Basic Of Jivamukti Yoga For Starters

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. 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 the attempt 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 took up teaching because they were eager to communicate 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 approach of the westerner mind so that it can be easier to grasp. 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 comes from the Sanskrit jivanmuktih, which translates liberation in this life. The name Jivamukti yoga indicates the fact that it is possible to enjoy positive achievements and fulfillment while also progress spiritually, perhaps even touching the liberation state.

Think about the five tenets of Jivamukti yoga before starting to practice it. A first tenet is the study of Sanskrit chanting and of ancient yoga traditions. 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. 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 cannot pass unnoticed; there is a Jivamukti yoga School in New York, and there are trained teachers teaching it all over the country.