“I am not a woman. I am not a man. I am not a person. I am not myself. I am a teacher. ” These words by Yogi Bhajan confused and angered me when I first heard them during my Kundalini Yoga teacher training. First, the teacher’s oath was a blatant provocation of my shadow self, or at least, the self I was struggling to become. What did he mean I wasn’t myself? What was I if not a person? This resistance was the starting point of my evolution as a professional and the discovery of the true essence of the oath and the obligations it presupposes.
When I first heard the teacher’s oath, I thought it was ridiculous. My first instinct was to fight back. Who was this man to tell me I wasn’t me? This confusion slowly evolved into a deeper appreciation of the oath’s intended meaning. The teacher’s oath is about leaving the self and becoming a teacher who is committed to the betterment of society. Yogi Bhajan created this oath to ensure that we do not forget that we are here to serve the students and not our egos. It focuses on becoming a vessel through which the teachings can pass and transform our students.
In addition to the teacher’s oath, a Kundalini Yoga teacher has numerous ethical obligations that he or she has to uphold. These responsibilities can be categorized into three main areas: service to students, personal conduct, and the role of a teacher.
In the capacity of a Kundalini Yoga teacher, it is crucial to preserve the sanctity of the teachings and pass them without expecting anything in return. It is our mission to link the students to the core of the teachings and enable them to discover the possibilities within themselves. This responsibility entails fostering an atmosphere that allows students to expand and enhance their knowledge of Kundalini Yoga.
Kundalini Yoga teaching requires that the teacher walk the talk. It is about embodying the teachings in our daily practices and relationships. Teachers are expected to be professional with their students and this means that the conduct of the teacher should be professional and should not in any way be a nuisance to the students. This commitment is not only reflected in the classroom but also in the way we conduct our lives.
Being a Kundalini Yoga teacher means understanding that the process of teaching is never-ending. It is about recognizing and developing the students’ capabilities, accepting all forms of beliefs, and earning their trust. Teachers have to decide between the right and the easy way and always make ethical choices that align with the teachings. This role means that one has to leave behind personal victories or losses and embrace the ongoing process of supporting and empowering students.
I have come to have a lot of respect, love, appreciation, and dedication towards Kundalini Yoga teachings. First of all, being a pure Sagittarius, I had some difficulties with the strictness and the commanding tone of the lessons. I am rebellious and desire freedom, which makes it difficult to follow the strict regimen of spiritual learning.
But as I started trusting my teacher and giving myself to the process, I realized how much love and truth are in the teachings. Kundalini Yoga evolved into a set of instructions that helped me to follow the path, look inside, and change the way I perceive life.
This paper has been a process of transformation from resistance to accepting the teacher’s oath and ethical responsibilities in Kundalini Yoga. The teachings have also instilled in me the need to rise above the self, be honest, and work towards the betterment of humanity. Thus, accepting the course of life and following the teachings, I have discovered the meaning of life and its connection with the world. As Marc Chaboury said it best, “My whole world is shifting towards these teachings. I love what I learn and what I don’t learn. ” This process of learning and discovery is the beauty of being a Kundalini Yoga teacher.