Mount Madonna’s Code of Ethics

The yama (restraints) and niyama (observances) of the Yoga Sutras form the foundation of our Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics

MMI is dedicated to ensuring the highest principles and professional practices for all teachers, health practitioners, students and staff associated with us.

All students and faculty are to sign a receipt that they have read, understand, and will make their best effort to live up to this ethical code of conduct.

It is hoped that with the acceptance and practice of this set of standards, clarity and compassion will be incorporated into all teaching and clinical behavior and this will protect and inspire students and clients.


Ethics


In the philosophy of Ashtanga Yoga there are 10 major points of ethics. These are the five yamas and the five niyamas, which can be found in the second chapter of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Essentially the yamas guide us in actions to be restrained in order to attain peace and the niyamas guide us in actions to be cultivated in order to attain peace. The yamas are non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, non-lust, and non-possessiveness. The niyamas are purity, contentment, austerity, self-study, and surrender.

Interpreting these ancient, universal precepts for the modern person is vitally necessary to support the ultimate purpose of personal wellbeing and positive transformation. It is essential that every member of the MMI community---regardless of how revered, renowned, or technically able they may be---embrace and observe ethical and professional guidelines.

This Code of Ethics states our guiding principles and articulates our commonly held universal ideals of conduct. It draws heavily from the Hanuman Fellowship Code of Ethics. Finally, it expresses our commitment to the yama of ahimsa, or non-harming, which protects the student-teacher-client-practitioner relationship in which the spirit of yoga and Ayurveda are transmitted.