Created by Sharon Gannon and David Life in 1984 Jivamukti Yoga is one of the fastest growing and most highly regarded modern approaches to the ancient art of yoga. The method has deep roots in the ancient art of yoga, but is translated into a modern context to make it more accessible for the western mind to comprehend. As a path to enlightenment through compassion for all beings, Jivamukti Yoga is grounded in the original meaning of the Sanskrit word asana as “seat, connection” – relationship to the Earth. Earth implies all of life including our environment. The name Jivamukti comes from the Sanskrit word jivanmukta meaning “living liberated”. Jivamukti Yoga is a vigorous, vinyasa-based Hatha Yoga method which incorporates five elements that form the foundation of each class: scripture, bhakti (devotion to God), ahimsa (nonviolence and compassion), nada yoga (deep listening), and meditation (connection with the unchanging reality within). Each class has a chosen theme, derived from the Focus of the Month, which is supported by flowing vinyasa sequences, hands-on assists, yogic breathing exercises, chanting, readings, references to scriptural texts, music (from classical ragas and kirtan to the Beatles to Moby), spoken words and it always ends with a deep and luxurious relaxation in Shavasana. Classes are usually about 95 minutes long and open to all levels of students.
