Liability Waiver and Course Participation Agreement

Updated on 1 August 2024 

Somananda Tantra School is a brand name of Ananda OU. Any references to Somananda Tantra School or Ananda OU in this document refer to the same legal entity, abbreviated as STS.

By reading all of the statements contained in this document, and by ticking the appropriate box and signing this document, I hereby confirm and accept all of its terms, conditions, and statements, including those applying generally to all STS Events, as well as those applying specifically to specific STS Events.

Sections Overview

  1. Definition of Event
  2. Terms for All Events
  3. Terms for Tantra Massage Events
  4. Terms for Tantra Massage Teacher Training Course (TMTTC)
  5. Terms for Tantra Yoga Teacher Training Course (YTTC)
  6. Terms for Community Activities
  7. Declaration of Agreement to All Terms

1. Definition of Event

An Event is any course, workshop, retreat, activity, webinar, lecture, and/or teaching offered by STS in residential, non-residential, and/or online format.

2. Terms for All Events

2.1. Declaration of Waiver of Rights

In exchange for receiving any training or instruction from STS, I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, executors, administrators, and personal representatives, hereby waive, release, discharge, and hold harmless STS from any and all liability for any and all injuries, damages, including death, or claims relating to or resulting from my participation in any and all STS Events, now or in the future, foreseen or unforeseen. 

Further, I will indemnify and hold harmless STS from and against any and all claims, rights, damages, liabilities, losses, loss of employment-related costs, and all other costs and expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising from, or in connection with, any injuries to other persons or damage to property caused by or attributed to me.

2.2. Declaration of Confidentiality and No Recording Policy

I hereby commit not to record (through video, audio, or any other means) the content, teaching materials, lectures, sessions, or teachings in any STS Event in which I participate. I am aware that if I breach this commitment, I may be expelled immediately from any Event with no refund or compensation and I may become the subject to legal action against myself as well as incur fines and legal/financial liability for copyright infringement.

I also hereby commit not to distribute Event materials provided directly to me in any format – whether digital or printed – to anyone regardless of whether that person/those people have previously joined an STS Event. This includes online content from the website and STS social media channels. Unauthorized distribution of STS materials will be considered a breach of this agreement and violation will be subject to legal repercussions.

2.3. Right to Refuse Acceptance

I have been informed and accept that STS has the right to refuse the participation of myself or any person in any of its Events. Furthermore, I am fully aware and accept in advance, that STS reserves the right to expel, dismiss, or send home myself or any participant from any of its Events at any time for the following reasons:

  • Incompatibility/problematic behavior that disrupts the harmony in the Event;
  • Breaking the rule that stipulates no recording of any kind;
  • Disregarding or breaking any of the other rules of conduct as explained during the Event;
  • Using drugs or alcohol, or smoking, during an in-person STS Event;
  • Aggressive or disrespectful behavior toward any teacher, staff member, or Event participant;
  • Any other disturbing, abnormal, or adverse behavior that negatively impacts the Event, the teacher(s)/assistants, or other participants.

I am aware that such decisions will not be made lightly. However, if made, I understand that these decisions will be taken at the sole discretion of the Event teacher(s) and will be final.

I understand and accept that in the case of my expulsion from any STS Event, there will be no refund of any kind of my payments that have been made to STS. I declare that I am fully aware of the “no refund” policy in case of expulsion from an Event and I agree in advance to withhold any claims or requests for a refund.

2.4. Acts of God

In this clause, “Act of God” means an event beyond the control of STS, its team, teachers, or employees, and which prevents or limits STS from fulfilling any of its obligations related to its Events.

An Act of God include, but are not limited to:

  • Fires, explosions, earthquakes, drought, tidal waves and floods, health emergencies, pandemics and epidemics, any natural or unnatural disasters;
  • War, hostilities (whether war be declared or not), invasion, act of foreign enemies, mobilization, requisition, or embargo;
  • Rebellion, revolution, insurrection, or military or usurped power, or civil war;
  • Digital emergency or collapse;
  • Contamination by radio-activity from any nuclear fuel, or from any nuclear waste from the combustion of nuclear fuel, radio-active toxic explosive, or other hazardous properties of any explosive nuclear assembly or nuclear component of such assembly;
  • Riot, commotion, strikes, go slows, lock outs or disorder, commute accidents or disturbances, flight cancellations and any crash of public or financial systems; or
  • Acts or threats of terrorism.

Consequences of an Act of God:

  • I accept that in the event of Act of God, STS shall not be considered in breach of its duties and/or responsibilities if its Event needs to be postponed, rescheduled, changed, offered in a different format or cancelled altogether. I agree and accept that such a decision is in the sole discretion of STS and its teachers.
  • I am aware and fully accept that if STS is being prevented from carrying out its Event as planned due to an Act of God, STS will bear no responsibility for any damages, whether material or immaterial, or for loss of money to me.
  • I fully accept and agree that if STS Event needs to be postponed, rescheduled, changed, offered in a different format or cancelled altogether due to an Act of God, I have no right for any refund of my payments done to STS. Nor can my payments be considered as credit for any future STS Events.

In case of any global or regional Act of God, I hereby declare that it is my responsibility as an applicant or participant in any of the STS Events to be informed and act accordingly for my safety.

Furthermore, I accept and indemnify STS, its team members, teachers, or any of its staff or related individuals (henceforth STS team) and will not hold any of the STS team responsible for any damages, loss of finances, physical injuries, or emotional damages as a result of any Act of God scenarios, either global or regional.

2.5. Global or Regional Health Emergencies

In case of a pandemic outbreak situation, I hereby declare that I am fully aware of the COVID-19 and the global Coronavirus pandemic of 2020/2021 and I acknowledge it is my responsibility to inform myself in case of any future such pandemics or other outbreaks or medical global or regional health emergencies. Hereby, I assume all responsibilities for joining an STS Event in such emergency times. I commit to take any medical tests to prove I am healthy and I commit to notify STS in advance in case I manifest any disease or ill health symptoms of any kind.

I hereby confirm that I will ONLY join an STS Event if I have not manifested any symptoms of illness at least 14 days prior to joining my chosen STS Event (exception made to online STS Events, which a participant joins remotely from their own home).

I assume all health and medical related responsibilities and therefore I fully release STS from any responsibility for my health concerning any infection or contamination, either contracted before or during an STS Event participation. I hereby assume all responsibility for it and I fully accept all risks or dangers related to such infection.

I hereby also release STS and all Event participants from any responsibility, if I discover at any time after the Event has ended, that I have become infected with COVID-19 or any other pathogenic infection. I will not accuse, file suit, or make any legal claim towards STS with regard to such infection.

I am fully aware that in residential STS Events, I will be sharing space and/or living together with any size group of people in close proximity. I assume all responsibility with regards to potential contamination risks or pandemic related issues that may arise.  

I am fully aware that STS Tantra Massage courses and/or other STS Events may involve touch, massage, intimate touch, and various other close interactions that are not within social distancing guidelines nor do they involve the use of face masks. I am accepting all of this and I take full responsibility for any potential risks that may arise as a result. I will not hold STS responsible for any non-adherence to guidelines mandated or recommended by the appropriate governing health authorities. Further to that, I do not hold STS responsible legally, or in any other form, for any of these potential risks or consequences.

I confirm that I am obliged to notify the Event teaching team immediately if any COVID-19 or any other pathogenic or other illness-like symptoms manifest during the Event and I confirm that the Event team has the right to exclude me from the course and course-related activities and ask me to leave the course venue immediately. I also confirm that in such a situation I am not eligible for any refund of the course fee.

3. Terms for Tantra Massage Events

3.1. Declaration of Consent to All Risks

I hereby consent to participate in and to give and receive massage (including genital massage and intimate touch) and/or other bodywork as well as instruction in Tantra Massage, Yoga, Meditation, and energy work. I understand the massage activities may include the use of massage oils, gels, creams, and/or props provided by STS, its teachers, trainers, assistants, or related personnel and I acknowledge and agree that I am doing so at my own risk.

I hereby declare that I am fully aware and accept that my health and safety, with respect to such training, are my sole responsibility.

I acknowledge that STS Tantra Massage Events have a proven record of safety and effectiveness. However, I declare that in case of any adverse health effects during or after STS Events, such as, but not limited to, temporary pain in various parts of the body, soreness, structural and physical discomfort, bruising, swelling, and a sensitivity or allergy to massage oils, various purification effects, nausea, vomiting, gastric or digestive issues such as diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, cold or flu-like symptoms, bacterial or viral infections, increased heart rate, hyperventilation, emotional releases, skin infections, bodily injury of any kind, blood clotting issues, stroke, nerve damage, Bell’s Palsy, paralysis, organ failure, among other effects, up to and including my own death, I accept full responsibility for myself and my health and indemnify fully and hold harmless STS, its team and all its associates, as well as all other course participants.

My decision to receive training and participate in STS Tantra Massage Events is voluntary, and I know of, understand, and assume any and all risks associated therewith.

3.2. Nudity, Intimate Touch, and Genital Massage

I hereby declare that in full awareness and agreement, I voluntarily choose to participate in STS Tantra Massage Event and I am aware and fully accept that this Event includes and involves nudity, partial nudity, intimate bodily touch between various participants and myself, genital massage (including inner vaginal massage for women and penis and testicular massage for men), multiple exchanges of massage partners during the course, as well as full-body touch. I agree, in advance, to fully participate in the above-mentioned activities with full understanding.

3.3. Further Potential Side Effects and Possible Risks

By signing this document, I hereby confirm that I have been fully informed and I accept and agree to all the health risks mentioned below. Also, I fully accept and agree to participate in any of the STS Tantra Massage Events with full knowledge and awareness of the health risks and possible damages mentioned above. 

  • Emotional Side Effects: Emotional releases, agitation, anger, and other emotional purification of old traumas or impurities at the emotional level may come up in STS Tantra Massage Events. Low emotional feelings may surface as well as depression, anxiety, life conflicts, and a questioning of my life’s purpose which can last for hours, days, or weeks. Appearance of psychological symptoms that on rare occasions may manifest as mental crises or breakdowns. 
  • A retracing or resurfacing of old health issues and problems. 
  • Infectious Skin Conditions: Some infectious conditions of the skin can be transmitted during massage, despite the best efforts of STS to screen applicants. These include herpes, cold sores, shingles rashes, warts, and ringworm. Likewise, as in the case of warts, during Tantra Massage Event, people may unknowingly spread the contagion from one area of a person’s body to another or themselves. 
  • Nerve Damage: Some forms of massage, such as deep tissue massage (including Tantra Massage), Structural Integration, and Rolfing require the massage therapist to exert pressure past the skin layer in order to manipulate muscles and connective tissues. During an STS Tantra Massage Event it is my responsibility to communicate with my massage partner or a teacher or staff member and give the necessary feedback to avoid pain or damage from too deep of pressure. The exertion of too much pressure could result in temporary nerve damage for a participant. 
  • Blood Clots: The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) cautions massage therapists about the risks of massaging a client with high blood pressure. The pressure exerted during a massage could potentially cause arterial plaque to rupture and release blood clots into the system. Though the risk is low for such an event, blood clots can travel to the heart or brain. Clients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition that causes blood clots to develop in the deep veins of the body, are especially at risk. Massage greatly increases the risks of a clot being released and traveling to the lungs. 

3.4. When to Avoid Massage

I am aware that certain pre-existing medical conditions may increase the risk of experiencing negative side effects from Tantra Massage. These medical conditions include cancer, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, various heart conditions, high blood pressure, fractured or broken bones, blood clots, skin rashes and infectious diseases of the skin, sexually transmitted diseases, burns, lesions, any forms of arthritis and osteoporosis, mysterious pain, and other diseases or dysfunctions.

If I suffer from any of these conditions or any other serious conditions or illnesses, I commit to inform STS when applying for any STS Event and to consult my physician before joining any Event, including and especially Tantra Massage Events.

As a pregnant woman, I am aware that I am required to inform STS of my pregnancy before attending any Tantra Massage Events and to consult my healthcare provider before participating.

3.5. Somananda Tantra School Tantra Massage Therapist Training (TMT)

I am aware and fully accept that the TMT certifies me as a Therapist of Tantra Massage only and not as a Tantra Massage Teacher. If I wish to teach Tantra Massage I understand, acknowledge, and agree that the next level of training (Tantra Massage Teacher Training Course) is needed and required to teach Tantra Massage in any capacity and format.

I will not teach Tantra Massage in any capacity and fully accept that by completing the TMT I am authorized and certified as a Tantra Massage Therapist only, which permits me to offer Tantra Massage therapy sessions in a professional and private setting to individual clients only.

I will not plagiarize, copy, steal, or forge any of the knowledge, teachings, or techniques learned in the TMT. I further understand that the STS Tantra Massage method is copyrighted and proprietary and any copying or plagiarizing of the material in any way, shape, or form will be infringing upon the legal rights of STS.

I am aware such unethical actions can be legally prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law in a court of law and STS can file a legal suit for damages, loss of income, and theft of proprietary information.

In sum, I may find myself the subject of legal action and may incur subsequent financial liabilities in the sum of and no less than €50,000 should I breach this agreement.

4. Terms for Tantra Massage Teacher Training Course (TMTTC)

I have been informed of and accept that once I am certified as a Tantra Massage Teacher by STS, the school will not be responsible for any of my activities as a Tantra Massage Teacher at any time or at any location at which I teach.

I am aware and fully accept that I will be teaching Tantra Massage at my own risk, assuming all responsibility for all my actions and the results of teaching Tantra Massage. Therefore, I hereby now and for the future, indemnify and hold harmless STS from and against any and all claims, rights, damages, liabilities, losses, loss of employment-related costs, and all other costs and expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising from or in connection with any injuries to myself or other persons or damage to property caused by or attributed to me or my students/clients as a teacher of Tantra Massage at any given time.

I am aware and I fully accept that once I am certified as a Tantra Massage Teacher by STS, I will be allowed to teach Tantra Massage courses worldwide for a duration of up to five (5) days. I declare that I will not teach courses with a duration of more than five (5) days under any circumstances, anywhere in the world, without explicit written consent and approval from STS.

I hereby confirm and commit that I will not change the structure, nor improvise or alter in any way, the teaching programs of STS as they were given to me during the TMTTC. This includes not breaking up any particular teaching program into additional or fewer teaching periods or separate courses.

I hereby declare that I am fully aware that completing the TMTTC with STS does not authorize me to teach the Tantra Massage Therapist Training (TMT), the Tantra Massage Teacher Training Course (TMTTC), or similar courses of any kind. If I choose to ignore this commitment, I will be infringing on the copyrights and legal rights of STS. As a result, I may find myself the subject of legal action and may incur subsequent financial liabilities. I further understand and accept that if I breach this agreement, I will compensate STS financially with a sum of no less than, and potentially not limited to, €50,000.

I am aware that participation in the TMTTC does not automatically guarantee graduation, the obtaining of a certificate, or receiving full authorization to teach Tantra Massage. A participant may graduate, receive an STS certificate, and be allowed to teach Tantra Massage only by passing the required exams and earning a positive personal assessment by the head teachers.

I have been informed, accepted, and committed that at any given time, I will not use the STS name, titles of events, or copy exactly or approximately any of the texts from any of the STS websites, social media channels, or newsletters. Instead, I commit to use the texts that have been given to me during the TMTTC which are approved and meant for this use.

Also, I am fully aware and accept that upon graduating, I will not earn the right to use the STS name and to identify myself as an STS teacher.

Furthermore, I will not be allowed to represent STS unless and until I become an official member of the STS teaching team and my name is posted on the STS website staff page.

I acknowledge that I can list STS in my biography and list of credentials.

5. Terms for Tantra Yoga Teacher Training Course (YTTC)

5.1. Responsibilities, Declaration of Consent to All Risks, and Clarification of Content

I have been informed of and accept that once I am certified as a Tantra Yoga Teacher by STS, the school will not be responsible for any of my activities as a Tantra Yoga Teacher at any time or at any location at which I teach. I am aware and fully accept that I will be teaching Tantra Yoga at my own risk, assuming all responsibility for all my actions and the results of teaching Tantra Yoga. Therefore, I hereby now and for the future, indemnify and hold harmless STS from and against any and all claims, rights, damages, liabilities, losses, loss of employment-related costs, and all other costs and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) arising from or in connection with any injuries to myself or other persons or damage to property caused by or attributed to me or my students/clients as a teacher of Tantra Yoga at any given time.

I am aware and I fully accept that once I am certified as a Tantra Yoga Teacher by STS, I will be allowed to teach Tantra Yoga classes of up to 4 hours in duration or courses up to seven (7) days in consecutive duration. I declare that I will not teach courses with a consecutive duration of more than seven (7) days under any circumstances, anywhere in the world, without explicit written consent and approval from STS.

I hereby confirm and commit that I will not change the structure, nor improvise or alter in any way, the teaching program of STS as they were given to me during the YTTC. This includes not breaking up any particular teaching program into additional or fewer teaching periods or separate courses.

I hereby declare that I am fully aware that completing the YTTC with STS will license me to teach Tantra Yoga Level 1 and does not authorize me to teach the Tantra Yoga Level 2 or above, nor YTTC itself. If I choose to ignore this commitment, I will be infringing on the copyrights and legal rights of STS. As a result, I may find myself the subject of legal action and may incur subsequent financial liabilities. I further understand and accept that if I breach this agreement, I will compensate STS financially with a sum of no less than, and potentially not limited to, €50,000.

I am aware that participation in the YTTC does not automatically guarantee graduation, the obtaining of a certificate, or receiving full authorization to teach Tantra Yoga. A participant may graduate, receive an STS certificate, and be allowed to teach Tantra Yoga only by passing the required exams and earning a positive personal assessment by the head teachers.

I have been informed, accepted, and committed that at any given time, I will not use the STS name, titles of events, or copy exactly or approximately any of the texts from any of the STS websites, social media channels, or newsletters. I commit to create my own unique website design and will not copy STS designs. I will use the texts, which have been given to me during the YTTC which are approved and meant for this use.

Also, I am fully aware and accept that upon graduating, I will not earn the right to use the STS name and to identify myself as an STS teacher.

Furthermore, I will not be allowed to represent STS unless and until I become an official member of the STS teaching team and my name is posted on the STS website staff page.

I acknowledge that I can list STS in my biography and list of credentials.

6. Terms for Community Activities

Unless provided in writing, digitally, or on paper by STS, no events run by students of STS are in any way affiliated or related to STS.

If graduate student teachers or any other type of student from STS chooses to run their own practice sessions or events, ticketed or un-ticketed, they must acknowledge that these events have no affiliation and are not related to STS or its Events. I hereby agree to this statement in advance.

STS accepts no liability or responsibility for personal activities organized by students or other persons with materials or techniques taken with or without permission from official STS Events or through unofficial Events done by STS. I hereby agree to this statement in advance.

Any Events that claim affiliation to STS, directly or indirectly, without prior written permission, digitally or on paper, may be liable to legal action.

7. Declaration of Agreement to All Terms

I have read in detail and fully understand this Liability Waiver and Course Participation Agreement regarding my participation in STS Events and specifically regarding the benefits, potential risks, and side effects associated with any and all STS Events.

By signing this waiver, I am hereby declaring that I received a full explanation from STS on the physical, mental, and emotional risks and benefits of joining any STS Events. The emotional and psychological risks that may be involved have been explained and all my questions were answered to my satisfaction. If there are any outstanding questions or concerns, I understand it is my responsibility to get answers before applying to join any STS Events.

Therefore, I am accepting with full awareness and a clear mind, all the risks or potential injuries to myself and hold STS free from any responsibility or liability for any kind of damages or problems of any kind (physically, mentally, emotionally, or financially) that may arise from my participation in STS Events.

I am hereby assuming all responsibility for all and any results of participating in this Event or any other STS Event.

I DO NOT and WILL NOT hold STS responsible for any damages that may arise during or after any Event.

I acknowledge that I have read and understood the release and indemnification provisions outlined in the preceding paragraphs as well as all other declarations and statements within this document and I agree to and accept all of the terms outlined.

By ticking the respective box on the check-out page of the STS website and writing my name and applying my personal signature on this document, I hereby legally agree to all content contained herein.

I agree to sign this document in person and in physical form upon arrival to an in-person STS Event.