Note: Descriptions and excerpts below taken from the official website of Jivamukti Yoga.
What is Jivamukti Yoga?
Jivamukti Yoga is a path to enlightenment through compassion for all beings. An internationally-recognized form of hatha yoga, Jivamukti Yoga is founded on five tenets- ahimsa (non-violence), bhakti (devotion), nada (music), shastra (scripture) and dhyana (meditation). The method emphasizes enlightenment or Self-realization as the goal of the practice, hence the name Jivamukti, which is a derivation of the Sanskrit word jivanmuktih, meaning “liberation while living.” It centers on the importance of establishing an elevated- i.e., selfless- intention as the motivation for one's practice. Jivamukti is an integrated method, incorporating elements of raja yoga (ethical, physical, breathing and meditative practices), bhakti yoga (devotional practices), karma yoga (practices of selfless service) and jñana yoga (intellectual and meditative practices). In the state of enlightenment, one realizes the oneness or interconnectedness of all being; hence, Jivamukti emphasizes the importance of veganism, environmentalism and political activism as key practices toward the goal. Jivamukti Yoga teachers are trained in a demanding program that covers these practices, as well as the traditional subjects such as asana practice and yoga philosophy. Jivamukti Yoga classes are rigorous, and the goal of the practice- enlightenment- is remembered throughout by the teacher and student alike.
Jivamukti Yoga was created by Sharon Gannon and David Life in the mid-1980s with the blessings of their teachers Swami Nirmalananda, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati. The Jivamukti method represents many innovations introduced by Sharon and David to uncover the deeper meanings of yoga philosophy and to make the ancient practices of yoga relevant to the contemporary practitioner.
What are the different types of Jivamukti Yoga Classes currently taught in Manila?
Jivamukti Yoga Open Class
Whether you're a beginner, deciphering the difference between vrksasana (tree) and sirshasana (headstand) or an advanced yogi who can put both feet behind their head, the Jivamukti Open class welcomes you, as it is open to practitioners of all levels. You work at your own pace, following the teacher's verbal as well as hands-on guidance.
An Open class presents classical yoga teachings as relevant to one’s life on and off the mat, drawn from the Focus of the Month essay, supported by chanting, breath awareness, flowing vinyasa sequences, alignment exploration, hands-on assistance, relaxation and meditation.
The class is called “Open” because it is open and suitable to all levels of practitioner. Even so, beginning level students should know that there will not be much detailed “how to do” descriptions. The length of an Open class may differ at different studios, so please check the schedule for the class you are attending.
View Jivamukti Open Class schedules.
Schedule a Private Jivamukti Yoga Class.
Jivamukti Spiritual Warrior Class
Jivamukti Spiritual Warrior classes are designed for busy people who only have an hour to practice. The class is fast paced and invigorating and is certainly a “get-in-shape” class. The structure is a fixed set sequence instructed in a vinyasa style. It is a fully balanced class which includes asana warm-up, chanting, setting of intention, surya namaskar, standing poses, backbends, forward bends, twists, inversions, meditation and relaxation. The teacher focuses on keeping the pace moving and does not stop to give spiritual discourses. Since the asana sequence is always the same, a student will pick it up quite quickly after only a couple of classes.
Spiritual Warrior Classes are best for intermediate and advanced students, although beginners as well as anyone with a sense of adventure are welcome! Spiritual Warrior classes are one hour in length.
View Jivamukti Spiritual Warrior Class schedules.
Schedule a Private Jivamukti Yoga Class.
Jivamukti Beginner Vinyasa Class
This slow moving, deep exploratory class provides the student with the underlying basics of how a vinyasa practice works. Vinyasa is a method of practicing asana (physical poses), where the asanas are presented in a sequence, flowing one to the next. The practice focuses on aligning one’s breath and spiritual intention with movement. The class follows a set sequence of asanas but is presented at a slower, more relaxed pace than in the Spiritual Warrior class. There is only minimal focus on basic alignment, the main emphasis being on breathing while holding asanas as well as on transitioning into and out of asanas gracefully and safely. Beginner Vinyasa classes provide a good transition for a beginner student to the Spiritual Warrior or Open classes and provide an opportunity for a more advanced student to refine their skills through a more detailed exploration of the asanas presented and how they can flow together seamlessly by means of steady paced ujjayi breathing. This class is suitable for beginners, but open to all levels of practitioner.
View Jivamukti Beginner Vinyasa Class schedules.
Schedule a Private Jivamukti Yoga Class.
Read reviews of Jivamukti Classes taught by 300-Hour Certified Jivamukti Yoga Teacher Nancy Siy
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