Jivamukti Yoga: Practices for Liberating Body and Soul
Written on May 9, 2008
Jivamukti Yoga: Practices for Liberating Body and Soul The long-awaited, complete guide to the popular, vigorous American method of yoga that is deeply rooted in ancient wisdom and scriptures
“In this day and age of health and fitness trends, it is assuring to know that Sharon and David encourage their students to draw inspiration from the classical texts of Yoga and timeless scriptural sources. What I appreciate so much about David and Sharon is how they help their Yoga students to understand and appreciate the wisdom of all the great saints and jivamuktas who have contributed to raising consciousness. Ultimately, it is Self-Realization, that is the true goal of Yoga.”
–SRI SWAMI SATCHIDANANDA
Creators of the extremely popular Jivamukti Yoga method and cofounders of the New York City studios where it is taught, Sharon Gannon and David Life present their unique style of yoga for the first time in book form. As they explain their intensely physical and spiritual system of flowing postures, they provide inspiring expert instruction to guide you in your practice.
Unlike many books about yoga, Jivamukti Yoga focuses not only on the physical postures but also on how they evolved–the origins of the practices in yoga’s ancient sacred texts and five-thousand-year-old traditions–the psychotherapeutic benefits that accrue with a steady practice, and the spiritual power that is set free when energy flows throughout the mind and body. Jivamukti Yoga, which means “soul liberation,” guides your body and soul into spiritual freedom, physical strength, peace of mind, better health, and Self-realization–the ultimate goal of any practice. Gannon and Life help you understand each of the practices that comprise the yoga path to enlightenment:
AHIMSA–The Way of Compassion: choosing nonviolence, respecting all life, practicing vegetarianism, living free of prejudice
ASANA–The Way of Connection to the Earth: postures and sequences, breathing, transforming energy, understanding the bandhas
KARMA–The Way of Action: creating good karma, giving thanks
NADAM–The Way of Sacred Music: appreciating the sacred sounds of yoga
MEDITATION–The Way of the Witness: how to sit still and move inward
BHAKTI–The Way of Devotion to God: living with love, grace, and peace
Whatever yoga you practice, Jivamukti Yoga will help you to strengthen and deepen that practice and lead you onto a path of spiritual clarity and self-discovery.
“If there is only one book you read about the practice of Yoga, this should be the one. Sharon and David are deeply dedicated students and teachers of Yoga who have the rare capacity to translate their profound understanding to the reader. This book is for anyone who wishes to find transformation through Yoga. I’m grateful for their work and teaching.”
–STEPHAN RECHTSCHAFFEN, MD
Co-founder & CEO, Omega Institute
Customer Review: Practicing Peace
I was thrilled to discover these two delightful individuals. While I am attracted to yoga, I cannot fully immerse myself in yogic philosophy that does not emphasize kindness to all creatures. Sharon and David are people who have expectations from the human race, they are not “dumbing down” yoga practice to fit the needs of the public. They are asking us to contemplate the food we eat, the clothes we buy, and to consider all of the other people and animals on the planet. They seek to empower us, believing that our daily choices can make an impact on the world. I have often put down yoga/meditation books before, discouraged that they make statements like “it is wrong to kill a fly” but acceptable to eat meat, or give money to causes that promote suffering and death. I perceive that attitude to almost condone it, as long as you didn’t directly kill the animal or didn’t directly participate in the slave labor, etc…That is a big turn off to me, spiritual leaders that aren’t bold enough to stand up for basic rights. Kudos to Sharon & David-I am sure there were many people who thought these two wouldn’t make it standing up for what they believe in. But sincerity pays off and I am just so thrilled to have found them. They are an inspiration.
Customer Review: For people who care for the Earth
Any one who cares will understand David Life and Sharon Gannon, the
only community I feel I belong to.
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Filed in: Yoga Resources.