The Walk We Walk: Principles & Standards in Yoga Leadership

Yoga teachers and spiritual leaders often speak of authenticity, humility, and ethical integrity. But when the realities of power dynamics, envy, and unspoken hierarchies come into play, are these values truly upheld? In this episode of The State of Yoga Podcast, we dive into the walk we walk—the principles and standards that should guide yoga communities but often fall short.

A Moment of Clarity: Jane’s Story

During a 200-hour teacher training weekend, Jane witnessed a moment that shattered her perception of leadership within her yoga community.

A renowned master teacher had visited the studio, captivating students with profound insights into yoga philosophy. Inspired, students stayed after class, eager to ask questions and deepen their understanding.

But as Jane prepared to leave for lunch, she overheard a conversation that shifted her perspective.

• One of the inner circle members asked if they should bring lunch to the master teacher.
• The studio owner scoffed, joking that the master teacher didn’t need food because their ego was being fed by their devoted students.
• Laughter erupted among the inner circle, mocking the very teacher they publicly admired.

Jane was stunned. These same people spoke of humility, devotion, and honoring teachers—yet privately, they ridiculed the very essence of those values.

The Hidden Envy in Yoga Communities

The irony was undeniable:

🔹 The studio owner envied the master teacher’s influence and ability to inspire students—yet was oblivious to their own following.
🔹 The inner circle blindly participated in judgment, unaware that they were mirroring the very behavior they mocked.
🔹 Jane realized that authenticity—so often preached in yoga—was rarely discussed in the context of envy and power dynamics.

In nearly every yoga studio, teachers emphasize “being your authentic self.” But what happens when someone’s authenticity becomes a threat to those in power?

The Guru Complex and the Illusion of Superiority

This episode highlights how hierarchies within yoga communities can foster superiority complexes. When studio owners, senior teachers, or inner circles view themselves as elite, it distorts the ethical foundation of yoga.

Common red flags include:

✔ Judgment behind closed doors – Teachers praising students publicly while mocking them privately.
✔ Hierarchical exclusivity – Favoritism and inner circles that dictate opportunities.
✔ Attachment to power – Fear of change or challenge, leading to control tactics.

This cycle is rooted in the kleshas (afflictions), particularly ego (asmita), attachment (raga), and aversion (dvesha)—all of which are supposed to be addressed in yogic practice, yet often go unchecked in leadership.

Walking the Walk: Can We Live Yoga’s Ethical Teachings?

Every 200-hour teacher training includes deep study of the yamas and niyamas, yoga’s ethical foundation. Many studios hold book clubs and workshops to explore these teachings. But when difficult moments arise—moments that challenge ego and power—these teachings are often ignored.

Why?

Because power dynamics and the desire for status override integrity. The ability to mask authenticity in favor of image becomes more important than true self-inquiry.

✔ Ahimsa (Non-Harming) – Does gossiping and exclusion align with this principle?
✔ Satya (Truthfulness) – Are we honest about power struggles and unethical behavior?
✔ Santosha (Contentment) – Are we content with our own path, or do we feel threatened by others' success?

The Need for Ethical Accountability in Yoga

A crucial theme in this episode is the lack of accountability in yoga leadership. Many assume that master teachers, lineages, or governing bodies (such as Yoga Alliance) serve as checks and balances—but in reality, there is little oversight.

• Affiliate schools revise manuals and claim them as original.
• Master teachers claim to regulate studios, but who regulates them?
• Unethical behavior goes unchallenged because questioning power leads to exile.

A Community-Led Approach to Ethical Leadership

If we are to walk the walk of yoga, we must move beyond individual power structures and towards collective accountability. 

This requires:

✔ Transparent communication – Open discussions about ethical challenges, rather than suppressing concerns.
✔ Community involvement – A balanced structure where teachers, students, and leaders all have a voice.
✔ Acknowledging imperfection – No leader, teacher, or community is perfect—but honest reflection must be part of the process.

Can We Surrender the Illusion of Being Elite?

The ego-driven desire for superiority is at the heart of many yoga community struggles. But what if we surrendered the need to be elite and instead embraced humility and equanimity?

• What if yoga communities created real systems for ethical leadership?
• What if teachers admitted when they had fallen short, rather than protecting their image?
• What if students and teachers alike felt safe to call out unethical behavior?