Jivamukti yoga is a method of yoga which was created by David Life and Sharon Gannon in 1984, and which reintegrates the physical, philosophical and spiritual aspects of yoga.

The Jivamukti method of yoga is one of the nine internationally recognized styles of Hatha yoga, the other eight being Ashtanga, Iyengar, Viniyoga, Sivananda, Integral, Bikram, Kripalu, and Kundalini. In the western world the rather physical part of yoga is mainly emphasized.

More and more people start taking yoga classes in the attempt to have fitter and firmer bodies. Yet, lots of practitioners come to realize that what may seem a very strenuous physical workout is in fact a way to the inner self that opens one towards spirituality.

David Life and Sharon Gannon became teachers because they felt the need to communicate the fact that yoga represents more than just a system of exercises, but a path to enlightenment and a spiritual practice. Jivamukti yoga is a living translation of the Indian system of yoga for the western minds so that the practice doesn't remain out of reach. Among the practices emphasized by Jivamukti yoga we can count meditation, devotional chanting or the study of the ancient texts.

There are two possible translations for the term Jivamukti with jiva standing out for the soul individuality and mukti meaning freedom. The word comes from the Sanskrit jivanmuktih, which translates liberation in this life. The name Jivamukti yoga indicates the fact that it is possible to have a beneficial and fulfilling life in the world but also progress spiritually, perhaps even touching the liberation state.

Think about the five tenets of Jivamukti yoga before starting to practice it. A first tenet is the study of Sanskrit chanting and of ancient yoga traditions. Then comes the necessity to acknowledge that reaching the universal consciousness is the purpose of all yoga teachings. The third tenet is Ahimsa, that is a non-violent, compassionate life-style, and hence we've got the importance of ethical vegetarianism.

Nada comes forth, as the creation of a sound mind in a sound both through deep listening. The last tenet of Jivamukti yoga, but not the least, is meditation, the connection with the unchanging reality within. Keep in mind that Jivamukti yoga classes are pretty intense, so you'd better be prepared for the challenge.

Although it may seem difficult, the great fame of Jivamukti yoga in the United States is hard to pass unnoticed; there is a Jivamukti yoga School in New York, and there are trained teachers teaching it all over the country.