Independent Statement from a Group of Ashtanga Teachers
Each of us is here today because of our love for this practice. Recent reports of sexual abuse towards numerous students by an ashtanga teacher have come to light. In response to this we have come together to address the issue by acknowledging the victims and inviting a conversation within our community. Our first step toward this is to develop a collective statement to address this issue. This process of communicating openly and dealing with difficulties as they arise has never been done before in our lineage. It is entirely uncharted territory. Less than a year after SharathJi’s passing, we are all still finding our way and we hope to continue to do so together, in community, in dialogue, and with each other. This statement is a starting point in this process.
Survivors of abuse in our community have shown extraordinary courage by coming forward with their stories. We stand with them. Speaking truth to power is never easy, but survivor voices are the heart of this conversation and must remain at the center. We condemn in the strongest possible terms all forms of abuse and predatory behavior in our community, including, but not limited to, sexual assault, teachers actively seeking sexual relations with current students, non-consensual touching, exploitation, and manipulation. Abuse of students by teachers has no place in yoga. Every account matters, and each one deserves to be heard and honoured.
At present, the wider Ashtanga community does not have a consistent, shared process for responding to these situations, and this is a gap we as individual teachers hope to begin addressing together. We recognize that creating thoughtful ways to address harm will require survivor-centered expertise, global collaboration, and time to listen carefully to the voices of those who have come forward.
This statement is not a final word but a first step in dialogue, a work-in-progress. We also acknowledge that we have not yet addressed important areas such as abuse reconciliation, protocols for reviewing allegations, how to fully integrate trauma-informed approaches with classical methods across diverse teaching styles, an honest understanding of the past that created conditions for abuse, and a shared vision for Mysore rooms that are safe, inclusive, healing and based on consent.
We are not claiming authority, nor do we wish to create an exclusive council. This statement is one of many voices, and others are warmly invited into the dialogue. We are simply a group of teachers responding to the direct request from survivors: to speak publicly. We issue this letter because silence enables abuse, we cannot ignore these calls for accountability and we seek to acknowledge the survivors’ voices. Real accountability has never come from institutions alone, it comes when communities refuse to look away. Together, we can protect the practice by protecting its students. We welcome feedback from survivors, colleagues, and students as we continue this conversation and shape the path ahead.
If any other teachers or practitioners of Ashtanga Yoga would like to add their name to this statement, please contact the email address below.
Disclaimer: This statement should not be used in any legal matters or in any court of law. All opinions voiced here reflect the perspectives of the undersigned only. It is offered in solidarity with survivors and in good faith, but it does not constitute legal advice or an adjudication of fact. Allegations referenced herein are based on survivor testimony. Formal findings or legal determinations, where applicable, remain the responsibility of appropriate authorities in each jurisdiction. Nothing in this statement should be interpreted as a factual finding regarding any individual, it speaks to patterns and allegations within the broader Ashtanga community.
PLEASE CLICK THE LINK ABOVE TO SEE THE LIST OF TEACHERS WHO HAVE SIGNED THIS LETTER, MYSELF INCLUDED.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT MTO!
1. MTO Brunch is BACK every month after Led Primary!
Back in the day, we spent more time together as a community. I would love to bring that back by "breaking bread" together once per month. We are in such a great neighbourhood for food choices. So let's make this happen!
2. "Bring a friend for FREE" to Led Primary will continue indefinitely!
So take advantage of that offering. Feel free to invite as many different friends as you'd like (one per person per class). And if that friend joins MTO, YOU get a FREE class pass!
3. Class passes valid for 12 months!
But you'll be in class every weekend, right?
2025 CLASS PASSES
Drop in $32 per class plus HST = $36.16
5 class pass = $140 ($27 per per class, 12 month expiry, no refunds.) plus HST = $158.20
10 class pass = $250 ($25 per per class, 12 month expiry, no refunds.) plus HST = $282.50
Purchase can be made via etransfer to: yogabyemma@gmail.com
Ask for a receipt if you require one!
All classes will continue to be RSVP only. Click the link and scroll to “Reserve a Class”.
Gone are the days of “Come to class to sweat it out!” If you are sick - please stay home.
WHAT DO I DO IF I AM FEELING SICK?
If you have any of following symptoms, contact the public health authority in the province you are in to inform them; fever, cough and difficulty breathing. They will provide direction on what you should do.
TRAVEL
If you have travelled outside Canada, it is important to monitor your health when you return to Canada. The PHAC asks that you monitor your health for fever, cough and difficulty breathing for 14 days after you arrive in Canada.
REMINDERS
Continue using the following proper hygiene practice to help reduce the risk of infection or the spread of infection to others:
washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
stay home if you are sick or feel unwell;
avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands;
avoiding close contact with people who are sick;
coughing or sneezing into your sleeve or tissue and not your hands;
Thank you for your understanding,
E
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