Conflict on our yoga mats has developed after a complaint was made to the Division of Public Occupational Schools by a “concerned” yoga teacher. Colorado has regulated yoga teaching training programs since 2002. In reality, few programs have complied with such a demand with no evidence of foul play. Yet the recent complaint has instigated the Yoga Alliance and many in the yoga community to combat the legislation by lobbying for a law to actually exempt yoga training programs from these restrictions and high fees. Negotiations remain ongoing with DPOS, state legislators, and the Hickenlooper Administration as they consider their options.
It is only in turning to the wisdom of our early yoga teachers that we will find our compass as we navigate the present debate. BKS Iyengar, one of the most respected teachers of the past century, poignantly states “ethics must come from our inner consciousness which can get distorted by contact with society.” Rules and regulations about one’s practice and teachings evolve from our ever-expanding state of internal awareness. And if we want to travel back even further to approximately the third century B.C. and Patanjali and the Yoga-Sutras (sacred Indian texts), he identifies the importance of independence and liberation from the material self to find our soul.
Mandates from DPOS contradict this basic tenant of the yogic journey. Yoga teaches us through our body awareness the importance of self-regulation, alignment, and boundaries. It is with that inner wisdom that we transfer such knowledge of ourselves off the mat and in to our lives. From that place of inner consciousness and integrity we can better create a healthy life physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Teachers should be allowed to create their teaching/immersion programs from an energy source within and state statutes will only contaminate the very essence of yoga.
Yoga is a safe world for so many of us void of violence and disease. Laws and regulations are needed elsewhere where danger is real and devastating. The yoga community needs no such protection and any miss steps can be handled without government intrusion and are just part of one’s growth and learning. Increased regulation will only rob the teaching community and their students of the beauty and importance of diversity.
Rates will likely have to increase, and such regulation may force smaller yet excellent schools to shutter. Yoga remains affordable for many and it is a blessing to pay less, yet receive so much in return. The high cost of health care is a given and we are so fortunate to only need a mat and a little guidance to often prevent and cure many forms of illness.
The peacefulness and wisdom we cultivate in our practice is continually challenged by a world fraught with hardship and conflict. It is often recommended to stay away from “use of heavy machinery” as we head back in to the world after class. I would hate to think that government sanctions fall under that heading and become the true danger to our health and wellness.
Priscilla Dann-Courtney of Boulder (priscilla courtney3@gmail.com) is a clinical psychologist. She was on the 2007 Colorado Voices panel.
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