Jivamukti Yoga Tips

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 stress has been on yoga as mostly a physical practice. More and more people are taking yoga classes in the attempt to make their bodies firmer and fitter.

Nevertheless some of the yoga practitioners find out during their exercises that what has started out as purely physical practice may transform into a more spiritual experience. David Life and Sharon Gannon became teachers because they were eager to share the fact that yoga represents more than just a system of exercises, but a path to enlightenment and a spiritual practice. Jivamukti yoga is a relevant translation of the Indian system of yoga for the western minds so that it can be easier to grasp. Among the practices emphasized by Jivamukti yoga we can count meditation, devotional chanting or the study of the ancient texts.

There are two possible translations for the term Jivamukti with jiva standing out for the soul individuality and mukti meaning freedom. The word comes 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 touching the liberation state.

There are five tenets of Jivamukti yoga which must be considered before taking into account the practice of it. A first tenet is the study of Sanskrit chanting and of ancient yoga traditions. The second one is the acknowledgment that universal consciousness is the goal of all yoga practices, known under the name of Bhakti. The third tenet is Ahimsa, that urges for a non-violent, compassionate life-style, and hence we’ve got the importance of ethical vegetarianism. Nada comes forth, as the creation of a sound mind in a sound both through deep listening. The last tenet of Jivamukti yoga, but not the least, is meditation, that paves the way to the ever-lasting reality inside of us. Another fact to be considered before taking on Jivamukti yoga is the fact that the classes tend to be quite physically intense. Although it may seem difficult, the great fame of Jivamukti yoga in the United States is hard to pass unnoticed; there is a Jivamukti yoga School in New York, and there are experienced instructors teaching it all over the country.