Renowned Indian-origin yoga guru R. Sharath Jois has tragically passed away at the age of 53 while in Virginia, US, on Monday, November 11. The Ashtanga teacher from Mysuru, India, was on a teaching tour across the United States and had plans to return to his hometown in December to initiate a new batch of yoga classes.
A Sudden Farewell
Jois was confirmed dead by his sister, Sharmila Mahesh, as well as John Bultman, the yoga program manager at the University of Virginia. According to reports, Jois suffered a heart attack while hiking on a trail near the university’s campus in Charlottesville. On the very day of his passing, he had shared a video on Instagram, showcasing an “ASHTANGA YOGA Special Course” that he was conducting, demonstrating his continued passion for teaching right up until his last moments.
Despite his scheduled workshops in San Antonio, Texas, from November 16 to 20 and additional international events planned for Sydney and Dubai next year, Jois’s journey was abruptly cut short. His cause of death has yet to be officially disclosed, but the news has left the yoga community in mourning.
Legacy of a Yoga Master
R. Sharath Jois was more than just a yoga instructor; he was a significant figure in the global yoga community. Born on September 29, 1971, in Mysore, India, he was the grandson of the legendary yoga guru K. Pattabhi Jois, who is widely credited with bringing Ashtanga yoga to the forefront of international wellness practices. Following his grandfather’s death in 2009, Sharath worked tirelessly to memorialize his legacy, teaching thousands around the world and inspiring many prominent figures including celebrities like Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Throughout his career, he demonstrated exceptional skill and athleticism in Ashtanga yoga, which includes a demanding series of postures and dynamic movements that are both physically rigorous and spiritually enriching. His impressive dedication to the practice was reflected in his own daily regimen, where he rose early to train before teaching classes later in the day.
Striking Impact and Community Mourning
As news of his untimely demise spread, several prominent figures from the yoga community expressed their shock and sorrow at his passing. D Shrihari, of the GSS Yogic Foundation in Mysuru, articulated the collective grief, stating, “It was very shocking to hear the news of Sharath Jois’ death at a very young age. His grandfather Pattabhi Jois had made yoga world famous, and Sharath too followed in his grandfather’s footsteps by taking yoga to great heights. May God give strength to his family members to bear the loss.”
Similarly, Shivaprakash Guruji, Working President of the Federation of Yoga and President of Paramahamsa Yoga Mahavidyalaya in Mysuru, lamented, “Sri Sharath Jois’ untimely death is an irreparable loss to the Yoga community. He had earned a good reputation in the field of yoga as the Mount Meru of Ashtanga Yoga. I pray to God to grant eternal peace to his soul and give strength to his family to bear the grief.”
Jois’s ability to draw in disciples eager to learn had led to his workshops often being fully booked within moments. His reputation as an esteemed teacher was not just due to his lineage but also his skill in connecting with students on a personal level, as noted by his students and followers.
Personal Life and Early Struggles
Sharath Jois is survived by his mother, Saraswathi Jois; father, Rangaswamy; wife, Shruti Jois; and two children, son Sambhav Jois and daughter Shraddha Jois. His life experiences were marked by challenges from a young age. As someone who described himself as a “sickly child,” Jois battled several health issues, including rheumatic fever, which made him appreciate the healing aspects of yoga deeply.
Under the guidance of his grandfather, he learned to cultivate physical strength through yoga, which would eventually become his lifelong passion. His journey into the world of yoga was initially met with hesitance, as he yearned to pursue cricket with his friends, but the practice soon transformed into an intrinsic part of his life.
Continuing a Legacy
Sharath Jois’ management of his grandfather’s yoga institute began in 2007, and following his grandfather’s passing, he renamed it to honor him as the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute. Jois later established his own center, the Sharath Yoga Center, where he continued his mission to teach and spread the principles of Ashtanga yoga to new generations of practitioners.
In discussing his grandfather’s legacy, Jois expressed remorse for some practices of the past, particularly regarding physical adjustments during training if they caused discomfort to students. He advocated for a more respectful and mindful approach to teaching, emphasizing the importance of comfort and personal space in practice.
A Community Left to Reflect
The sudden passing of R. Sharath Jois not only signifies a substantial loss for his family but also for countless students and practitioners around the world who admired his teachings and philosophy. His teachings will undoubtedly continue to resonate with those he influenced, ensuring that his spirit and commitment to the tradition of Ashtanga yoga endure.
As the yoga community grieves his loss, they are also left to reflect on the teachings and values he imparted, which included not just the physical practice of yoga but also the importance of community, respect, and the pursuit of personal growth through this ancient discipline.
In the wake of this tragedy, many will carry forward Jois’s legacy, ensuring that his contributions to the world of yoga remain vibrant and impactful for years to come.
