does not engage in harassment, abusive words or
actions, or
coercion
of students or former students.
- A Teacher shows sensitive regard for the moral, social, and
religious
standards
of students, and avoids imposing his or her personal beliefs on others.
- A Teacher realizes that he or she is a vehicle for these
teachings and
never their source.
- A Teacher strives to build the students connection to the
teachings
and
to their own souls, rather than to a personality. The teacher never
considers
him or herself a "guru" nor initiates anyone as a disciple.
- A Teacher does not abandon or neglect students. If unable to
continue a
professional relationship, every reasonable effort is made to arrange
continued
instruction with another teacher.
- A Teacher makes only realistic statements regarding the benefits
of
yoga.
- A Teacher recognizes that the student-teacher relationship may
involve
a power imbalance, even with a student no longer studying with the
Teacher.
Therefore, the teacher will use caution when entering into a personal
relationship
with a current or former student.
Confidentiality
- A Teacher treats all communication with students with
professional
confidentiality.
Class Structure
- A Teacher teaches a class as it was taught by Yogi Bhajan, with
the
exception
of reducing the timing or postures or providing variations of postures
when necessary to accommodate limitations of students.
- A Teacher does not create or invent postures or incorporate other
teachings
into Kundalini Yoga classes.
- Acknowledging that we are part of the Golden Chain of Teachers, a
Teacher
begins each class by chanting ONG NAMO GURU DEV NAMO at least 3
times and ends with the Long Time Sun song.
- In class, a teacher wears appropriate, modest, clean white
clothing.
- Yogi Bhajan strongly encourages Teachers to wear white head
covering
[turbans]
of natural fabric while teaching class, for his or her personal
protection
and upliftment when handling the powerful energies involved in
teaching
Kundalini Yoga classes.
- A Teacher will always arrive prepared to teach the class, and
avoid
being
late.
- A Teacher recognizes the tradition respecting the sacredness of
yogic
teachings
and encourage students to make an offering for each class.
Advertising and Promotion
The following guidelines uphold the quality of the Teachings and how
they are represented, as well as protect against legal allegations
arising
from our actions, comments, or printed materials.
- A Teacher does not misrepresent his or her professional
qualifications,
affiliations, or falsely imply sponsorship or certification by any
organization.
- Announcements and brochures promoting our services describe them
with
accuracy
and dignity. These promotional materials should not include exaggerated
claims of the effects of yoga.
- A Teacher does not make public statements which contain any
false,
fraudulent,
misleading deceptive or unfair statements, or any statements intended
or
likely to exploit a students fears, anxieties or emotions.
- A Teacher will represent him or herself, IKYTA, KRI, 3HO and Yogi
Bhajan
truthfully and accurately in all public relations, following the
guidelines
set from time to time by IKYTA, KRI, 3HO or Yogi Bhajan for advertising
that will correctly reflect the organizations mission.
Professional Competence
- A Teacher recognizes his or her individual boundaries or
competence and
is forthcoming about professional experience, qualifications, and
credentials.
- A Teacher is committed to the improvement of his or her
professional
knowledge
and skills in order that his or her performance will better serve
others.
A teacher continues to actively practice Kundaini Yoga and update his
or
her skills, particularly as recommended or required from time to time
by
IKYTA.
- A Teacher is committed to his or her spiritual development, and
so will
have a regular daily spiritual practice.
- A Teacher abstains from taking alcohol, tobacco, or drugs (except
for
medical
purposes).
A Teacher practices the yogic tradition of eating a vegetarian diet.