Created by David Life and Sharon Gannon, Jivamukti yoga
In the western world the rather physical part of yoga is mainly emphasized. More and more people are taking yoga classes in order 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 took up teaching because they were eager to share the fact that yoga is more than just a system of exercises, but also a spiritual practice, a path to enlightenment.
Jivamukti yoga 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 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, meaning liberation while living. The name Jivamukti yoga indicates the fact that it is possible to have a beneficial and fulfilling life in the world but 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 urges for a compassionate, peaceful life-style, and hence we’ve got the importance of ethical vegetarianism. Nada comes fourth, as the development of a sound mind in a sound both through deep listening. The last tenet of Jivamukti yoga, although 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 trained teachers teaching it all over the country.
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