Jivamukti Yoga: A path of enlightenment through compassion and activism

Jivamukti yoga is a powerful, transformative method that stands at the heart of physical activity, ethical living and spiritual awakening. This proprietary form of yoga was founded by Sharon Gannon and David Life in 1984 and has gained a devoted following globally. It has merged the physical rigours of Vinyasa-based asana or posture practice with a deep commitment to the five tenets: Shastra, Bhakti, Ahimsa, Nada and Dhyana.

The uniqueness of Jivamukti yoga lies in its holistic approach, intertwining the physical aspects of yoga with its spiritual and ethical dimensions. More than just a practice, it helps improve flexibility and strength, a call to conscious living. From animal rights to veganism, from environmental activism to social justice, Jivamukti practitioners are encouraged to engage with the world around them in a way that promotes compassion, understanding and unity.

In this informative article, we’ll explore the deeper aspects of Jivamukti yoga’s philosophy and practice, discussing its core tenets, activist roots, and how it guides us on a path to enlightenment through compassion for all living things.

Jivamukti Yoga—What does it mean?

Derived from the Sanskrit words “Jivan” (life) and “Mukti” (liberation or salvation), in simple terms, Jivamukti yoga is a path to enlightenment. This practice is specially designed to help individuals connect to the Earth and all living beings, promoting a sense of compassion.

The founders, Sharon Gannon and David Life, developed the practice with a vision to create a yoga practice that incorporates the teachings of ancient scriptures while addressing contemporary issues like environmentalism, animal rights and social justice. By merging all three aspects of physical, ethical and spiritual practices, Jivamukti yoga offers practitioners a unique style to indulge in yoga on and off the mat.

Grounded in the original meaning of the Sanskrit word “asana,” which refers to “seat” or “connection,” Jivamukti yoga specifically signifies one’s relationship to the earth. In Jivamukti yoga, asana is considered not just a physical practice but a means to explore our connection to all living creatures.

The 5 Tenets:

Jivamukti yoga has its core guiding principles, which form the base of the practice. Let us know more about these five basic tenets of Jivamukti yoga:

1. Shastra (Scripture)

Shastra, the first tenet of Jivamukti yoga, refers to the study of ancient yogic scriptures, including the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavadgita, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and the Upanishads. These texts serve as the philosophical backbone of Jivamukti yoga and offer deep insights into the practice and purpose of this yoga art form.

A thorough understanding of these ancient teachings is a must for deepening one’s yoga practice and applying its principles to modern life. Practitioners of Jivamukti yoga are hence encouraged to immerse themselves in the wisdom of these ancient texts and reflect on how their lessons can be applied to stimulate greater kindness, compassion and awareness.

These texts are written in Sanskrit, which is also considered an essential part of Shastra. By studying, learning and chanting in Sanskrit, practitioners connect with the vibrational element of these teachings, which are believed to possess divine energy.

2. Bhakti (Devotion)

One of the key elements of Jivamukti Yoga is Bhakti or devotion. Here, Bhakti refers to cultivating the essence of humility and love toward the higher force, which can be named God, the universe or simply some power greater than oneself. The main idea behind this concept is to direct one’s energy and intention toward something beyond one’s ego, recognising the connection between all beings.

Bhakti is generally expressed through devotional methods like prayer, chanting or setting a high level of yoga practice. Jivamukti sessions often involve chanting to practice the divine and inculcate a sense of surrender. This method helps practitioners move beyond their limitations of the self and promotes a deep sense of belonging to the broader spiritual world.

3. Ahimsa (Non-Violence)

Ahimsa, the most well-known tenet of Jivamukti yoga, means nonviolence. Rooted in compassion, the concept of Ahimsa applies not only to human beings but also to all living things, including the environment.

The practice of Ahimsa in Jivamukti yoga is not confined to the yoga mat. It guides us to live in a manner that restricts or minimises harm to all present on this planet. As Jivamukti supports the idea of ethical treatment of animals, this tenet is closely related to veganism. Practitioners are encouraged to adopt a plant-based lifestyle to reduce animal suffering and promote environmental sustainability.

Ahimsa doesn’t just avoid physical harm but encompasses our thoughts, words and deeds. Practitioners are encouraged to imbibe the nature of kindness in all interactions while accepting that even negative words or thoughts can cause harm.

4. Nada (Music and Deep Listening)

Nada, the next tenet, is based on the practice of deep listening and understanding sound vibrations. This yoga of sound stands on the concept that everything in the universe, including humans, is made up of sound vibrations. Hence, music plays a crucial role in cultivating this sense of deep listening in Jivamukti yoga.

Jivamukti yoga classes include  recorded music, silence, chanting or the teacher’s voice as tools for developing a sound mind and body. This practice makes the student become more attuned to the subtle vibrations around them. This enhances their ability to perceive and connect on a deeper level.

Teachers generally do not demonstrate postures while teaching jivamukti yoga. Now this is a very unique aspect of this practice. This helps students to learn by listening rather than watching, enhancing their listening ability, an integral skill tied to the practice of Nada.

5. Dhyana (Meditation)

The final tenet of Jivamukti yoga is Dhyana or meditation. Meditation here involves observation and stillness of the mind. Here students learn to transcend their mind and discover their true selves by monitoring their thoughts, without becoming attached to them.

Jivamukti yoga sessions compulsorily involve some kind of meditation practice, whether seated, breathwork, or moments of stillness. The objective of Dhyana is to make the practitioner recognise that they are more than their thoughts, or physical bodies, a part of the greater reality. 

Through the Dhyana element in Jivamukti yoga, students are encouraged to imbibe in themselves the virtues of mindfulness and awareness in every aspect of life. This further promotes a profound connection with the self and with others.

Activism in Jivamukti Yoga—A Call to Compassionate Action

Unlike many other yoga practices, Jivamukti yoga stands apart because of its strong emphasis on activism. This yogic practice is not just a personal practice but a way to engage with the world and contribute to the greater good of the surroundings.

There are different phases of development in the Sankhya philosophy. The defining concept is that Purusha and Prakriti are enough to explain the cosmos.

Animal Rights and Ethical Veganism

The advocacy for animal rights and ethical veganism stand as the pillar stone of the Jivamukti activism. The crucial ideology behind Jivamukti yoga states that all living beings including animals have the right to live free from harm and exploitation. Hence the practice encourages to take up a lifestyle that avoids the consumption of animal meat, eggs or dairy, and usage of animal based products like leather and wool.

The connection between yoga and veganism is rooted in the tenet of Ahimsa in Jivamukti yoga. Jivamukti yoga supports the philosophy that animal consumption contributes to animal suffering and exploitation, hence promoting the idea of adopting a vegan diet. Veganism is a powerful way to reduce harm to animals and induce compassion within oneself. 

A plant based diet not only contributes to the well being of animals but also supports environmental sustainability. It makes the practitioners aware that the meat and dairy industry are the major contributors to environmental degradation, including deforestation, water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore the adoption of veganism is considered as an ethical and environmental imperative measure.

Environmental Activism

Environmental activism is another critical aspect that is promoted by jivamukti yoga along with animal rights. This kind of yoga makes the practitioner understand that earth is not something we own, but something we are a part of! It makes the students see our planet as a larger part of themselves, an extension of their bodies. It therefore becomes their responsibility for nurturing and protecting it.

Jivamukti yoga encourages sustainable living practices which includes reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting eco-friendly activities. Living in harmony with nature, practitioners can cultivate a sense of unity and contribute to the healing of the planet.

Social and Political Activism

Social and political activism is the final crucial aspect of jivamukti yoga. This concept teaches that everything we do as individuals has a major impact on the community, and yoga is a means of becoming more conscious of our actions, as they can affect others around us. 

Practitioners of jivamukti yoga are encouraged to get involved in social and political issues, using their practice as a base for justice, equality and compassion. They become active participants in the world around them by participating in protests, supporting charitable causes or by simply striving to bring a positive change in their communities.

Conclusion

On a concluding note, jivamukti yoga is a unique path to enlightenment; a transformative journey grounded in compassion, activism and a deep connection with all beings present on this planet. Jivamukti yoga encourages practitioners to develop a holistic approach to yoga, one that encompasses the body, mind and soul. This ideology of Jivamukti yoga is taught through its five tenets—Shastra, Bhakti, Ahimsa, Nada and Dhyana.

Jivamukti yoga, not just a personal transformation process, also advocates animal rights, environment protection and social activism. The practitioners are encouraged to use their yogic practice as a tool for creating a greater positive impact on the world.

In today’s world, where we often witness disconnection with others around us, and division of mentalities, jivamukti yoga offers a powerful medium for promoting the idea that we all are interconnected. Supporting the concepts of compassion, mindfulness and conscious action, Jivamukti helps practitioners move forward to a more peaceful and harmonious existence for all.