Code of Dicipline

Credentials granted by International Yoga Alliance (IYA) – Registered Yoga International Teacher (RYIT) can be applied by a yoga teacher completing a teacher training program that fulfills the minimum standards of curricula in different areas of yoga knowledge and experience, ideally from RYE schools or training providers.

The credentials can be applied by teachers who have completed a yoga teacher training from a Registered Yoga International School (RYIS) or by applying directly to IYA by fulfilling certain criteria that meet the standards of IYA for a qualified teacher. All those who are in the process of application, are referred as ‘Yoga Aspirants’ of IYA.

To be conferred the status of RYIT from IYA, applications will undergo not only minimum standards but may also be required to meet other criteria, skills, knowledge and in adherence to codes of conduct and other ‘members’ joining agreements. There will be no payment of fees, all applications are at no cost. However, conferred credentials are exclusively and independently awarded at the discretion of a panel of the Committee of International Yoga Alliance (IYA).

In the event of an unsuccessful application, applicants may re-apply after a minimum of three (3) months from the last application date.

International Yoga Alliance (IYA) reserves the right to revise, amend and perform updates on the curricular standards and requirements at any time. Amendments, changes and updates will be posted on the website and members will be notified of any revision of standards and/or requirements for teachers and educators via their valid email address and their account within a reasonable time frame.

In the event of non-compliance with the code of conduct, joining agreement and/or other mandatory standards requirements, this may result in the revocation or suspension of the credentials.

Any trainee that undergoes any training with a non-compliant school, or a school verified as non-compliant, can join IYA as a Yoga Aspirant and further obtain credentials not being in association with the non-compliant RYE school, at no cost.

1. Samadhana & Nishkaama karma yoga,

Practice continuous self-improvements for growth without expectations in the spirit of transformation in order to serve one’s community. Receive with gratitude and even accept challenges in a positive light. To be happy and free from attachment of expectations in your efforts.

2. Embrace learning & growth

We encourage the culture of learning amongst teachers and trainers. As current teachers and new teachers, the spirit of a yoga aspirant should be instilled in order to continue the path of learning with an open mind without judgement, perception, opinions and preconceived notions.

3. Sahana and Samyama/ Patience

Represent teachings and traditions as best practice in self-conduct. Yoga is a life-long practice, there are no shortcuts and it is certainly not to be seen as a form of instant gratification.

As a pure charity organization run only by volunteers, managing personal expectations is not the responsibility of others. In the event of any delays, systems glitches or other unforeseen circumstances that may arise, we aspire to serve and support the community within our highest means and resources. 

4. Sati/Sadhana/Abhyasa

Advocate safe and non-harming (ahimsa) physical practice with sound judgement on student’s own pace, competency and ability.  Conduct teachings and physical practice with highest knowledge, fairness, awareness and selflessness. Teach with an intent to serve in preserving the teachings and traditions that you represent.

5. Titiksha

Practice self-restraint in reactions to your surroundings. Respect all living beings regardless of nationality, race, creed, religion and beliefs. Restrain from negative reactions and respond only if it is beneficial to others, causing no malicious intent, harm, abuse or violence (ahimsa). Restraint extends to all acts of dishonesty, towards another member, to any member of the IYA community, students, teachers, trainers, mentors and to every person in your environment. To practice adherence to the truth (satya) as described in the Yamas in article (8). Also, to restrain from all actions that undermine active inclusion, that discriminate and create division in the community.

6. Aham Brahmasi/ Humility

It is of our highest interest in providing support, guidance and assistance to our community. Gratitude comes from humility in receiving, giving, serving, learning and teaching.

7. Best practice, self-conduct & respect for traditions, teachings and lineages

Self-conduct and best practice are expected from teachers as representatives of the traditions, teachings and lineages. To be granted certification from International Yoga Alliance (IYA) is to respect the sacredness, sanctity and purity of ancient teachings, traditions and lineages. Refrain from associating and commercializing the sacred practice of yoga with any indulgent and/or consumption-based activities, and any related activities involving substances and intoxicants that may alter one’s consciousness, conscience or normal mental state.  

8. Root oneself to the Yamas & Niyamas

   The first step of Patanjali’s Noble Eightfold Path is Yama and represents the resolution to give up any action that causes harm to others or ourselves by body, speech or mind. It is the foundation that enables progress in the soul journey as part of your practice and teachings.

   Be aware not only of the action but also the quality of mind, volition and thought behind each action.

   The five (5) Yama are observances outlined by Patanjali:

• Ahimsa (non-violence) to remove anger or hatred from the mind.

• Asteya (non-stealing) to remove greed from the mind.

• Satya- truthfulness, right speech and abstaining from gossip

• Brahmacharya- non-sexual misconduct to remove lust from the mind, maintain commitment and respect in physical relationships.

• Apaarigraha – non-addiction to prevent slavery of the mind, refrain from intoxicants

• including alcohol and tobacco.

The first step of Patanjali’s Noble Eightfold Path is Yama and represents the resolution to give up any action that causes harm to others or ourselves by body, mind, or speech. It is the foundation that enables progress in the soul journey as part of your practice and teachings.

The five (5) Niyama are observances outlined by Patanjali:

• Purity of body and mind.

• Practicing the discipline of meditation.

• Self-study.

• Devotion to an enlightened teacher.

Credentials granted by International Yoga Alliance (IYA) – Registered Yoga International Teacher (RYIT), and the Registered Yoga Educator (RYE) award, can be applied by a yoga teacher who has completed a teacher training program that fulfills the minimum standards of curriculum across the different areas of yoga knowledge.

The credentials can be applied by teachers who have completed a yoga teacher training from a Registered Yoga Educator (RYE), or by applying directly to IYA by fulfilling certain criteria that meet the standards of IYA in teaching. All those who are in the process of application, are referred as ‘Yoga Aspirants’ of IYA.

To be conferred as Registered Yoga Educator (RYE) for schools and training providers from IYA, applications will undergo not only minimum standards but in addition may be required to meet other criteria, skills, knowledge and in adherence to codes of conduct and joining agreements. There will be no payment of fees as we are a charity and independent certification body, all applications are at no cost. However, conferred credentials are exclusively and independently at the discretion of a panel of the committee of International Yoga Alliance (IYA).

International Yoga Alliance may require supporting materials in the form of writing, assessments and/or recordings, in order to ensure quality, standards and depth of training programs submitted.

In the event where an application is not granted, applicants may re-apply after a minimum of three (3) months from their initial application date.

International Yoga Alliance (IYA) reserves the right to revise, amend and perform updates on the curricular standards and requirements at any time. Amendments, changes and updates will be posted on the website as announcements.

In the event of non-compliance with the code of conduct, joining agreements and other mandatory standards requirements, this may result in a registered teacher having their credentials revoked or suspended.

1. Samadhana & Nishkaama karma yoga,

Practice continuous improvements for growth without expectations in the spirit of transformation in order to serve one’s community. Receive with gratitude and even accept challenges in a positive light. To be happy and free from attachment of expectations in any initiatives and on-going efforts.

2. Embrace learning & growth

We encourage the culture of learning amongst teachers, trainers and educators. As educator providers and learning centers, the spirit of a yoga aspirant should be instilled in order to continue the path of learning to students promoting open-mindedness, without judgement, perception, opinions and preconceived notions.

3. Sahana and Samyama/ Patience

Represent teachings and traditions by best practice in self-conduct. Yoga is a life practice, there are no shortcuts and should certainly not regarded as a form of instant gratification. Assessments of students to be conducted with fairness, non-bias and practice inclusion.

As a pure charity organization run only by volunteers, managing expectations is not the responsibility of others. In the event of any delays, system glitches or other unforeseen circumstances that may arise, we aspire to serve and support the community with our highest means and resources.

4. Sati/Sadhana/Abhyasa

Advocate safe and non-harming (ahimsa) physical practice with sound judgement on student’s own pace, competency and ability.  Conduct trainings, teachings and physical practice with highest knowledge, fairness, awareness and selflessness. Train with an intent to serve in the preservation of the teachings and traditions that you represent.

5. Titiksha

Practice self- restraint in reactions to your surroundings. Respect all living beings regardless of nation, race, creed, religion and beliefs. Restrain from negative reactions and respond only if it is beneficial to others, causing no malicious intent, harm, abuse or violence (ahimsa). Restraint extends to all acts of dishonesty, towards students, and to any yoga aspirant of the IYA community, students, teachers, trainers, mentors, volunteers and to every person in your environment. To practice Satya (speaking the truth) as given in the Yamas (listed below). To also restrain from any actions that might encourage positive or negative discrimination or create division in the community.

6. Aham Brahmasi/ Humility

Humility is of the highest interest in providing support, guidance and assistance to our community. Gratitude comes from humility in receiving, giving, serving, learning and teaching.

7. Best practice, self- conduct & respect for traditions, teachings and lineages

Self- conduct and best practice are expected from educators as representatives of traditions, teachings and lineages. To be granted certifications from International Yoga Alliance (IYA) is to respect the sacredness, sanctity and purity of ancient teachings, traditions and lineages. In all yoga related activities refrain from associating and commercializing the sacred practice of yoga with indulgent and consumption-oriented activities, including those involving substances and intoxicants that may alter one’s consciousness, conscience or normal mental state.

8. Root oneself in the observance of the Yamas & Niyamas

The first step of Patanjali’s Noble Eightfold Path is Yama and represents the resolution to give up any action that causes harm to others or ourselves by body, mind or speech. It is the foundation that enables progress in the soul journey as part of your practice and teachings.

Be aware not only of the action but also the quality of mind, volition and thought behind each action.

The five (5) Yama are observances outlined by Patanjali:

• Ahimsa (non-violence) to remove anger or hatred from the mind.
• Asteya (non-stealing) to remove greed from the mind.
• Satya- (truthfulness) right speech and abstaining from gossip.
• Brahmacharya- (non-sexual misconduct) to remove lust from the mind, maintain commitment and respect in physical relationships.
• Apaarigraha – (non-addiction) to prevent slavery of the mind, refrain from intoxicants
• including alcohol and tobacco.

The five (5) Niyama are observances outlined by Patanjali:

• Purity of body and mind.
• Practicing the discipline of meditation.
• Self-study.
• Devotion to an enlightened teacher.

In addition to abiding by the Yamas and Niyamas, yoga aspirant should also seek to maintain the Shadgunas, given by Adi Shankaracharya, which give the qualities and ethics of a yoga aspirant.

As the source of distractions in the modern world of consumption increase, taking many forms, both conscious and unconscious, the first of quality of a yoga aspirant embarking their journey of learning is to practice and build Damamu. Damamu is the quality of becoming imperturbable, so that the yoga aspirant will avoid getting easily distracted in their devotion and commitment to learn.

Understanding the importance of the ability to focus (Shamamu) and to sustain concentration (Uparahti) is key to developing consistency in learning, as courses are conducted in Purvashrama Sampradaya, the traditional system of Guru Shishya Parampara of Strutha Sampradaya which means the oral tradition; ‘as heard from Gurus.’

A yoga aspirant should at all times demonstrate the ability to avoid reacting (Titiksha), to remain calm, patient and composed, especially when encountering potential conflicts of interests, beliefs and knowledge, or intellect ideas attained from past learnings. Actions of blaming, challenging and questioning the teachings are detrimental to the learning community, as is influencing and spreading negativity amongst peers which ultimately harms the community as a whole.    

Shraddha is total surrender, setting aside intellect, past learnings, and embracing openness in learning. Yoga aspirants should be self-motivated in their efforts to attend online sessions and engage with the prescribed practice materials. In addition, yoga aspirants should have strong devotion to the teachings, showing interest to remain fully present as the course progresses and perseverance in the spiritual journey of learning.

Aspirants should have an awareness of any egotistical attitudes towards learning: depicting arrogance, pride in one’s level of education, attainment, qualifications, social status, titles, race, religion, creed and beliefs. Oneness comes when an aspirant develops humility and selflessness.

To demonstrate unconditional respect for each other regardless of nation, race, creed, religion, beliefs and gender. Practice non-harming, non-violence, non-abusive and non-harassing behavior (ahimsa), at all times, including one’s self-conduct within a community and or in the daily aspects of personal life. Refrain from back-biting, condemning, and spreading negativity with malicious intent to cause harm and hurt to others.

Yoga aspirants should not practice any acts of sexual misconduct, violations and abuse either physical or verbal (Brahmacharya), to remove lust from the mind.

Aspirants should develop Samadhana, the development of the sense of gratitude in having the opportunity to receive undiluted sacred ancient teachings, to be corrected, nurtured and having the willingness to accept the Guru’s guidance, steering away from delusions, and in realization of the truth. Aspirants should avoid any behavior of complaining, expressing every single dissatisfaction, disagreement, or unfulfilled expectation. An aspirant should only seek clarification if necessary and not detrimental to the teachings.

The desire to be enlightened (Mumuksha) should be the intention of an aspirant in joining this learning journey. Aspirants should demonstrate sincerity to learn, practice, improve, and to implement the teachings received professionally and personally in life.