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 have fitter and firmer bodies.
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 became teachers because they were eager to communicate the fact that yoga is more than just a system of 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 there are 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 touching the liberation state.
There are five tenets of Jivamukti yoga which must be considered before taking into account the practice of 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 compassionate, peaceful life-style, and hence we’ve got 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, 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, 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.
For Further Information 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.
Tags: fitness, health, health and fitness, Health&Fitness, Meditation, weight loss