A Focus on Jivamukti A Focus on Jivamukti Yoga’s Five TenetsYoga’s Five Tenets

Founded in the 1980s by experienced practitioners Sharon Gannon and David Life and based on their combined studies with well-known gurus, Jivamukti yoga is a variety of the flowing vinyasa form. In addition to its education in asanas, or postures, performed in sequence, Jivamukti yoga devotes significant focus to five core spiritual tenets based on ancient ethical beliefs.

Jivamukti yoga centers its teachings in the traditional meaning of the Sanskrit word “asana,” defined as “connection.” Sanskrit as a language and Indian spiritual philosophy in general play key roles in Jivamukti practice. In Jivamukti yoga, instructors emphasize enhancing a student’s connection to the earth and all living beings, which leads naturally to the practice of vegetarianism and respect for animals.

This overarching perspective results in the five tenets, which Jivamukti teachers are expected to personally embody. There is no particular order in which students must incorporate these tenets. Teachers present all of them in “open” class sessions, with the anticipation that students will come to incorporate them into their own bodies, souls, and minds as guiding principles.

Ahimsa refers to the establishment of a nonviolent life, with compassion for one’s fellow beings of all species and the adoption of a vegetarian lifestyle.

Bhakti uses chanting and other practices of devotion to connect with an awareness of the divine spirit within and outside oneself.

Dhyana is a form of meditative practice designed to help a student gain access to the immutable reality inside him or herself.

Nada makes use of verbal expressions, recorded music, or even complete silence, to foster the deep listening skills that can strengthen both body and mind.

Finally, Shastra focuses on learning ancient scriptures in depth as an intellectual route to spiritual growth.