Yoga History
Yoga classes
One thing that can lead to some confusion about the four paths of Yoga is the modern "yoga class" which often focuses mostly (if not completely) on physical
postures. By referring to postures classes as "yoga classes" one is left with the false impression
that this, unto itself, is the meaning of "Yoga." It is important to understand that
asanas (postures) are a small, though surely useful, part of Yoga. It would be far better that such classes be called "postures classes" though that seems now unlikely to happen.
In any case, the seeker of the authentic goals of Yoga will need to discern amongst usages of the word "Yoga" so as to follow the four paths of Yoga.
Choosing a path
Although the four paths of Yoga work together, along with the companion aspects of Yoga, it is extremely useful to be mindful of which of the four paths of Yoga is most in alignment with your own predispositions. By identifying that path, it can be emphasized in life, and the others can be wisely, lovingly used to enhance the
chosen path of Yoga.
Choosing a teacher
Going to your first yoga class can be amazing. Finding a teacher you connect with, regardless of the style is important. A teacher who will inspire, listen, teach and support on your path with intention, integrity and purpose. “Look for a teacher that is knowledgeable, speaks to you spirit while challenging you on and off the mat. Be curious and courageous, study with many teacher and be open to the process of exploration on your journey. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 1.1 Atha Yoga Anushasanam - Now this is yoga as I have perceived it in the natural world.
Your Teacher Jai
The name Jivamukti originally comes from a Sanskrit word Jiva which means “Individual Living Soul” and the word Mukti means “Liberation from the Eternal Cycle of Death and Rebirth”. Consequently, the full name of Jivamukti denotes the liberation of freeing ones soul while you are still alive on the Earth.
J.A.I. - Jivamukti Ashtanga Intuitively - Soul Liberation via the 8 Limb Path is who I have evolved into as a teacher. It is no coincident that my name is Jai and this is my path. In Sanskrit Jai means victorious, amen and so it is done. Yoga for me is a lifestyle. As a Bhakti {devoted to God} spiritual teacher I am humbled by all of the student I’ve meet as well as the experiences I’ve had. There is wisdom in the Shastra {scriptures} I strive to cultivate peace, love and liberation to the mind with self-study for all. I am grateful for you choosing me as your teacher. Jai
The Eight Limbs Path of Ashtanga
1
Yama - Restraints
Ahimsa – non violence
Satya – truthfulness
Asteya – non stealing
Brahmacharya – sublimating sexual energy
Aparigraha – non greed
2
Niyama – Observances
Shaucha – purity within & without
Santosha – contentment
Tapas – discipline
Svadyaya – Self / scriptural study
Ishvarapranidana – surrender
3
Asana – Posture
4
Pranayama – Control of breath and prana
5
Pratyahara – Directing the senses inwards
6
Dharana – Concentration
7
Dhyana – Meditation
8
Samadhi – Unified consciousness
Chants & Prayers
What is Aum?
Aum/Om is the all encompassing cosmic vibration, consciousness and sound of the entire universe
Transcendental State (Turiya)
The enlightened self. Deep consciousness, purify, clarity. The ultimate state, also the rarest represented by the silence after Aum
Illusion (Maya)
Our experiences with the world around us. It separates us from enlightenment - the transcendental state
Dream State (Swapna)
Your experiences when you are not awake neither in deep sleep. Our subconscious. Represented by the U in Aum
Deep Sleep (Subupti)
This is our hidden Unconsciousness. Things which are not yet revealed to us, the unmanifested.
Represented by the M in Aum
Wakeful State (Jurgat)
The most common state. Your experience through the conscious mind. Represented by the A in Aum
Ashtanga Opening Mantra
The Opening Prayer is a blessing of gratitude offered to the lineage of teachers and their students who have enabled this ancient practice to survive through
thousands of years so that we can experience its benefits today. The recitation of this mantra cleanses the energy of the space we have chosen to practice yoga, as
well as preparing the mind, body and emotions for the forthcoming Ashtanga
Om
Vande Gurunam Charanaravinde
Sandarshita Svatma Sukava Bodhe
Nih Sreyase Jangalikayamane
Samsara Halahala Mohashantyai
Abahu Purushakaram
Shankhacakrsi Dharinam
Sahasra Sirasam Svetam
Pranamami Patanjalim
Om
Translation:
Om
I bow to the lotus feet of the Supreme Guru
which awaken insight into the happiness of pure Being,
which are the refuge, the jungle physician,
which eliminate the delusion caused by the poisonous herb of Samsara (conditioned existence).
I prostrate before the sage Patanjali
who has thousands of radiant, white heads (as the divine serpent, Ananta)
and who has, as far as his arms, assumed the form of a man
holding a conch shell (divine sound), a wheel (discus of light or infinite time) and a sword (discrimination).
Om
Ashtanga Closing Mantra
The Closing Prayer brings the practice to a peaceful end; sealing in the work done and offering the efforts of our practice to improve the state of the world.
Om
Svasthi Praja Bhyaha Pari Pala Yantam
Nya Yena Margena Mahim Mahishaha
Go Brahmanebhyaha Shubamastu Nityam
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
Om Shantih Shantih Shantih
Translation:
May the rulers of the earth keep to the path of virtue
For protecting the welfare of all generations.
May the religious, and all peoples be forever blessed,
May all beings everywhere be happy and free
Om peace, peace, perfect peace
Gayatri Mantra
Aum
Bhuh Bhuvah Svah
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo Yo nah Prachodayat
Translation:
I meditate on the radiant and most venerable light of the divine which issues forth the triple world, earth, ether, and cosmos. May the divine light illuminate and guide intelligence to bestow upon
us true knowledge."
Om Namah Shivaya { Light Mantra}
Om Namah Shivaya Gurave; Saccidananda Murtaye; Nisprapancaya Shantaya; Niralambaya Tejase
Translation:
I offer myself to the Light, who is the True Teacher; within and without (the teacher of all teachers), Who assumes the forms of Reality, Consciousness and Bliss, Who is never
absent and is full of peace, Independent in its existence, It is the vital essence of illumination.
Parayoga Invocation
Ganesha graha nakshatra
Yogini rashi rupinim
Devim muntra mayim naumi
Matrikum pitha rupinim
Short Translation:
I open myself to receive those teachings that reveal the light of knowledge
in me
.
Literal Translation:
I pray to the Divine Mother, who identical to Ganesha, is the ruler of the
planets, the constellations and the ways of karma.
I pray to the knowledge. Shakti, of the most merciful aspect of the Divine
that guides me in perfection in yoga and on the path of destiny;
I pray to Her who is Her who is identical to Mantra;
I pay homage to Her, who is the locus and presiding force of speech and all
sound. She who is forever kind.
Ganesha is the remover of obstacles. The invocation inspire and empowers
us to open to the knowledge and ever deepening wisdom of the yoga
traditions. The Divine Mother, Ganesha and deities help us evolve and
expand.
Ganesh Gayatri Mantra
The symbolic meaning behind the broken tusk is that Buddhi(symbolized
broken tusk) should always be less than Shraddha or faith(symbolized by
full tusk). This is one of the many symbols attributed to the broken tusk.
ॐ एकदन्ताय विद्धमहे, वक्रतुण्डाय धीमहि, तन्नो दन्ति प्रचोदयात्॥
Aum Ekadantaya Viddhamahe, Vakratundaya Dhimahi,
Tanno Danti Prachodayat॥
Meaning: “We pray to the one with the single-tusked elephant tooth who
is omnipresent. We meditate upon and pray for the greater intellect of the
Lord with the curved, elephant-shaped trunk. We bow before the one with
the single-tusked elephant tooth to illuminate our minds with
wisdom.”
Hanuman Gayatri Mantra
ॐ आञ्जनेयाय विद्महे वायुपुत्राय धीमहि।
तन्नो हनुमत् प्रचोदयात्॥
Om Anjaneyaya Vidmahe Vayuputraya Dhimahi।
Tanno Hanumat Prachodayat॥
Literal Translation:
We pray to the son of Anjana and the son of the wind god Vayu, may Lord
Hanuman lead our intellect towards intelligence and knowing.
It is believed that the energy that fills up your life by chanting this mantra
will guard you against all dangers and strengthen you with courage and
knowledge. Sri Hanuman is the embodiment of strength, stamina, wit,
loyalty and unwavering devotion. Hanuman is also fearless and never
hesitating.
Hanuman Karya Siddhi Mantra
Om Aem Hreem Shree Namo Bhagvate Hanumate, Mam Kaaryeshu Jval
Jval, Prajval; Asaadhyan Saadhya Saadhya Maan Raksha Raksha, Sarv
Dureshtbhyo Hoom Phatt Svaha
O Hanuman, I beg you to take control of my struggles and ask for your
protection in eliminating the problems and sorrows of my life. Amen.
Sacred Jewel Lotus Flower Spirit of Enlightment