‘It’s a Tuesday afternoon in New York City, and Union Square is as hectic and bustling as ever.

People pass our Broadway entrance looking harried, barking into cell phones, lugging overstuffed briefcases, tugging toddlers’ hands.

But inside the Jivamukti Yoga School, the creases of worry on the people’s faces fade away.

After a peaceful yoga class, many of them step into Jivamuktea Cafe for a Chakra Rainbow Smoothie, a Burrito Verdura, or some Spirulina Millet.

They linger to talk, laughing quietly, reading, or simply sitting, at home in the tranquillity and joy that abounds in this place.

‘Serving them, I am filled with gladness.

I learned long ago that if I wanted to find enlightenment, cooking was the first step; and that if I was in search of joy, there was no better way to reach it than by providing for others.

Yogis, who live by the nonviolent yogic principle ahimsa, naturally gravitate toward the all-vegan, cruelty-free menu at Jivamuktea Cafe; and the simple peace and joy that fills them as they sit down to eat infuses the entire room with happiness.’

From Simple Recipes for Joy

Since 1984, Jivamukti Yoga has been synonymous with a new way of living- peacefully, healthfully, and consciously.

Jivamukti’s dedicated instructors and message of kindness has inspired a global revolution, and the peaceful ambiance, camaraderie, and, most of all, the delicious, hearty fare at its sister cafe, Jivamuktea, strike a chord with patrons who are thrilled to eliminate meat and dairy from their diets without sacrificing taste.

Now, for the first time, Sharon reveals the secrets behind the cafe’s acclaimed menu, and also showcases her own home cooking, with recipes she’s been making for family and friends for decades, including dishes like Creamy Wild Mushroom Soup, Rosemary Seitan, and Sharon’s Cajun-Mexican-inspired Jambalaya, and, of course, her signature chocolate mousse.

Whether you’re a stalwart vegan or one of the millions of vegetarians and omnivores who eat vegan part-time for its health and environmental benefits, Sharon’s accessible, delicious, and spiritually powerful recipes will bring joy to your table and tranquillity to your life.