Created by David Life and Sharon Gannon, Jivamukti yoga is a yoga style that combines physical, spiritual and philosophical aspects of traditional yoga. Jivamukti is recognized at the international level as one of the main yoga practices together with Bikram, Kundalini, Viniyoga, Iyengar, Ashtanga, Integral and Kripalu. In the western world the stress has been on yoga as mostly a physical practice. More and more people are 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 communicate the fact that yoga represents more than just a system of exercises, but also a spiritual practice, a path to enlightenment. Jivamukti yoga is a living translation of the Indian system of yoga for the approach of the westerner mind so that the practice doesn’t remain out of reach. Among the elements emphasized by Jivamukti yoga we can count the study of the ancient texts, devotional chanting and meditation.
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, meaning liberation while living. 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, which stresses 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, although not the least, is meditation, the connection with the unchanging reality within. 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, its success 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.
To Learn More About quality Yoga Yositions For Beginners, Yoga Poses, or Yoga For Beginners tips, head to my blog to discover how to start applying yoga benefits to your health.
