Tribute to Sharath Jois, Renowned Yoga Master
Sharath Jois, the esteemed yoga master who captivated countless followers through his teachings of Ashtanga yoga, a popular style founded by his grandfather, sadly passed away on Monday in Virginia. He was just 53 years old. His death was confirmed by his sister, Sharmila Mahesh, as well as John Bultman, the yoga program manager at the University of Virginia. According to reports, Mr. Jois suffered a heart attack while hiking on a trail near the university’s campus in Charlottesville, where he was visiting.
Mr. Jois’s workshops, held in his hometown in India and across the globe, attracted thousands of dedicated disciples who sought a direct experience with the leader of the Ashtanga yoga tradition. This form of yoga is characterized by its demanding series of postures and dynamic movements, deeply rooted in Sanskrit and Hindu rituals. Today, Ashtanga yoga is widely recognized as one of the most accessible forms of physical exercise.
His grandfather, Krishna Pattabhi Jois, played a pivotal role in popularizing yoga during the 1990s, amassing a global following that included notable celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna. Ashtanga yoga, known for its physically challenging nature, gained significant traction in India alongside the rise of modern fitness culture.
After taking over his grandfather’s esteemed practice, Mr. Jois began referring to himself as the “Paramaguru,” which translates to “lineage holder,” on social media platforms like Instagram. In Mysore, the city in southern India recognized as the heart of Ashtanga yoga, he was affectionately known simply as the “boss.” His workshops in Mysore would often fill up within moments of opening, as noted by Kino MacGregor, one of his most prominent students, in an essay published in 2016.
“The crowd was growing every year,” shared Isha Singh Sawhney, a student of Mr. Jois’s who co-authored his 2018 book “Ageless,” in an interview. “He was not just a teacher; he was an excellent yoga instructor, undoubtedly one of the best.”
