Jivamukti Yoga: What It Is and How to Know if It’s for You
What is Jivamukti Yoga?
At its core, Jivamukti Yoga is yoga with soul. It’s not just about sculpting your body or mastering a pose—it’s about creating space for transformation on every level. A Jivamukti class feels like stepping into a sanctuary: flowing sequences, chanting that resonates in your chest, hands pressed together as intention and movement become one. It’s the kind of practice that lingers with you long after you roll up your mat.
Origins and History
Born in downtown New York in the 1980s, Jivamukti was the brainchild of Sharon Gannon and David Life—two artists-turned-yogis who believed yoga could be as much about spiritual awakening as it was about physical vitality. The name itself comes from Sanskrit: jivanmuktih, or “liberation while living.” It’s a radical idea—that you don’t need to retreat to a cave to touch freedom. You can live it, breathe it, embody it right here, in the middle of modern life.
The Philosophy
What makes Jivamukti so magnetic is its philosophy, distilled into five tenets:
Ahimsa (non-violence): extending compassion to yourself, to others, and to every living being.
Bhakti (devotion): recognizing that practice is prayer in motion.
Dhyana (meditation): carving out moments of stillness amidst the chaos.
Nada (sound): using music, vibration, and mantra to shift energy.
Shastra (scripture): grounding the modern practice in ancient wisdom.
In other words, it’s yoga that goes way beyond the mat.
Jivamukti Compared to Other Styles
Jivamukti vs. Hatha Yoga
If Hatha is about structure and alignment, Jivamukti is about expansion. Both build strength, but Jivamukti layers in chanting, philosophy, and rhythm that give the practice a more elevated, almost ritual-like feel.
Jivamukti vs. Vinyasa Yoga
Jivamukti shares the breath-to-movement flow of Vinyasa, but the difference is intention. Expect curated music, spiritual storytelling, and hands-on assists that make the practice feel both physical and deeply emotional.
Jivamukti vs. Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra takes you into deep rest—an inner journey. Jivamukti is more active, but both invite you into altered states of awareness: Nidra through stillness, Jivamukti through movement and sound.
The Benefits
Physical
Strength, flexibility, and stamina naturally come—but it’s more than that. Practicing Jivamukti feels like a detox for the body, wringing out stress and leaving you lighter, clearer, and more open.
Mental + Emotional
It’s hard to describe until you’ve felt it: the way chanting softens the mind, or how the final meditation feels like an exhale for your whole being. Students often leave class not just energized, but transformed—calmer, more centered, more connected.
How It’s Practiced
Classes are dynamic and challenging, but not intimidating. Expect flowing sequences, music, hands-on adjustments, and a touch of philosophy woven into every movement. It’s a practice that feels both grounding and electric.
Who Is Jivamukti For?
If you’re looking for more than just a workout—if you crave depth, ritual, and a space where body and spirit meet—Jivamukti might be your practice. It’s for seekers, creatives, and anyone ready to step onto the mat with an open heart.
Asana Groove: Your Jivamukti Home in Madrid
At Asana Groove, Jivamukti isn’t just a style—it’s our heartbeat. Our classes are designed to help you move, sweat, reflect, and expand. Whether you’re new to yoga or deep in your journey, this practice has a way of meeting you exactly where you are—and taking you further.