The Yoga Teachers’ Fellowship, is an autonomous non-profit organisation, that promotes the principles of yoga and represent the interests of yoga teachers in South Africa. It is inclusive and respectful of all individual teaching styles and is committed to supporting conscious harmony and peace. As a Community forum it offers a Register of qualified Yoga Teachers and Teachers in training; a listing of Yoga schools and studios; an international and national calendar of events, retreats and workshops; an ongoing skills upgrade resource with informative articles and inspiration, a communication service for all whose passion is YOGA, uniting students, teachers in training and qualified teachers.
Aims and Objectives
The Yoga Teacher’s Fellowship is a “home” for Teachers and an ever growing community of like minded people, interested in Yoga. It provides a forum for consultation, discussion, co-operation and understanding between members, schools and the public at large.
- Fellowship encourages communication, sharing and promoting spiritual unity consciousness.
- Fellowship implies a partnership in promoting and upholding the principles of Yoga
The Fellowships Aims:
- To promote the principles and interests of Yoga in Southern Africa and co-ordinate the policies, attitudes and interests of all those concerned with development and teaching of Yoga.
- To establish, maintain and promote the observances of ethical codes of conduct in teaching and advertising, and to protect the public from malpractices.
- To further and protect the interests of Yoga Teachers.
- To maintain a register of teachers and members, for the purpose of informing the public where and when classes are held in their area throughout Southern Africa. This valuable information constitutes one of the pillars of the Fellowship.
- To obtain…
- information or data
- legal opinions whether from Counsel or it’s attorneys.. for dissemination amongst members or other persons on all matters affecting Yoga and the interest of members.
- To assist with advice and service on matters pertaining to Yoga, and for this purpose to issue circulars or publish journals, periodicals or newsletters.
- To extend the scope of the Fellowship by becoming affiliated to any similar association outside South Africa.
- To set up channels of communication throughout Southern Africa to achieve the greatest possible harmony and unification of objectives between members, teachers and Schools of Yoga for the benefit of all.
- To assist in the development of courses, schools, libraries, examinations, standards of instruction and ethical codes for Yoga Teachers.
- To safe-guard the teachings of Yoga and promote a spirit of brotherhood, love and understanding. The teaching of Yoga is a vocation demanding knowledge and techniques and personal maturity. It should be exercised with care and concern for it’s precious heritage.
Code of Conduct/Integrity pledge
This code is meant to remind you that your ability to honor your promises directly impacts your credibility, reputation, trustworthiness, earning ability, and overall peace of mind. The power of commitment and honoring promises to yourself and others is the key to abundance. The Code is not intended to supersede the Code of Conduct/Ethics of any school or tradition but is intended to be a basis for yoga ethics, in general and specifically as a Registered Yoga YTF Teacher.
* Adhere to the traditional yoga principles as expressed in the Yamas and Niyamas.
* Uphold the integrity of the yoga profession by conducting oneself in a professional and conscientious manner.
* Create and maintain a safe, clean and comfortable environment for the practice of yoga.
* Actively encourage diversity by respecting all students regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, physical limitations or religion affiliations.
* Respect the rights, dignity and privacy of all students and the essence of Yoga.
* The teacher should be able to adapt her/his teaching to the students’ requirements, their individual needs and to respect their limits.
* Adhere to local government and national laws that pertain to best business practice.
(Adapted from International Yoga Federation)