Jivamukti

Description

The Jivamukti Yoga method is a style of Yoga created by David Life and Sharon Gannon in 1984. It is a vigorously physical and intellectually stimulating practice leading to spiritual awareness. Each class focuses on a theme, which is supported by Sanskrit chanting, readings, references to scriptural texts, music, spoken word, asana sequencing and yogic breathing practices. The name Jivamukti means Liberation while living. Jivamukti is taken from the Sanskrit term, Jivanmukti, which is used to describe the state of enlightenment or God realization. We named our yoga method Jivamukti because we wanted the student to be reminded of the ultimate aim of the practice. The main tenets of the Jivamukti style are: 1. Scripture The sources for the teachings are drawn from ancient Sanskrit scriptures, most notably: Yoga Sutra of Patanjali Hatha Yoga Pradipika Bhagavad Gita Upanishads Study of the Sanskrit Alphabet and grammar 2. Bhakti Recognition that God realization is the goal of all yoga practices is a tenet of Jivamukti Yoga. The promotion of inter-religious understanding and tolerance toward all forms of religious and spiritual beliefs Creating a mood conducive to a devotional state of mind through altars, religious pictures and iconography, and providing a large selection of books and spiritual tools Chanting of the names of God 3. Ahimsa Promoting and providing educational information about: Ethical vegetarianism Animal rights Environmental concerns The need to take social/political action 4. Music Promoting the study of Nada Yoga (the yoga of sound) as an essential part of Hatha Yoga practice. Listening to elevating music. Kirtan (call and response singing) Inspiring the composition of spiritually motivated music. Providing and distributing the newest, most cutting-edge of spiritually elevating music 5. Meditation Encouraging meditation as an essential part of Hatha Yoga practice Each class includes meditation instruction and practice Once a week in-depth meditation class is offered Guest meditation teachers