It is a shame that proper behavior, respect, and ethics do not
make great headlines in the newspapers. Just watch the news, and
read the newspaper for a week, to confirm what makes "good
copy." It will not take long for you to find a dozen, or dozens,
of scandals.
We all make mistakes, and none of us wants to have them in
print, but some are preventable. Here are some guidelines for
Yoga teachers to consider when teaching their students. As a
leader and role model, your ethical behavior will be duplicated
by your Yoga students.
There is no need for an air of superiority within the Yoga
class. Everyone is good at something, so why waste time and
energy trying to impress your students, or the public, about
your ability as a Yoga instructor. If students are attending
your Yoga classes, they are already impressed, so there is no
need to turn your Yoga studio into a "circus act."
If someone does not practice Yoga, or is not a vegetarian,
please do not bolster your ego over the issue. Do not engage in
hostile debates over these issues. There is a time, place, and
method for convincing people about health issues, but hostility
will not convince anyone.
Bias and discrimination are hard habits to break. Sometimes,
these ideas exist within families for generations. Yoga teachers
should accept students, regardless of race, religion, gender,
ethnic origin, age, social status, or any other reason we can
find to be unjustifiably bias.
In the case of age - children who are too young may have a
separate Yoga class, but this depends on the patience of the
Yoga teacher and the group. Some "Mommy and me" Yoga classes run
along smoothly, but some adult Yoga students do not want to be
in a Yoga class with children.
I teach children four years of age and up, but it is
specifically within a "Kids Yoga" class. This is much different
from a typical adult Yoga class, and the circus act I mentioned
earlier might be fine. Do not be surprised to see children
perform difficult asanas, but do not expose them to hazards.
In the course of a week, I teach many Chair Yoga classes, and
these are age specific. However, when seniors show up to a Yoga
class, at a Yoga studio, or ashram, they should be welcomed and
modifications should be taught - if they are needed.
Getting back to discrimination in general: The largest problem
with bias is our history of war crimes, holocaust, atrocities,
and slavery. Discrimination cannot go unchecked, and it has no
place anywhere, especially in a Yoga studio or ashram. If you
teach Yoga to a specific religious sect, that is fine, but do
not speak harshly of those who are not present.
It comes down to the golden rule, which is very universal to
most of the world's religions, and I will conclude this part
with a quote. Most of you will recognize a much similar quote
within your own religion. It does shed light on the wisdom of
our ancestors.
"This is the sum of duty; do naught onto others what you would
not have them do unto you." Mahabharata 5,1517.
© Copyright 2005 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
About the author:
Paul Jerard is the director of Yoga teacher training at Aura in
RI. He's a master instructor of martial arts and Yoga. He
teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness. He wrote: Is Running a
Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students wanting to be a
Yoga teacher.
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
