Teaching in the Face of Competition and Cooperation

In the world of yoga, and particularly within the Ashtanga community, there is often an unspoken undercurrent of competition. Whether it’s between teachers vying for students or different schools of yoga positioning themselves as superior, this competitive mindset can create division within a practice that is, at its core, meant to foster unity and growth. As teachers and practitioners, we must ask ourselves: Why do we see each other as competition rather than learning opportunities? How can we shift this dynamic to foster a more cooperative, supportive environment in the yoga community?

In my years of teaching, I have noticed that this competitive spirit can often hinder both personal growth and the overall progression of the yoga community. Instead of viewing one another as rivals, I believe we should embrace the diversity of teaching styles, practices, and perspectives as opportunities for learning and collaboration. This shift in mindset can lead to a richer, more supportive yoga environment, one that uplifts both teachers and students alike.

Competition in Yoga Communities

It may seem counterintuitive to associate competition with yoga, a practice that emphasizes mindfulness, humility, and self-awareness. However, as yoga has grown in popularity, so too has the pressure to stand out in a crowded field. Teachers feel the need to differentiate themselves, to offer something unique or special in order to attract and retain students. Studios compete for membership, and practitioners may even feel the urge to prove themselves by mastering poses faster or attending more advanced classes.

This competitive mentality can be especially pronounced in Ashtanga yoga, where the structured progression of postures can sometimes give rise to a “race” to achieve the next level. Instead of focusing on the individual journey and the growth that comes with consistent practice, students and teachers alike may become fixated on external measures of success—whether it’s the ability to perform a certain pose or the number of students in a class.

Yet this competition is not limited to individuals. Entire yoga communities can fall into the trap of seeing one another as rivals. Different schools of yoga or different Ashtanga shalas may position themselves as “better” or “more authentic” than others, creating unnecessary tension and division. This mindset not only detracts from the spirit of yoga, but it also prevents the kind of collaborative learning that could benefit everyone involved.

Shifting to a Cooperative Mindset

What if, instead of viewing other teachers or yoga communities as competition, we saw them as valuable sources of knowledge and inspiration? What if we approached our teaching and practice with a spirit of cooperation rather than rivalry?

In my own teaching, I have found that embracing a cooperative mindset leads to far greater personal fulfillment and growth. Rather than comparing myself to other teachers or feeling threatened by their success, I seek to learn from them. Every teacher has a unique perspective, a different way of explaining or demonstrating a concept, and these differences can enrich my own understanding of the practice.

Moreover, cooperation fosters a sense of community that is far more powerful than competition. When we collaborate with other teachers or yoga schools, we create a network of support that benefits everyone involved. Students feel this energy too—they are more likely to thrive in an environment where teachers work together, share ideas, and support one another’s growth.

Learning from Other Communities

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the years is that no single yoga community has all the answers. Every community, every teacher, and every practitioner brings something unique to the table. Rather than dismissing different approaches or perspectives as “wrong” or “inferior,” we can embrace them as opportunities for learning.

In the Ashtanga community, this can be particularly challenging. Ashtanga yoga, with its strict adherence to tradition and structured progression, can sometimes foster a sense of rigidity. There is often an emphasis on doing things “the right way,” which can lead to dismissing other approaches or innovations as less valid. However, by remaining open to learning from different Ashtanga variants or even entirely different yoga practices, we can deepen our understanding of the practice and enhance our teaching.

Viewing other communities as learning opportunities rather than competition requires humility. It requires us to acknowledge that we do not have all the answers, that there is always more to learn, and that growth often comes from stepping outside of our comfort zones.

The Benefits of Cooperation in Ashtanga Yoga

Cooperation within the Ashtanga community has the potential to elevate the practice for everyone involved. When teachers share their insights, experiences, and knowledge, they create a richer, more diverse learning environment. Students benefit from this diversity of perspectives, gaining a more well-rounded understanding of the practice.

Furthermore, cooperation can help reduce the pressure and burnout that often accompany competition. When teachers feel supported by their peers rather than threatened by them, they are more likely to stay engaged with the practice, continue their own learning, and offer their best to their students. This sense of support extends to students as well—when students see that their teachers collaborate and learn from one another, they too are more likely to feel supported in their own journeys.

Conclusion: Embracing Cooperation Over Competition

In a world that often emphasizes competition and individual achievement, it can be challenging to cultivate a spirit of cooperation in our teaching and practice. Yet doing so is essential if we are to create a yoga community that truly reflects the values of the practice—mindfulness, compassion, and connection.

By shifting our mindset from competition to cooperation, we open ourselves to new learning opportunities, foster stronger connections with our peers, and create a more supportive environment for both teachers and students. In the end, yoga is not about being “better” than someone else. It is about personal growth, inner peace, and the collective well-being of the community. When we embrace cooperation, we honor the true essence of yoga and create a space where everyone can thrive.