Green Yoga
Values Statement

The health of our bodies depends on clean air, clean water, and clean food. Yoga is grounded in an understanding of this interconnection. Historically, Yoga developed in the context of a close relationship with the earth and cosmos and a profound reverence for animals, plants, soil, water, and air. This reverence towards life is the basis of the Yogic teaching of ahimsa, or non-violence, non-injury, and non-harming.

Today, the viability of earth’s life systems is in danger. If humanity is to survive and thrive, we must learn to live in balance with nature. Now is the time to cleanse and heal the earth and to establish a sustainable relationship with the environment for generations to come.

Therefore, as practitioners of Yoga we will:

* Educate ourselves about the needs of the biosphere as a whole and our local ecosystems in particular.
* Cultivate an appreciation for and conscious connection with the natural environments in which we live, including animals, plants, soil, water, and air.
* Include care for the environment in our discussion of Yogic ethical practices.
* Commit ourselves to policies, products, and actions that minimize environmental harm and maximize environmental benefit.
* And if we are Yoga teachers or centers, we will incorporate these commitments into our work with students.