Keywords: Ethics (March 2004)
ORIGINAL COMMENTS:
From Hanuman Novak:
Reading the latest issue of Yoga Journal (April 2004) and the article that asks the question "Does Yoga Need a Universal Code of Conduct?", and I marveled and wondered at many things. Yea, the blatant irresponsibility of the teacher that was cited ... not only for sneaking off with a student, but for abandoning his class, was surprising, but the comments that the larger issue stirred were all across the board. And, of course, it got my wheels turning.
Firstly, I am so thankful to Gyandev, Lisa, Jyoti and the rest of the staff, and the Ananda Yoga program, because ethics was not just a passing footnote in the teaching. It seems that there are many teachers that have not been so gifted.
Then, when I am able to step back and look at the issue, I can see both where the need and the reactions are coming from. As I was reading the article I was wondering why there was no mention of the Yoga Alliance and it's work, but was relieved when the conclusion used YA as a possible means of bringing things together. Yes, in the world we have created here in America (Canada included), there is a need for a code of ethics, be it universal or local, as well as accountability of teachers.
While the Yamas and Niyamas do give us a solid structure for ethics, there are many teachers who are not familiar with them (by choice or neglect of their training) and then there are variations of interpretation. Each branch of yoga has it's own emphasis and understanding which can lead to some rather stark variations on what is acceptable (the Tantric path, in all it's variation, seems to sometimes be playing with fire to me).
Ultimately, it comes down to each and every teacher being conscious and conscientious of the depth of the tradition they are passing on. Have you thought about these issues? Have you explored them with others? Perhaps this is a good time so that our voices may come together before someone else decides to do it for us, whatever the reason.
Ultimately, it comes down to each and every teacher being conscious and conscientious of the depth of the tradition they are passing on. Have you thought about these issues? Have you explored them with others? Perhaps this is a good time so that our voices may come together before someone else decides to do it for us.
May your days be as wonderful as you are ...
Hanuman (George) Novak
FURTHER COMMENTS:
Hi from Patricia Streit, AYTA Grad. Spring 2000
Ultimately, it comes down to each and every teacher being conscious and conscientious of the depth of the tradition they are passing on. Have you thought about these issues? Have you explored them with others? Perhaps this is a good time so that our voices may come together before someone else decides to do it for us. Ethics in the caring profession. It is called "The Ethics of Caring" – honoring the web of life in our professional healing relationships. It's a book I had to read while studying at the Barbara Brennan School of Healing, which is besides Ananda a place of highest integrity and ethics (these places are hard to find, that's for sure). The author is Kylea Taylor and she has done a superb job putting this touchy subject in great language. She relates the most common pitfalls for teachers or therapists to the chakras; as "Money" 1st chakra, "Sex" 2nd chakra, "Power" 3rd chakra, "Love" 4th chakra, "Truth" 5th chakra, "Insight" 6th chakra,"Oneness" 7th chakra. I can only highly recommend reading it.
With Love
Patricia Streit
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