Yoga Online

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 rather physical part of yoga is mainly emphasized. More and more people are taking yoga classes in order to have fitter and firmer bodies. 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 felt the need to communicate the fact that yoga represents more than just a system of exercises, but a path to enlightenment and a spiritual practice. Jivamukti is a relevant 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.

There are two possible translations for the term Jivamukti with jiva standing out for the soul individuality and mukti meaning freedom. The word is derived from the Sanskrit jivanmuktih, meaning liberation while living. The name Jivamukti yoga reflects the fact that it is possible to have a beneficial and fulfilling life in the world but 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. The first one is the study of the ancient yoga teaching including Sanskrit 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. The forth one is the Nada, as the development of a sound body and mind 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.

Keep in mind that Jivamukti classes are pretty intense, so you’d better be prepared for the challenge. Although it may seem difficult, the great fame of Jivamukti 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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