The 5 Tenents of Jivamukti Yoga

Hot, hip, and holy.

Created in 1984 by Sharon Gannon and David Life, Jivamukti yoga strives to help us fulfill our true potential, liberation in this life! It is a practice that allows us to access the underlying, subtle, and esoteric teachings of yoga. Through the practice of the 5 tenents we strive for a life, not just a yoga asana class, that allows us to express compassion and create a mutually beneficial coexistence with all that surrounds us.

1. Ahimsa: Nonviolence and compassion towards all beings (which includes eating a vegan diet.) By being kind to others you create an atmosphere of peace within and around yourself that extends into the greater world.

2. Bhakti: Devotion—offering everything you do to something greater than your ego/small self— acknowledgment that Self or God realization is the goal of all yoga practices.

3. Dhyana: Meditation—connecting to that unchanging reality of eternal joy within.

4. Nada: Incorporating sacred music and sonic techniques and learning how to enhance the development of a sound body and mind through deep listening.

5. Shastra: The study of Sanskrit scriptures and how they apply to the here and now.

From Jivamukti’s roots in Ashtanga, we love asana, it allows us into our bodies and opens us up to all beings (every body). The practice of asana not only allows us to create strong flexible bodies but also strengthens our mind and adds flexibility to our preconceived notions that hold us in stagnation. What a gift it is, in this life, to have a human birth and to be able to practice the divine act of asana.

It’s more than a yoga asana class, it’s a new way of thinking and living, moving from a society of dominance to one of mutual benevolence and balance. When asked, “who would you say is the perfect candidate to start practicing Jivamukti yoga?” David Life responded: “the ones with imagination, a sense of adventure, and the courage to change. All change starts within. As Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘be the change you wish to see in the world.'”

To learn more, join Adam Shirley and Kumiko Yamada for a Jivamukti Workshop on July 18, 2015, 10:00 – 12:30pm. All Levels Welcome. $35.