Yoga is Ecological
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.

Co-signers as of October 30, 2003:
The Collaborative for Ecological Yoga, Shobhan Richard Faulds, Judith Hanson Lasater, Georg Feuerstein, Shiva Rea, Arthur Kilmurray, Richard Miller, Angela Farmer, Stuart Sovatsky, Lilias Moon Folan, Larry Payne, Rona Edmonds, Barbara Voinar, Brahmani Leibman, The Kripalu Conscious Action Network.

The plan for this statement:
Currently we are circulating this values statement to widely respected members of the Yoga community. We will also develop a back-up website (www.YogaisEcological.org). When the website is ready and we have 108 co-signers, we will circulate the statement widely among the Yoga community. Endorsers are encouraged to share this statement with others, and to seek appropriate means of integrating its commitments into their practice.

You are invited to become a co-signer of this statement. Numbers give us weight, and show that the community of Yoga practitioners is behind this. We would love to have your support, and to be able to stay in touch with you regarding the progress of the statement. Print this page, sign, and mail to: The Collaborative for Ecological Yoga, 4 Captain #314, Emeryville, CA 94608. Thank you!

Yes, I want to co-sign the "Yoga is Ecological" Values Statement.

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