4M Yoga Teacher Ethics Statement

It is the responsibility of the Teacher to follow the principles of “ahimsa” or, “do no harm” and to expect the same of students.

It is the responsibility of the Teacher to maintain a conscious and professional relationship with students and with other Teachers.

A Teacher recognizes that the teacher-student relationship involves a power imbalance. This is true even with a student who is no longer studying with the Teacher. A Teacher’s role is not only to guide and instruct, but to protect students from physical, psychological and spiritual harm.

A Teacher recognizes the implicit trust placed in him or her because of the unique power of the teacher-student relationship. A Teacher consciously avoids any relationship with a student that is exploitative in any way, i.e., they never use such a relationship for personal gain or benefit.

All forms of sexual involvement with students are unethical, even when a 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 actions. I am committed to cultivating responsibility and a safe space in which the integrity of each student is respected and honored.

The above points shall be in effect as long as the Teacher is in a teacher-student relationship and for not less than 6 months after the student has ceased taking any classes or training from the Teacher.

A Teacher never engages in harassment, abusive words or actions, or coercion of students or former students. Aware of the harm done in yoga and spiritual communities by unscrupulous teachers and leaders, I do not condone prescriptive lifestyle recommendations on diet, sleeping habits, frequency of yoga or meditative practice, etc. Your practice is your own, and the degree to which you incorporate other wellness practices into your life is always up to you. I do not make lifestyle recommendations in context of yoga class or a student’s yoga practice.

A Teacher shows sensitive regard for the moral, social, and religious standards of students, and avoids imposing his or her personal beliefs on others. My classes can be spiritual, but they are always non-denominational and non-dogmatic. Everyone is welcome, regardless of spiritual tradition or faith. Disrespect and intolerance of others’ spiritual paths is not tolerated.

A Teacher will not advise a student to go against the advice of their health care provider.

A Teacher realizes that they are a vehicle for these Teachings, never their source. A Kundalini or Kriya Yoga Teacher does not initiate anyone as a disciple.

A Teacher strives to build the student's connection to the teachings and to their own soul, rather than to any personality.

A Teacher treats all communication with students with respectful and appropriate confidentiality.

As a Teacher I strive to take care of myself in a balanced and healthy way, so that I may better show up for students in the spirit of Ahimsa. Only when we are healthy ourselves, can we guide others towards health.

I do not do hands-on modifications and adjustments in group classes. In private sessions, I obtain explicit and informed consent before using my hands to assist students in their expression of physical postures.

I treat everyone with respect and loving kindness regardless of race, age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability and religion, and expect my students to do the same.