When we think of ethics in yoga, we think of the Yamas and Niyamas – the first two limbs of Patanjali’s eight-limbed path. At its heart, yoga ethics are grounded in these two principles.
But like all other aspects of yoga, the Yamas and Niyamas can be open to interpretation. Non-harming, do no harm, non-violence – even the name Ahimsa shows up with different meanings. So, when it comes to exploring the other nine restraints and observances (outward and inward practices) it can get a bit subjective.
As yoga professionals, our practice extends far beyond the mat. We’re called to embody the full scope of yoga in our daily lives — living with awareness, integrity, and compassion in all that we do. These ethical principles aren’t just for teachers on the mat; they guide everyone who holds space for others in this practice — studio owners, mentors, coaches, and beyond.
Let’s go back to a few basics with this important foundational philosophy – with a professional twist.
Yamas – Ethical Restraints (how we relate to others)
Ahimsa (Non-Harming)
For teachers this means holding space and guiding your students with compassion. Avoiding harmful words, actions, and expectations. Respecting all students and all abilities.
Ahimsa in business means fostering collaboration and peace. Studio owners should respect boundaries and not solicit teachers or students from other studios. Let relationships grow organically. Speaking negatively about another studio publicly or privately causes division and affects the collective yoga community.
“Ahimsa is not a passive state of mind. It is the quality of the heart that transforms the whole being.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Satya (Truthfulness)
Satya for teachers means showing up and being your authentic self. Sharing your knowledge of yoga and acknowledging when you don’t know the answer to something.
Satya in business means communicating honestly in order to build trust across the yoga community. Studios should be transparent in their marketing, avoiding exaggeration and misleading comparisons.
Asteya (Non-Stealing)
Teachers should respect students’ time and energy. This means starting and ending class on time. If a teacher shares someone else’s practice, poem, quote, idea, or reading, they should give proper credit to that individual.
Asteya in business means if ideas for class themes, workshops, events or retreats, are borrowed from another, giving credit where credit is due.
Brahmacharya (Moderation/The Right Use of Energy)
Maintain healthy boundaries with students. Teachers should use their influence responsibly and ethically.
Brahmacharya in business means directing energy in a positive way. Not using energy to discredit another business or teacher.
Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness)
It’s important for teachers to let go of attachment to praise, and to adopt a mindset of seva – or “selfless service” – not ego, an act of giving without expectations of receiving.
Aparigraha in business means also modeling seva, providing opportunities for collaboration within the community, charity classes, donation based and fundraising events.
Niyamas – Personal Observances (how we relate to ourselves)
Saucha (Cleanliness or Purity)
As a teacher it’s important to keep your mind clear and your thoughts pure, uncluttered, and focused.
Saucha in business means keeping your teaching space/studio clean and making sure messaging from the studio is positive, clear, and concise when communicating with others.
“Yoga is meant for the purification of the body and its exploration as well as the refinement of the mind.” ~ B.K.S. Iyengar
Santosha (Contentment)
Teachers should practice gratitude and presence in their teaching journey. Offer periodic reminders to students to be grateful for what they have in their lives instead of focusing on what they are lacking and remind yourself of the same.
Santosha in business means cultivating acceptance and honoring what is. Sometimes this means letting go of the constant effort and finding peace in knowing business – like life – ebbs and flows naturally.
Tapas (Discipline)
Teachers should stay passionate about their personal practice and continuing education while staying committed to their students.
In business, Tapas means staying dedicated to your yoga business, staying up to date on new trends and happenings in the local and even the global community.
Svadhyaya (Self-study)
Reflect regularly on your motives, biases, and growth as a teacher. Learn from your experiences, patterns, and reactions. Explore your inner world with curiosity.
Svadhyaya in business means reflecting on your goals, motives, and performance – always striving for improvement and ways to best serve your students and community.
Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender)
Teach while keeping the bigger picture of life in mind. Trust that you are part of something greater. Stay humble, honor your dharma, and the ultimate goal of yoga – unity.
Ishvara Pranidhana in business becomes a powerful reminder that success isn’t measured only by numbers, but by integrity, service, and trust in the divine flow. It invites us to release the need to control every outcome and instead align our actions with a higher purpose.
The Yamas and Niyamas are not rules, but invitations. They encourage mindful living — where our thoughts, actions, and intentions align with our highest self.
As we move through life in any capacity, these principles serve as a perfect reminder to align our outer actions and inner life with integrity, awareness, and compassion.
Further reading:
Teaching the Yamas in Today’s World
What Are the Yamas and Niyamas? A Guide to Yoga’s Ethical Foundations
