Is there such a thing as cheating on your teacher?

I have been studying Ashtanga with the same teacher since 2009.  My teacher is authorized through KPJAYI.  She is a really good teacher and I have learned so much from her.  However, as my passion for Ashtanga deepened, so did my desire to meet other teachers through workshops and other events.  Over the last year, I took workshops with Kino MacGregor, Tim Miller and Lori Brungard.  I also plan to travel and study with Sharath.  This leads me to a question that has been bugging me for some time.

Is there such a thing as cheating on your teacher? 

My teacher was unhappy that myself and two of my friends went to see Kino.  I do understand part of her point, that you should only have one teacher or else you will become confused by conflicting guidance.  But that isn't the only reason she was upset.  She believes that since she is authorized, she should be enough for her students and they shouldn't want or need to look elsewhere.  Am I breaking some ethical code by occasionally studying with another qualified teacher?  I still intend to study full-time with my original, current teacher; but sometimes, I'd like to meet and learn from other teachers as well.  Each teacher has different strengths, and by blending their teachings together, I feel I have learned a lot more about yoga.
      

Introduction of the Ordinary Yogini

I have been practicing Ashtanga  yoga for three and a half years now.  I started in September 2009 when a friend of mine inspired me to try a yoga class.  Luckily for me, the very first class I ever took was an Ashtanga class.  The level of intensity and challenge surprised me and I was immediately hooked.

The past three and a half years have completely changed my life.  The lessons I have learned through daily practice, teachers, and yogic texts transformed me into a happy, peaceful and more understanding person.  However, along the way, I found myself struggling with many challenges in my practice.  I was thirsty for more information, particularly shared experiences to provide me inspiration and support along the way.  I wanted to know that I wasn't the only person feeling a certain pain in my body; that I wasn't the only person that pushed too far one day.  I wanted to know that others too, shared similar challenges and benefits during their journey. This blog is a venue for sharing my journey with others and cultivating conversation amongst a larger community wanting to share their experiences as well.

I am not naturally flexible.  I don't have time to sit in meditation for hours every day.  I am just an "Ordinary Yogini" with a strong thirst for knowledge and inspiration.  I make time for my daily practice, some meditation and some reading.  The rest of my energy is spent on a typical, ordinary life of being a mom, a professional, a friend, a sister, a daughter, a partner.

I encourage my readers to please post comments and share your experiences regarding the topics I address.  I truly want to hear your opinions and experiences.

Namaste.