Ethics & Code of Conduct

James Island Yoga Ethics are based on the traditional yogic ethical principles, the yamas and niyamas, as outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. These Ethics reflect the abiding principle that our true nature is compassionate, mindful, peaceful, awake and aware.

James Island Yoga aims to provide a positive, fulfilling workspace for all teachers/staff, as well as a positive, space for students with the intent to nurture the physical, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual well-being of students.

  • Ahimsa – Nonviolence and Compassion As yoga teachers we seek to assist others in a calm compassionate way, doing no harm in the process.
  • Satya – Truthfulness As yoga teachers we believe in honesty and truthfulness at all times.
  • Asteya – Not stealing As yoga teachers we create from within, taking nothing from others.
  • Brahmacharya – Self-Restraint in the path to wholeness We understand that the teacher – student relationship is in place to assist others in obtaining the deepest goals of yoga. Therefore, we continually practice and direct our energy and those of our students to reach these goals.
  • Aparigraha – Non-clinging As yoga teachers we embrace change, are generous with others while practicing the principle of non-attachment. We welcome the natural abundance of life and encourage others to do so as well.
  • Sauca – Purity/Cleanliness As yoga teachers we set the example, leading others to aspire to create purity of mind, body, and exterior environment. This includes modeling ongoing self-care, purposeful intentions, and providing calming, clean environment for yoga practice.
  • Santosha – Contentment/Happiness As yoga teachers we practice staying in the present and inspire thankfulness and acceptance of the present situation, while striving for deep contentment.
  • Tapas – Discipline As yoga teachers, we are dedicated to a yogic lifestyle and model its discipline.
  • Swadhyaya – Self-Study As yoga teachers we are always learning and growing and are committed to ongoing self-reflection.
  • Ishvarapranidhana – Relationship with Wholeness Our goal as yoga teachers is to serve others during their journey to achieve their deepest goals of yoga. We honor and encourage others ideas and embrace others’ innate wholeness and recognize the differences in all.

 James Island Yoga is committed to ensuring a safe and clean environment for student growth, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Full Circle Yoga recognizes that the teaching profession comes with considerable responsibility and so has established this Ethics Code of Conduct as guidance for teachers and staff.

James Island Yoga Staff members are to:

  • Create and maintain a safe, clean and comfortable environment
  • Maintain professionalism and courtesy during interactions and business transactions.
  • Welcoming and respecting all students regardless of age, physical limitations, race, gender, creed, religious affiliation or sexual orientation.
  • Follow government and national laws for the yoga industry, health and safety requirements
  • Stay current and informed on the developments in yoga through professional development
  • Establish or revise necessary procedures and integrate new or relevant information into yoga teaching and the business of yoga
  • Represent qualifications, experience truthfully by:
  • Instructing only in areas of expertise
  • Not exaggerating qualifications or expertise
  • Referring students with needs outside of expertise
  • Routinely asking management, peers and students for feedback on instruction.
  • Respecting copyrights and giving appropriate acknowledgment to sources whether another instructor or an author
  • Maintaining confidentiality of student information by:
  • Keeping student records secure
  • Not sharing any personal information unless permitted by the student
  • Conducting financial matters according to recognized and standard accounting procedures by:
  • Setting and charging fees based on market value
  • Appropriately reporting earnings according to taxation laws
  • Maintaining appropriate respect and relationship boundaries by:
  • Respect of each student’s belief system
  • Respecting the rights, dignity and privacy of all students
  • Avoiding verbiage or actions constituting sexual harassment.
  • Initiate counseling and/or communication with management to discuss any teacher/student conflict or issues
  • Exercise extreme caution before entering into teacher/student relationships whether business, sexual or close personal relationships
  • Lead by example by:
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
  • Avoiding personal complaints, negativity or gossip at the studio
  • Maintaining a personal yoga practice
  • Aspiring to embody principles of yoga
  • Refraining from all forms of discrimination and harassment