Jivamukti Yoga: Liberation While Living

There are many contemporary styles to Yoga these days. One of the popular ones is actually Jivamukti Yoga. Etymologically speaking, the term Jivamukti Yoga comes from the Sanskrit work, Jivamukti. This word actually means liberation while living. The founders of Jivamukti Yoga are Sharon Gannon and David Life. These two founders have strong faith in the spiritual traditions that have deep roots in the discipline of Yoga itself. These spiritual traditions are then matched with physical exercises and practices that are very vigorous in nature.

You see, Jivamukti Yoga believes in the integration of all the aspects of Yoga into one collective whole. The physical, spiritual, and psychological aspects are merged into one modern whole, while paying close attention to the goal that Yoga has been aiming to achieve since time immemorial: liberation.

So, what happens in a Jivamukti Yoga session or class? A typical Yoga class would include chanting, music, meditation, asanas, and devotional gestures and practices. But Jivamukti Yoga goes way beyond these typical aspects. The physical and spiritual practices actually have five elements that comprise the very foundation of each class or session. These five elements include scripture, meditation, bhakti, ahimsa, and nada yoga. The first two elements are quite self-explanatory already. The other three needs a bit of elaboration, especially for the ones who are not that familiar with this particular type of Yoga. Bhakti actually refers to devotion to God. Ahimsa, on the other hand, pertains to the combination of compassions and nonviolence. Lastly, nada yoga refers to the art of deep listening.

With each class come vigorous anansa practices. Much emphasis is placed on the correct form and breathing methods. To make sure that these are achieved, music can be incorporated, so as to foster proper meditation and deep relaxation. Jivamukti Yoga classes typically take place in roomy classrooms. These classrooms would have very high ceilings, with glass panels that would be stained. There is actually a purpose for having stained glass panels. You see, these panels would create the sublime setting that is very much needed in this particular type of Yoga.

Going beyond the mat, you just might be surprised to know that Jivamukti Yoga is actually quite a favorite amongst PETA activists. The founders being very involved in animal rights, it comes as no surprise that their teachings would also be intensively incorporated in such a field. This contemporary style of Yoga has, in fact, become quite the platform when it comes to the crusade against animal testing for the many products in today’s market.