Yama and niyama, for yoga teacher
The Yamas are the social Ethics which include: Ahimsa, Satya, Aparigraha, Atseya, and Bhrahamacharya. Non-violence, Truthfulness, Non- possessiveness, Non- stealing, and Abstinence. These ethics deeply correlate with the practice yoga as a teacher. As an established professional in the field, one s intention should be pure and authentic. One must not use the practice of yoga for vile practices like greed or lust. The practice of Yama helps the yoga teacher to establish a practice that is safe and healthy for the students. By practicing Non-violence, the teacher is condemning any and all sort of violence and creating a kind and warm space. by practicing Truthfulness, the teacher is practicing authenticity in the practice, only teaching things they are expert in and keeping the students from any possible harm. Through Non-possessiveness, the teacher must understand that they can be possessive of their space, their students, or the money. If they develop this possessiveness, they create a non-authentic practice environment which can in turn rain the growth of students, the space, as well as the teacher themselves.
The practice of Non- Stealing ensures that the teacher is not asking for money more than that is required, in a sense, that the teacher is not looting the students. The fees should I e aligned with the type of course
and classes being offered. With having a Non-stealing attitude, one understands the true value of things. Finally, Bhrahamacharya or abstinence should be practiced for the safety of the students. Many yogis in the past have used the noble practice of yoga for vile reasons staining the purity of the practice and taking advantage of their students. The Yama of Abstinence promotes a sense of self- regulation and self-control over all desires but especially sexual desires. Teachers exist for promoting growth and wellbeing in students, they should provide a safe environment for the students to Nourish. Not having self-regulation and self-control hinders the possibility of a safe environment as well as the growth of the students. This would involve not engaging in inappropriate touching, inappropriate remarks, malting innuendos, or enforcing one s beliefs on the students.
The Niyamas are Personal Ethics/ Practices which include: saucha (cleanliness), santosha (contentment), tapas (self-discipline), svadhyaya (self-rejection), and ishvarapranidhana (surrender to a higher power). Practicing cleanliness is not just at out hygiene but also internal cleanliness, including here thoughts, intentions, and emotions. Practising
Contentment is the practice of happiness, joy, and delight. It comes from an experience of acceptance of life, of ourselves, and of whatever life has brought as. Tapas or Self Discipline is focusing energy, creating favour, and increasing strength and confidence by willingly and gladly accepting the determination. Self-Reflection is a type of introspection which means to recollect, remember, contemplate, and meditate on the Self. It is the effort to know the Self that shines as the innermost core of your facing. Through self-rejection a teacher can grow internally become aware of their own Benefits as well as limitations and work on areas that need improvement. lshvarapranidhana, the complete surrender to the higher power or God can help a Yoga teacher become a true Yogi and follow the path of super consciousness and Bliss only enriching the teaching process and being true to the practice of yoga.