BWY Ethics & Code of Practice

Identifying the moral and ethical basis of Yoga

Ethical standards comprise such values as integrity, responsibility, competence and confidentiality. BWY teachers and accredited teachers, in assenting to this Code, accept their responsibility to their students, colleagues, to society and to the BWY itself. In support of these principles, Yoga teachers subscribe to standards in the following areas:

• Issues of responsibility
• Issues of competence

Traditional Ethics of Yoga

Yoga is founded on ethical principles and has its own built-in code of ethics. This comes from the classical source of Astanga Yoga – the eight-fold path. The first step on this path is the concept of Yama, giving us guidance on how we relate to others and the world around us. It has five aspects:

Ahimsa: Non-violence

This means we should treat all others with respect, doing nothing to cause harm, physically or psychologically

Satya: Honesty/Truthfulness

We should act in an open and honest way in all that we do and say

Asteya: Non-stealing

This refers to mis-appropriation of ideas as well as material theft

Brahmacharya: Restraint

Maintaining respect for oneself and others

Aparigraha: Non-Greed

Not hankering after the achievements and possessions of others

The above list encompasses all the issues we need to address as yoga teachers within modern society. These concepts are now presented in a framework that uses up to date language and relevant situations.

The central BWY web site has additional information and downloadable material (website opens in new window).