In Memory of Paramaguru Sharath Jois

It is with great sadness that I share the news of Sharath Jois’s passing. At 53, Sharath’s passing is quite sudden. He is considered by many to be responsible for upholding the Mysore style of ashtanga yoga’s lineage. As such, for many in the Ashtanga community, Sharath’s teachings and presence became central to their (our) practice, and his loss will be deeply felt.

I had the privilege of practicing with Sharath in Mysore over several years, an experience that shaped me profoundly, both as a person and as a practitioner. Under his guidance, I earned my authorization to teach Ashtanga Yoga, an accreditation that means a great deal to me.

Sharath had a tough gig, carrying on after the passing of his grandfather. He exists in context, the politics of it all being a bit more overt and too nepotistic for my tastes. I didn’t love (ahem) all of his choices. But boy I loved him. For those lacking a taste for context, I am compelled to I recallthe adage “campus politics are so nasty because the stakes are so small.”

I loved working with Sharath. I tried to be really, really good student. Sharath knew how to get my attention and make me remember. I think his background as an electrical engineer made him good at figuring out how people were rigged. Super cool stuff.

He led by example, and I did my best to learn well from him. His teaching held space for a wide spectrum of practitioners, allowing us to experience both the discipline and the subtleties of this system of yoga. He can’t be separated from his context– but when you decontextualize it, the family running around while all these people are practicing and taking things so seriously is deeply funny. So many ways to open the mind to paradox.

As I reflect on my teacher’s passing, I feel a deep gratitude for the time I had with him and a quiet, profound sadness at the close of a chapter in our community. Sharath’s role as a teacher was unique, and his influence will continue to ripple through the practice of those he taught directly and indirectly.

It never occurred to me that I would not be able to practice with him again. I learned so much from him, not only about Ashtanga, but about boundaries, humility, and support. His presence will be missed, but his teachings remain.

For those of us in this lineage, this is a time to connect with one another and reflect on what the practice has given us. It’s an opportunity to carry forward what Sharath imparted without placing anyone on a pedestal, simply honoring the legacy of a teacher who dedicated himself to sharing Ashtanga with the world.

Please take a moment to remember him in your own way, and let’s come together to support each other in this time of loss. May we honor Sharath by practicing with intention, discipline, and openness, grounded in the principles he sought to uphold. So many of my very best friends I’ve met because of the very same community he devoted his life to upholding.

Thanks, boss.

For those new around here:

Overview

Sharath Jois, aged 53, passed away on November 11, 2024, in Virginia, USA[1][2]. He was a world-renowned yoga master known for teaching Ashtanga yoga, a practice founded by his grandfather, Krishna Pattabhi Jois[1].

Circumstances of His Passing

Jois suffered a heart attack during a hiking activity near the University of Virginia’s campus in Charlottesville[1][2]. He was with approximately 50 students at Humpback Rocks when he became fatigued, sat down on a bench, and later collapsed[1]. Despite efforts to revive him with CPR, he was pronounced dead shortly after emergency medical workers arrived[1].

Legacy and Impact

Sharath Jois was a prominent figure in the yoga world, attracting thousands to his workshops both in India and globally[2]. He was known for teaching Ashtanga yoga to several global celebrities, including Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Sting[3]. Jois took over his grandfather’s yoga institute in 2007 and later founded his own organization, the Sharath Yoga Center[1].

Articles and Resources

These articles provide various perspectives on Sharath Jois’s life, his contributions to yoga, and the circumstances of his passing. They may offer comfort and additional information as you process this loss.

Sources
[1] Indian origin renowned yoga master Sharath Jois passes away at 53 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/indian-origin-renowned-yoga-master-sharath-jois-passes-away-at-53/articleshow/115227326.cms
[2] Sharath Jois, Yoga Master and Heir to Ashtanga’s Founder, Dies at 53 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/12/us/sharath-jois-dead-ashtanga.html
[3] Renowned Yoga Guru Sharath Jois passes away at 53 during US tour https://daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1243921
[4] Yoga guru Sharath Jois passes away in US – The Hindu https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/yoga-guru-sharath-jois-passes-away-in-us/article68858727.ece
[5] Indian-origin yoga guru Sharath Jois who taught A-list celebs like … https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/indianorigin-yoga-guru-sharath-jois-who-taught-a-list-celebs-like-madonna-passes-away-in-us-101731419056932.html
[6] Sharath Jois, renowned yoga master, passes away at 53 https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/sharath-jois-renowned-yoga-master-passes-away-at-53-1503364197.html
[7] Sharath Jois: Yoga guru who taught Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow dies from
‘heart attack’ while hiking https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/yoga-madonna-gwyneth-paltrow-sting-sharath-jois-ashtanga-vinyasa-india-b1193474.html
[8] Renowned Yoga Instructor Sharath Jois Dies After Suffering Heart Attack
While Hiking In US https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/renowned-yoga-instructor-sharath-jois-dies-after-suffering-heart-attack-while-hiking-in-us-7015522
[9] Sharath Jois: Yoga Master Who Taught Several A-List Celebrities https://www.ndtv.com/feature/sharath-jois-yoga-master-who-taught-several-a-list-celebrities-7016261
[10] Respected Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Sharath Jois Has Died https://www.yogajournal.com/teach/sharath-jois/