The term “jivamukti” is a reference to obtaining freedom from the circle of death and new birth. It’s advocates believe that extreme physical and intellectual stimulation will lead to an ability to live in complete spiritual freedom.

Jivamukti Yoga’s Start

One of the many variations of hatha yoga, jivamukti yoga was introduced to the world by David Life and Shannon Gannon in New York City in 1984. All instructors of jivamukti yoga must be trained at the Jivamukti Yoga Training School that they established there in order to keep this form of yoga uniform.

Basic Beliefs Underlying Jivamukti Yoga

The five areas of concern underlying all aspects of jivamukti yoga include the following: non-violence, meditation, music, scripture, and devotion. The scriptures held dear by jivamukti yoga practitioners come from these sources: the Upanishads, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and the Bhagavad Gita, among others. Because the goal of jivamukti yoga is to better understand God, an altar is used during its practice. This altar is usually centered on great religious leader from history, including Buddha, Jesus, Krishna, Ghandi, Mother Teresa, and Martin Luther King. Scriptures from these teachers, as well as Sanskrit chants, are used for meditative purposes.

Most Common Jivamukti Positions

Some of the essential poses incorporated into the practice of jivamukti yoga include the sun salutation, the camel pose, the warrior pose, and the challenging peacock feather. Other common jivamukti yoga poses are the half-seated spinal twist, the bow pose, the shoulder stand, and the supported headstand.

Types of Students Who Might Enjoy Jivamukti Yoga

Jivamukti Yoga attracts those who are religiously tolerant and can consider other belief systems. This form of yoga is fashionable with vegans, animal rights activists, and environmentalists. Some of the most famous people who have tried Jivamukti include Gwyneth Paltrow, Sting, Donna Karan, and Christy Turlington. Yoga students interested in making spiritual discoveries while strengthening their bodies will find jivamukti yoga a great place to begin their journey.