Yoga – it is the science of enlightenment. Yoga is a ray of light that a yogi treads on the wheel of, in order to reach the epitome of success. Yoga is a set of principles, following which thousands of Yoga masters and philosophers went on to achieve peace, calmness, wellness, inner-consciousness and most importantly, happiness. The yogic discipline is all about the discipline of the senses, mind as well as the physical body.
More than the students, a Yoga teacher needs to act according to the philosophy of Yoga, since the one who preaches should practice himself/herself first. According to Patanjali’s Yoga, a Yoga instructor has the greatest role to play in the life of a yogi. Thus, he should be well-prepared to be the guiding light of a yogis’ career. There are certain ethical values and yogic principles (yamas and niyamas) that a Yoga instructor in Rishikesh must adhere to becoming the role model of the students’ lives’.
Respect your students
One of the most important things that you must keep in your mind as a Yoga teacher is to respect the privacy of your students. Do not forget that you are a trainer and not your students’ master. Respect their personal choices, opinions, religious thoughts, political beliefs, etc. without trying to transform them according to your own perspective.
Be affable
Yoga is awesome with friends. In fact, the practice of Yoga can be learnt in the best way when you are around the people you know and understand better. It is the responsibility of Yoga teachers that they maintain a friendly environment in the class and try to be friendly with the students. Talk to them in the sweetest way possible and engage with them as if you are one of them.
Listen to the students
As a teacher, one should be a good listener, in the sense that he is able to understand the demands of the students, their problems and point of views. An ideal Yoga teacher in Rishikesh or anywhere in the world is the one who is aware of the physical limits of each of the students. Be easy with the students so that they never hesitate to talk something to you.
Honesty is the best policy
Probably the biggest utilization of honesty can be done by a Yoga teacher. Give all sorts of yogic and spiritual knowledge you have. Always be truthful with your students. Treat them as if they are your own children and suggest things that are best suitable for them and their career. Do not insist them to do a Yoga pose that they are not comfortable with.
Say no to partisanship
All individuals in a Yoga class are equal and should be seen with the same importance, especially from the teacher. Run the class in accordance with the needs and demands of each and every aspirant. Avoid making a particular student your favorite, and treat everyone as your dear. Be supportive and encouraging to everybody.
Remember you are the leader
And the best thing a Yoga teacher should remember is that he/she is the leader of a Yoga community and has to be kind in almost all aspects of life. One of the most beautiful qualities of a Yoga teacher is their self-confidence and the way of handling the class. As a leader, you should set an example among your students by following the teachings of Yoga by yourself.
As a philosopher of Yoga, do not forget to create a positive atmosphere in the class and try to inspire your students on the path of yogic enlightenment.
