B.K.S. Iyengar

1. Teaching is a difficult art, but it is the best service you can do to humanity.

2. Be strong and positive in your approach. The moment you show doubt in your teaching, you plant seeds of doubt in your pupil.

3. Be affirmative when teaching so as to create confidence in the pupil. Be negative within yourself so that you and reflect upon your work. Work on your own self, quietly at home, to find where you yourself have committed mistakes either in your explanations, or in the method of correcting your pupil.

4. In the art of teaching you have always to work as a learner. Teachers learn from their pupils, as ever pupil is different in body and mind. It is the duty of the teacher to bring about unity in the body and mind of each individual pupil with varying traits.

5. You should have the humility to say that you are still learning the art. Never say, "I am a teacher so I can teach." That is pride.

6. It is the nature of us all to protect out own bodies. When taking care of the bodies of your pupils, you have to be much more vigilant than of your own body.

7. Outwardly the teachers should be tremendously strong but deeply receptive to the needs of the pupil. Serve the pupil who has come to you, as if serving divinity.

8. Whilst teaching show differentiation that your pupil is a pupil and you are his teacher.

9. Do no expect too much from our pupils, still generate the interest of the pupil so that you can extract more effort from him.

10. Never fail to admonish your pupil for mistakes or for not putting forward his best effort. Never praise a pupil, telling him that he is very good. The moment you lavish praise, your are praising your own self. The self-laudatory praise leads to the downfall of both teacher and pupil as it creates an attitude in the mind of the pupil that he is a very superior person.

11. Strive to forge ahead with your pupil. Build him up physically, mentally, and spiritually by your own actions and example, and not mere words.

12. In the beginning children are dependant upon their parents. When the children mature, wise parents treat them as equals. Your approach towards your pupils should be similar, for you are their parent and your pupil are your children. When your pupils become mature, tread the path of learning together with them, for further refinement.

13. When you notice a pupil using the energy created by your yoga teaching only for gratification of the senses, never tell him that he is indulging in sensual pleasures. Attempt to turn his mind towards the spiritual aspect of life. This is a challenge to you as a teacher.

14. Do not judge a pupil by your own standards. The way your pupil talks and behaves will tell you his state of development. Descend to the level of your pupil and then guide him onwards slowly, with love and affection, till he reaches your standard.

15. Try to have a fresh approach for every lesson. Though you may be greatly advanced in your studies, you have always room for improvement. The deeper you probe, more fresh points will come to light. Then you will become a humble, respected and a lovable teacher.