What the Yama! No Yama, Llama
If you’ve been around yoga spaces long enough, you’ve probably heard the term Yamas thrown around—but what the Yama are they? And what do they have to do with being a yoga teacher in Australia?
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras: A Quick Intro
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a foundational text in yogic philosophy, outline an eight-limbed path (Ashtanga) as a guide to ethical and spiritual living. The first limb, Yama, focuses on ethical restraints—essentially, how we interact with the world around us. Think of them as the moral compass of yoga.
The Five Yamas & Teaching Ethics
Yoga Australia’s Code of Professional Conduct aligns closely with the Yamas, offering guidelines to ensure teachers uphold integrity, respect, and inclusivity in their practice.
Ahimsa (Non-Violence) – Beyond avoiding harm, Ahimsa calls for kindness and compassion in thought, word, and action. As teachers, this means creating a safe, supportive environment where students of all backgrounds and abilities feel welcomed. It also extends to self-care—burnout helps no one!
Satya (Truthfulness) – Honesty in communication, transparency in teaching, and authenticity in personal practice all fall under Satya. This aligns with ethical responsibility—being clear about qualifications, teaching within scope, and avoiding misleading claims.
Asteya (Non-Stealing) – More than just avoiding theft, Asteya is about respecting others’ time, energy, and intellectual property. In teaching, this means giving credit where it’s due, honoring students' individual journeys, and not overloading or pressuring students beyond their limits.
Brahmacharya (Moderation) – Traditionally linked to celibacy, modern interpretations see Brahmacharya as balanced energy use. Yoga Australia emphasizes professionalism, healthy boundaries, and ethical student-teacher relationships. Moderation also applies to avoiding performative teaching—staying grounded in the practice rather than ego-driven performance.
Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness) – Letting go of attachment, whether to outcomes, recognition, or rigid teaching structures. A good teacher cultivates adaptability and encourages students to explore yoga in ways that serve them rather than enforcing a singular, ‘correct’ approach.
Walking the Talk
Yoga isn’t just about what happens on the mat—it’s a way of being. As Yoga Australia teachers, we commit to professional and ethical integrity, much of which mirrors the Yamas. By embodying these principles, we ensure our teaching spaces as much as we can within our control remain inclusive, respectful, and deeply rooted in the wisdom of yoga.
So, next time someone asks, What the Yama?!—you’ve got an answer.