Have We Abandoned Ethics for Power and Profit in Yoga?

The yoga industry, long seen as a beacon of wisdom and ethical practice, is facing a reckoning. As yoga has become more commercialized, many teachers and students are discovering a troubling pattern—power and profit often take precedence over integrity and ethical responsibility.

This episode of The State of Yoga Podcast dives into the uncomfortable but necessary conversation about how yoga studios and training programs are managing—or failing to manage—ethical standards in their business practices.

John’s Story: A Familiar Betrayal

One of the most striking examples of ethical failure comes from the story of John, a dedicated student-turned-teacher who trusted in the promises of his yoga community.

• John spent over a decade as a student at a well-known studio.
• He volunteered his time to support teacher training programs, believing it would lead to a paid role.
• The studio owner, Jenny, reassured him that once he completed his 300-hour training, he could become part of the training team.
• After investing thousands of dollars and countless hours, John expected to step into the role—only to be told there was no space for him.

John had been future-faked—a term for when a person in power convinces someone of a future opportunity to manipulate them into working toward it, only to deny it later. Though he eventually fought for and secured the position, he later discovered that Jenny had spoken poorly of him to others, reinforcing the toxic power dynamics at play.

His experience is not unique. Many yoga teachers, particularly those working in large studio systems, have encountered manipulation, false promises, and a lack of transparency in business dealings.

Survey Results: The Dark Side of Yoga Business

To better understand the scope of unethical practices in yoga, a survey was conducted in April 2024 among yoga professionals. The results were eye-opening:

• 91.7% believed yoga training programs do not properly address business ethics.
• 91.7% supported written agreements for clarity in collaborations.
• 75% reported being treated unfairly by studio leadership.
• 50% had been unpaid or undercompensated despite agreements.
• 83.3% had witnessed bullying in yoga communities.
• 72.7% believed studio owners and program directors lack accountability for unethical behavior.

Reports included gossiping, exclusion, public embarrassment, spreading rumors, and even physical misconduct. One respondent described how a teacher was promised ownership of a studio in exchange for creating a teacher training program—only for the owner to keep both the studio and the program, leaving the teacher with nothing.

Yoga as Relationship: The Ethics of Power Dynamics

A common refrain in yoga communities is “Yoga is relationship.” But what happens when those relationships are built on deception and power struggles?

In many studios, a hierarchical system exists where:

• Senior teachers and studio owners hold unchecked power.
•  Inner circles dictate who gets opportunities.
• Teachers are expected to be loyal and silent, even in the face of wrongdoing.

Phrases like “Your teacher is not your friend” or “Find a teacher who isn’t afraid of you” reinforce a power-over dynamic rather than a true community of shared learning. This structure rewards blind loyalty while punishing those who challenge unethical practices.

Many yoga professionals fear speaking up about unethical treatment because they know they could be ostracized or lose career opportunities.

The Role of Information Control in Yoga Communities

A significant factor in maintaining these power imbalances is control over information. When an inner circle decides what information is shared, who gets access, and how narratives are shaped, it creates an environment ripe for manipulation.

Tactics used in unethical yoga communities include:

🔹 Misinformation – Sharing misleading or false information (e.g., “Yoga Alliance requires a 300-hour certification” when it doesn’t).
🔹 Disinformation – Purposefully spreading falsehoods to maintain power.
🔹 Love Bombing – Showering someone with praise and attention to manipulate them.
🔹 Future Faking – Promising future opportunities to secure labor or financial investment, only to revoke them.
🔹 Breadcrumbing – Giving small rewards or reassurances to keep someone engaged in a false promise.
🔹 Stonewalling – Ignoring or delaying responses to avoid accountability.
🔹 Gaslighting – Convincing someone they misunderstood or are overreacting when they challenge unethical behavior.
🔹 Ghosting – Suddenly cutting off communication when someone is no longer useful.

Each of these tactics serves to protect those in power while silencing those who seek accountability.

Is There a Path Forward?

The Process Enneagram for Strategic Inquiry offers a framework for addressing these issues. It begins with the Foundational Triad:

• Current State – Acknowledge the reality of yoga business ethics today.
• Relationships – Evaluate the quality and integrity of relationships within yoga communities.
• Information – Ensure transparency and accountability in decision-making.

The next steps involve creating systems of accountability, fostering ethical leadership, and shifting the culture of yoga businesses to align with the true values of yoga.

Join the Conversation

If yoga is truly about integrity, we must be willing to address its ethical shortcomings.

✔ Have you witnessed unethical behavior in yoga?
✔ Have you been promised opportunities that never materialized?
✔ Do you know a studio or community that upholds ethical business practices?

The State of Yoga Podcast invites teachers, studio owners, and students to share their experiences. Transparency and open dialogue are the first steps toward reclaiming yoga as a practice of truth, integrity, and ethical business.

Until next time, remember: The state of yoga depends on us—the community.