Jivamukti laid out
This is an excellent book setting out the personal, spiritual, political, psychological, ethical, musical and physical aspects of Jivamukti yoga. It is highly readable, well laid out and accessible. But not simplistic. It is a solid, fascinating read that weaves yoga, philosophy, ancient terms, quotations and modern life issues seamlessly into a lovely whole. Kind of like the Jivamukti practice itself.
Now - when are they going to release a DVD of their full length Jivamukti class? Soon please - for those of us whose nearest Jivamukti accredited teachers are an hour and a half drive away.
Certain chapters such as the one on Karma and the one on vegetarianism stay in your mind and while confronting, work away at you. Mine chapters on these topics are covered in myriad margin notes. As a farm raised girl I thought some of the comments about not using milk from cows or eggs from chickens because of cruel animal practices reflected a very old view of choices about these options. For example, in Australia we have options of free range organic eggs certified as being from chickens who do run around outside in the sun, eat natural food only and walk voluntarily to their bird cages at night for food, shelter, fresh straw and to avoid being attacked by foxes. I of course agree totally with their comments about battery farming of hens as being cruel and unacceptable. Similarly their material on cow milk production did not cover cruelty organic free options now available. I read recently that the Dalai Lama had tried to be vegetarian but failed, so I guess he and I are struggling with the ethics of this. It would be terrific if in an updated version of the book they delved into such options so those of us not quite there yet have a pathway to get us there which is not the cold turkey route.
The authors are magnificent physical specimens so the arty black and white photography is not only aesthetically pleasing, it shadows the muscles starkly, so you can see the definitions appropriate for each pose. The break out boxes are useful for added detail but the font size is miniscule. I had to use a magnifying glass to be able to read them. The break out boxes break up the page in interesting ways, so look great, but the tiny font size means many readers could miss the detail contained within. It would be great to have the break out box contents reappear at the end of each chapter as Endnotes at the normal font size.
A incredible source of knowledge and inspiration
The Jivamukti Yoga book isa constant source of knowledge and inspiration. Suitable for yoga students and teachers alike, the book outlines the Jivamukti Yoga method and philosophy while also, in an accessible way, describing yogic history, philosophy and physical postures.
The writing is straight forward and light and the authors, Jivamukti Yoga founders, Sharon Gannon and David Life, never compromise on the message: yoga as a way to be a kinder, more compassionate human being with an ultimate goal of personal enlightenment.
Every chapter also mixes facts and theory with anecdotes and personal stories of the authors' yogic endeavors.
I keep on returning to this book wheather I have questions regarding the practice, want tips on a new sequencing or need a topic for a class discussion.
Better late than never
It just arrive in the last minute but I got it and its in excellent conditions.
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