From the beginning, any complaint about a Kundalini Yoga teacher was personally addressed by Yogi Bhajan.
From the beginning, any complaint about a Kundalini Yoga teacher was personally addressed by Yogi Bhajan.
Serving as a resource for Yogi Bhajan’s teachings, KRI launched its first publication, The Journal of Science and Consciousness. A standardized methodology for training teachers and awarding certification started in 1996, with KRI’s Aquarian Trainer Academy.
IKYTA began serving Kundalini Yoga teachers through programs, resources, benefits, and educational offerings.
Led by Guruka Kaur, a formal process to receive and address complaints began. Under her leadership, the IKYTA ethics office focused on helping people grow and protecting and educating our communities. Creating the EPS Global Ethics Commission and centering global voices within the Complaint Procedure process was one of her most significant accomplishments as the EPS Executive Director.
A formal Complaint Procedure was established. All decisions in an EPS complaint procedure were now made by an adhoc EPS committee of at least 5 members.
Developed by a team of Kundalini Yoga trainers led by Guruka Kaur, the first Code of Ethics for Kundalini Yoga Teachers was established.
The Office of Ethics & Professional Standards and Conscious Conflict Resolution (EPS) moved to 3HO.
A motion was approved by the SSSC Board of Trustees to establish this new Office of the SSSC. Championed by Guruka Kaur, the move allowed the SSSC Office of EPS to serve the Sikh Dharma Ministry and all of the SSSC nonprofits.
Envisioning ethical guidelines for the entire community, EPS collaborated with teachers and trainers to establish the 10 Rights of a Kundalini Yoga Student as a message to students about their rights.
This international and diverse body, comprising at least 16 KRI teacher trainers and/or SDI ministers, was formed to adjudicate complaints with greater cultural sensitivity and variety of perspectives.
"Being part of this group has been one of the most meaningful and humbling experiences of my path as a teacher. Witnessing the courage, honesty, and care the GEC brings to such difficult and necessary conversations has strengthened my own integrity and deepened my understanding of what it means to truly honour the teachings…the sacred must also be safe."
–Narayan Indra Kaur, former GEC Member
EPS began an ongoing relationship with IBEI. IBEI initially conducted a review of the ethics policies/practices and made recommendations for improvement. This partnership continues through IBEI providing annual training and consultation.
"The EPS program generally exceeds industry standards among professional associations. Certain elements, such as the adjudication toolkit, may be considered a benchmark for excellence in the field."
–Lori Tansey Martens, President of IBEI
Siri Ved Kaur becomes the new EPS Executive Director with Guruka Kaur’s retirement. Her expertise contributed to the upgrade of information management systems and policies and procedures for EPS and the EPS Global Ethics Commission.
The EPS Ethics & Anti-Harassment Training was developed over a span of three-plus years, led by Guruka Kaur, Dr. Krishna Kaur and Siri Ved Kaur, with the assistance of SatShabad Kaur, Japa Kaur, and others. This comprehensive online course was rolled out in 2023 for SSSC Board & staff, Legacy Non Profit Boards & staff, KRI certified Kundalini Yoga teachers & trainer, and SDI ministers.
Manjot Singh Khalsa became the new Executive Director for EPS with Siri Ved Kaur’s retirement. Manjot previously served on the EPS Grievance Enquiry Lead and on the Global Ethics Commission. Growth initiatives under his leadership include Restorative Justice Encounter Process and Child Safeguarding Protocol.
An alternate path to the Complaint Procedure is created for appropriate cases.
SSSC passes a motion authorizing EPS to oversee the child safeguarding program which establishes child protection procedures, guidelines and activities that support the ways our dharmic community keeps children and young people safe from harm.