Joining Agreement

In the spirit of preserving and guarding ancient undiluted sacred teachings, traditions and lineages of yoga, International Yoga Alliance (IYA) roots its code of conduct to the Yamas and Niyamas in maintaining quality, safety levels of training, integrity, non-discriminatory and inclusive practices, which are values that we advocate in the practice of yoga in all aspects of life. In the application and practice of those values we require all Yoga Aspirants to abide by our policies and codes of conduct.

Similar to the way that water should flow, our policies will continue to improve to serve the best interests and protection of our community.

Purpose

The practice of ‘oneness’ is a key value that IYA aspires to instill in every Yoga Aspirant in addition to the standards, quality, and preservation of undiluted and sacred ancient teachings, traditions and lineages. In representing IYA in building a collective community in practice of oneness in human consciousness, achieved through self-observation and self-conduct, it is also an ethical commitment to maintain integrity and accountability as well as respecting every living being.

Understanding responsibilities as a Yoga Aspirant as defined by highest standards of ethics and professionalism in communion of upholding the sacred undiluted ancient teachings with an open mind, cultivating the spirit of oneness as protectors of undiluted ancient yoga teachings with roots dating from 5000 years ago. 

Misconduct Disclaimer Agreement

International Yoga Alliance (IYA) Code of Conduct applies to every IYA Yoga Aspirant as outlined by our   requirements, the expectation of reasonable manner, and the prohibition of any acts of misconduct mentioned below to all Yoga Aspirants that are holding or are in the process of applying for any credentials from IYA:

Registered Yoga International Teacher (RYIT)

Registered Yoga International School (RYIS)

In agreeing to, and in acknowledging this agreement, Yoga Aspirants are automatically bound to ethical behaviors by agreeing to appropriate self- conduct in instilling the core values of IYA to the practice of yoga. The acceptance of this integral part of the agreement is in addition to the expected standards in IYA Teaching & Practice Scope and other IYA policies that may be subjected to revision and updates from time to time.

Applicability of extension to all Yoga Aspirants

The applicability of this extension of policy applies to all International Yoga Alliance Yoga Aspirants in any form, context, environment or location where a Yoga Aspirant presents themselves (or is presented) as a teacher, or educator (teacher, trainer, mentor), including, but not limited to: group or target audience and private yoga instruction; yoga instruction offline and online; shalas, ashrams, schools, centers and teacher trainings, studios, gymnasiums, fitness clubs, other schools and universities, medical facilities, group homes, prisons, public spaces, festivals, retreats; and all digital forms, online platforms (private and public) which extends to social media. Other private meetings include any meeting or form of practice between a teacher and a student, and is also considered an interaction with a target group of students.

It is the responsibility and duty of all Yoga Aspirants to adopt best practice and self- conduct (refer to Yoga Teacher Ethics & Code of Conduct (YTEC) & Yoga School Code of Conduct (YSCC). Violation of any terms in the YTEC & YSCC, may result in further investigation which may result in: suspension, retraction, cancellation, withdrawal, and forfeiting of the obtained credentials from International Yoga Alliance (IYA). Strong practice of ethics should be applied not only in the professional environment but also in personal lives and be suitably representative of an IYA Yoga Aspirant.

Abuse & Harassment

1. Abuse includes verbal and non-verbal in all communications: email, text messages, phone calls, voice notes recordings, direct messages, WhatsApp, social media platforms, Twitter, personal blogs.
2. All acts of abuse apply to all Yoga Aspirants and the community and affiliates of IYA.
3. Abuse is not limited to communication but also to acts of abuse verbally and non- verbally to peers, students, Yoga Aspirants which extends to the community and other affiliates of IYA.
4. Harassment by a Yoga Aspirant directly or indirectly to any person based on age, gender, gender identity, pronoun use, sexual orientation, religion, culture, race, ethnicity, creed, beliefs, gender identity, physical and personal appearance, body condition, mental condition, socio-economic status, marital status and political views.
5. All acts of harassment include verbal and non- verbal, physical and non-physical which extends to any given environment which also includes digital environment. Forms of harassment in all manner by a Yoga Aspirant of any person, either personally, sexually and inappropriate physical contact (verbal & physical) threatening, teasing, trolling, intimidating, false accusations and allegations, hate speech, false claims on suffering, pain and grievances, manipulation, blaming, satire, graphic depiction, slurs, denigrating jokes, and display of written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group based on their protected characteristics.
6. Acts of retaliation includes harassing, threatening and intimidating or any other conduct that would cause a reasonable person to be discouraged from engaging in an activity protected under this Policy. Malicious and/or intentional interfering with, threatening, or harming other Yoga Aspirants image or reputation even in the event of during, after and before the report or investigation. Decision and remedy of a report of prohibited conducts under this policy response to and/or on account of the report of the prohibited conducts. This provision applies to reports made or information provided in good faith, and in a chronological and factual manner.
7. All the above-mentioned misconducts are a serious violation of the agreed Yoga Teacher Ethics & Code of Conduct (YTEC) and Yoga School Code of Conduct (YSCC). International Yoga Alliance (IYA) takes these misconducts seriously which may result in suspension, retraction, cancellation, withdrawal, and forfeiting of obtained credentials to Yoga Aspirants who have been granted or are in the process of being granted credentials. IYA reserves the right to pursue investigation if required based on the decision of a panel of the committee.
8. International Yoga Alliance (IYA) reserves the right to immediately suspend any Yoga Aspirant’s credentials and application process for the duration of any pending law enforcement investigation, criminal or civil legal proceedings, or an internal investigation for any failure to adhere, respect and accept International Yoga Alliance (IYA) codes of conduct. An agreed reasonable period to respond will be considered during or after the report and any further investigations if deemed necessary. Yoga Aspirants will be notified formally in writing of any reports, remedy, resolutions and final decision by the committee. All Yoga Aspirants should agree not to make any claim or hold International Yoga Alliance (IYA) responsible for any losses or damage that they may incur in the event of revocation of the credentials granted or during an application process.

Privacy Policy

Yoga Teacher Ethics & Code of Conduct (YTEC)​

Credentials granted by International Yoga Alliance (IYA) – Registered International Yoga 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 Educator (RYE) or by applying directly to IYA by fulfilling certain criteria that meet the standards of IYA for a qualified teacher. All that have been conferred credentials from IYA as RYIT & RYE, and those in the process of application, are referred collectively as ‘members’ 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).

International Yoga Alliance may require supporting materials in writing, or recordings, in addition to the entry interview, and any subsequent interviews if required, in order to ensure quality, standards and depth of training programs undertaken.

In the event of an unsuccessful application, applicants may re-apply after a minimum of three (3) months from the last application date with supporting materials in writing, examination results, recordings or other materials as required. In this event a new interview process with IYA will enable further assessments.

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, in which case a member may no longer represent or associate in any form of relation or affiliation with IYA.

Indication of the revocation or suspension of the credentials attained by schools will be made known on the registry database or profile. Any trainee that undergoes any training with a non-compliant school, or a school verified as non-compliant, will not obtain credentials through that non-compliant RYE school, but may appeal directly to IYA for completion of training recommended by IYA in order to proceed with application of credentials at no cost and no fees.

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.

Educator Code of Conduct

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.

Yoga Aspirant Code of Conduct

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.