Jivamukti Yoga is a modern form of yoga, founded in 1984 in New York by Sharon Gannon and David Life, two spiritual teachers who wished to integrate the physical, philosophical and spiritual aspects of yoga into a single practice. The term "Jivamukti" comes from Sanskrit, where "Jiva" means "individual soul" and "Mukti" means "liberation". Thus, Jivamukti Yoga is literally the "yoga of soul liberation", with the ultimate goal of spiritual awakening and liberation from self-ignorance.

Although recent in the history of yoga, Jivamukti Yoga has its roots in the traditional teachings of Hatha Yoga, while drawing heavily on ancient texts such as Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Upanishads. Gannon and Life, both fascinated by Indian philosophy and spiritual practices, studied with great masters such as Swami Nirmalananda and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the founder of Ashtanga Yoga. These influences shaped their vision of a holistic yoga that transcends mere physical practice to include philosophy, meditation andethics.

The development of Jivamukti Yoga comes at a time of growing interest in yoga in the West, particularly in the USA, where the 1980s saw an explosion in thewellness industry. At the time, many yoga practices were already focused on physical performance or mental health, but Jivamukti Yoga stood out for its approach, which emphasized veganism, animal rights andethical commitment. From the outset, this practice has been both activist and spiritual, advocating a respectful relationship between human beings and all living beings, in accordance with the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence).

One of the distinctive features of Jivamukti Yoga is its anchorage in music, in particular the chanting of mantras and the use of a variety of music, from sacred chants to contemporary music. The founders, influenced by their own experiences in the New York art and music scene, understood the importance of creating a complete sensory experience for their students. They have thus integrated music, poetry and visual staging into their classes, making practice both dynamic and immersive.

Beyond physical practice, Jivamukti Yoga emphasizes the importance of meditation and thestudy of sacred texts. Sessions often include philosophical teachings from the Vedas, Upanishads and Patanjali sutras, encouraging practitioners to deepen their understanding of spirituality. Jivamukti teachers are trained to transmit this knowledge in an accessible way, so that ancient wisdom becomes applicable to modern challenges.

This yoga is also part of an activist approach, advocating values such as environmental protection, human rights and animal rights. Gannon and Life, both committed vegans, have integrated into their teaching the idea that yoga is not just a practice on the mat, but a philosophy of life. Jivamukti Yoga thus promotes an ethical way of life, encouraging practitioners to act consciously, to respect other forms of life, and to question societal structures that promote the exploitation of animals and the planet. This ecological and ethical dimension is unique in contemporary yoga.

Jivamukti Yoga rapidly gained popularity around the world, with studios opening in New York, London, Berlin, Munich and other major international cities. This expansion is explained by the fact that Jivamukti was responding to a growing demand for a more integrated yoga, combining not only the physical aspect of the practice, but also a more committed ethical and spiritual reflection.

In 2003, Sharon Gannon and David Life published their landmark book, Jivamukti Yoga: Practices for Liberating Body and Soul, detailing their unique approach to yoga, combining physical practice, philosophy and the principles of non-violence. This book has played an important role in the international dissemination of Jivamukti Yoga and has strengthened its influence in modern yogic culture.

Today, Jivamukti Yoga is considered one of the most complete and holistic styles of yoga, combining a dynamic practice with a commitment to spiritual liberation, compassion and social justice. It continues to attract practitioners who seek a spiritual path rooted in respect for self, others and the planet, through a more conscious and ethical way of life.