Yoga evolved into different styles over the years. There is Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Mysore yoga. Each of these yoga styles offer you a unique health benefit. Some help you develop muscular strength while others help in losing weight. But it is Jivamukti yoga that stands out as a unique yoga style. Want to know what makes it unique? Keep reading.
Jivamukti Yoga – A Brief Introduction
The title Jivamukti comes from the word Jivamuktih. This word is further divided into two parts. The first part Jiva refers to the individual or living soul. The second part Muktih refers to liberation from the cycle of rebirth. In simple terms, the Jivamukti yoga is a way for you to attain liberation while living.
But this yoga style has an interesting story of origin. Want to know? The information below will help you.
Origins of Jivamukti Yoga
Sharon Gannon and David Life laid the foundation of Jivamukti yoga style. Both travelled to India in 1986 and met Swami Nirmalananda. David and Sharon learnt yoga for 4 years under the guidance of Yogi Sivananda. Sharon and David came back to New York city. They opened the first yoga society dedicated solely to spreading the knowledge of this yoga style.
Later in 1990, both went back to learn Ashtanga yoga from K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore. They met Sri Brahmananda Saraswati in 1993 in New York.
Gabriela Bozic and Patrick Broome, two students of David and Sharon opened a Jivamukti center outside New York City in 2003. In 2006 Sharon and David relocated the NYC headquarters to Union Square.
Do you know the principles on which this yoga is based? Read further to know.
Principles of Jivamukti Yoga
The Jivamukti yoga is a spiritual form of yoga. To dive deeper into this yoga style there are five principles to which every yoga practitioner must adhere to.
Come! Let us take a look at these.
1. Ahimsa
Ahimsa is the practice of living a compassionate and non-violent lifestyle. It is an important principle of the Jivamukti yoga style. When you decide to stick with this yoga style then Ahimsa must become a part of your life. This means you should avoid and discourage others from taking to a violent path in life. For example, you should not consume animal products like meat and poultry.
2. Dhyana
The modern world is physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Dhyana refers to the principle of meditation. The ultimate goal of Dhyana is to silence the ever-pacing mind and disconnect from the outside world. Daily meditation helps restore your mind to its natural state of calm. You should join a certified yoga school to learn and practice this aspect of Jivamukti yoga.
3. Nada
Jivamukti helps you become introspective. It helps you focus on inner thoughts. You come to understand how your mind functions. Doing this takes a lot of patience and dedication. The principle of Nada requires you to use chanting and music.
4. Bhakti
This principle of Jivamukti yoga is concerned more with religious and spiritual devotion. Bhakti requires your total surrender to the divine being. In the grand scheme of things, Bhakti is based on the premise that you should devote yourself to greater good instead of serving your own interests.
5. Shastra
The final principle of Jivamukti yoga style is Shastra. This includes the study of ancient yoga texts like:
You should study these scriptures. It helps you get an insight into the history and theories behind Jivamukti yoga practices. Each of the yoga texts above are written in Sanskrit language. You also get to understand the Sanskrit language. Understanding this ancient language helps you understand yoga on a much deeper level.
Do you know the many benefits of this yoga style? The information below will give you the answer.
Benefits of Jivamukti Yoga
To reap these benefits you should practice the right Jivamukti yoga pose. These include:
What is the Connection Between Jivamukti yoga and Veganism?
A major benefit of Jivamukti yoga is the teacher encourages you to follow a vegan lifestyle. Many studies have proven a balanced vegan diet offers many health benefits. It is much better than the standard Western diet. But it depends on the type of food you eat.
Instead of consuming animal products you consume nutrient-rich food. These include whole grains and vegetable. When you combine this with rigorous yoga practice it has a positive impact on your health and well-being.
The Jivamukti yoga is a gentle and spiritual form of yoga. You should join a certified yoga school to learn and practice this yoga style under guidance of experienced yoga teachers.
Conclusion
Do you want to practice a spiritual form of yoga? Enroll in a Certified yoga school to learn and practice the Jivamukti yoga style under guidance of experienced yoga teacher.