Jivamukti yoga is a method of yoga which was created by David Life and Sharon Gannon in 1984, and which reintegrates the physical, philosophical and spiritual aspects of yoga. The Jivamukti method of yoga is one of the nine internationally recognized styles of Hatha yoga, the other eight being Ashtanga, Iyengar, Viniyoga, Sivananda, Integral, Bikram, Kripalu, and Kundalini. In the west the rather physical part of yoga is mainly emphasized. More and more people start taking yoga classes in order to make their bodies firmer and fitter.
Yet, lots of practitioners come to realize that what may seem a very strenuous physical workout is in fact a way to the inner self that opens one towards spirituality. David Life and Sharon Gannon became teachers because they were eager to share the fact that yoga represents more than just some physical exercises, but also a spiritual practice, a path to enlightenment. Jivamukti yoga thus becomes a living translation of the Indian system of yoga for the western minds so that it can be easier to grasp. Among the elements emphasized by Jivamukti yoga we can count meditation, devotional chanting or the study of the ancient texts.
The meaning of the word Jivamukti (pronounced Jee-va-mook-tee) can be translated as follows: Jiva means individual soul and mukti means liberation. The word is derived from the Sanskrit jivanmuktih, which translates liberation in this life. The name Jivamukti yoga reflects the fact that it is possible to enjoy positive achievements and fulfillment while also progress spiritually, perhaps even attaining liberation while living.
There are five tenets of Jivamukti yoga which must be considered before taking into account the practice of it. The first one is the study of the ancient yoga teaching including Sanskirt chanting. Then comes the necessity to acknowledge that reaching the universal consciousness is the purpose of all yoga teachings. The third tenet is Ahimsa, that is a non-violent, compassionate life-style, and hence we’ve got the importance of ethical vegetarianism. Nada comes forth, as the development of a sound body and mind through deep listening. The last tenet of Jivamukti yoga, although not the least, is meditation, the connection with the unchanging reality within. Keep in mind that Jivamukti yoga classes are pretty intense, so you’d better be prepared for the challenge. Although it may seem difficult, its success in the United States cannot pass unnoticed; there is a Jivamukti yoga School in New York, and there are trained teachers teaching it all over the country.
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