Jivamukti Yoga
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 western world the rather physical part of yoga is mainly emphasized. More and more people start 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 represents more than just a system of exercises, but a path to enlightenment and a spiritual practice. Jivamukti yoga thus becomes 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 meditation, devotional chanting or the study of the ancient texts.
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 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 Sanskirt chanting. 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, which stresses the importance of ethical vegetarianism. The forth one is the Nada , as the development 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 cannot pass unnoticed; there is a Jivamukti yoga School in New York, and there are trained teachers teaching it all over the country.
Each session of jivamukti yoga is inspired by a theme and includes music, chanting, scriptures, postures, meditation and pranayama. This form of yoga has caught extreme popularity in both the United States of America and the United Kingdom. Many yoga studios have adapted this form of yoga and many people are following it also.
Popular Poses of Jivamukti Yoga
Some of the more popular or commonly used asanas for jivamukti yoga are surya namaskar (sun salutation) for beginning the day, natarajasana (dancing shiva) for creating peace in oneself but at the same time concentrating on movement focused on Shiva. The dancing Shiva helps us grow stronger in balance and stamina as well as increase our stamina.
The matsyendrasana (half seated spinal twist) help us massage our digestive organs and maintain proper blood circulation to these. Many yogists believe that this pose can cleanse the body because it focuses on the digestion and the internal organs. Other more spectacular and complicated yoga asanas have other benefits for us. These benefits not only focus on our body but also our mental health.
Other jivamukti yoga asanas or postures have many connotations that are linked to the gods and other things in nature. Many of the postures (both modern and traditional) have names that focus on plants and animals common to the region or best describe actions of their deities. The names of these postures or yoga asanas can be very appropriate descriptions.
Jivamukti yoga has been put together by people who have studied yoga intensively along with several masters who wish to bring this practice to many other people. The main point of jivamukti yoga is to meet the needs of the individuals who wish to better their lives through the practice of yoga. Although, traditional yoga is seldom practiced outside of India and its surrounding countries, the revision of some forms of yoga has brought the practice to the attention of many people.
Watch Video about Jivamukti Yoga School
Read Interview with Shannon Gannon and David Life
Jivamukti Yoga Holidays
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