BOOK by Sharon Gannon and David Life:
Jivamukti Yoga:Practices for Liberating Body and Soul
This has been an interesting read for me. I attempted to read the book without thinking about things that I have heard about the authors. David Life and Sharon Gannon are much discussed in yoga circles - they are considered fairly radical - and I have heard many good and bad things about them. In the end, I was quite pleased with this book.
Sharon and David have compiled years of Yoga teachings to offer us their method to practice Yoga in our modern world. It's also an inspirational book, made me think of practicing yoga more and with more awareness. There are many books on yoga today; some of them are really good about telling practical details, this one is more powerful in changing perception of the world. It is one of the books in the market that present Yoga as a spiritual practice, a compassionate way of living. The authors believe that this aspect has not been spread as much as the physical practice of yoga. The authors practice veganism as a part of their ahimsa (non-harming) practice and they are strong advocates for animal rights. This stance is presented throughout the book and they do explain where they are coming from on this issue. Although their views on ahimsa are controversial and for many readers might look extreme, they most certainly make one think. It reminds of being mindful when faced with an opportunity to make a choice about many things, including food. Being strong proponents of non-violence and animal rights you can expect a good deal of coverage on ahimsa Very few Yoga teachers prescribe a vegetarian diet; Sharon and David prescribe it as a must for a true Yogi.
This book is unique among Yoga books as some topics come out in more detail with more of the Author's personal experience. Such as Karma (action), Ahimsa (Non-violence), Prana (life force), Vinyasa Krama (the act of sequencing), and on Nada-Yoga: the yoga of sound.. The coverage is more extensive than most of the typical yoga books. A whole chapter is devoted to each of these topics. The authors state that the book itself is not really about the postures but what is essential in liberating the soul (Jiva mukti - life/soul liberation).
A very unique chapter is about the Guru. This chapter eloquently highlights the characteristics you should look for in a Guru. The authors point out the fact that your intuition apart from the intellect itself must play a role. Another point you don't read often is the fact that a Guru must have attained enlightenment. While very few teachers in the modern age have attained enlightenment, Sharon and David point out the need for the Guru to be at least in close touch with the scriptures.
This book is also unique in integrating traditional Yoga - with all its color, sounds, and mystique - with a modern day approach, truly brings Yoga up to date, the authors have presented traditional aspects of yogic philosophy in a way that makes sense for the modern people. They state from the beginning that their intention with Jivamukti is to INTEGRATE the old with the new and your practice with your life So many other books skim over the other limbs and don't indicate how they can be integrated into every day life. In Jivamukti however, we are given differing methods to do just this. One of the real inspirations is that you don't have to live in perfect surroundings, you don't need to have serene, silent, idyllic conditions in which to practice; you can practice in the middle of a busy urban background.
The authors assume you have studied asana previously. They point out there are many books and teachers available regarding Hatha yoga, and they don't feel compelled to repeat this. What they do is dedicate a few chapters to demonstrate their style of vinyasa krama (linking the postures together with breath in a dance/tai chi like flow series). They give 5 sample 'lessons', three for beginners and two for intermediate/advanced. They also give numerous flow sequences one can put together in various ways. They do state that one should have studied yoga before attempting to do these sequences.
Basic meditation and pranayama (breathing) techniques are also given. They do suggest exhale retention, a practice many do not advise until experience in pranayama is gained; however, they don't go into discussion about the various theories behind this. The section on pranayama and bandhas has enough detail to get someone into trouble, but not enough detail to provide real guidance. I would use this part only as informative introduction. The section on asana has some useful comments on sequencing and charts of asanas for different focus - back bending, forward bending, twists and such but the descriptions and the photos are small, grainy, poorly cropped. A comprehensive reference list and a comprehensive translation of Sanskrit terms ends the text.
There is much discussion of spiritualism throughout the book and devotion to the divine in whatever form you see it; in the authors' opinion, this is the goal of yoga-life. There are also discussions of the arts in worship. Building a spiritual community is another major focus in the book.
Like all yoga, Jivamukti's asanas and philosophy will not be for everyone. Yoga is a personal path and each of us that embark upon that path must invariably find their own way.
What I enjoyed most about the book was that it is a detailed description of two people that clearly have found their path. Many find their path extreme, but that is for the reader and individual Yogi to decide. Ultimately one will receive from the book what you need and put aside that which does not serve you.
I definitely recommend that yoga practitioners read this book in order to clarify their own path and learn this unconventional approach to modern yogic regiment of exercise.