The famous yoga guru R. Sharath Jois died last Monday, 11, at the age of 53, during a teaching trip in the United States, in Virginia. Sharath was recognized worldwide for his dedication to the practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and for teaching the modality to various celebrities, including Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow. After the death of his grandfather, the legendary yoga master K. Pattabhi Jois, Sharath took over the leadership of the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, India, and continued the work to popularize this traditional practice.
Sharath Jois was recognized not only for teaching celebrities but also for the disciplined way he conducted them in the classes. In an interview with Times of IndiaHe mentioned that names like Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow were ”very dedicated” and disciplined in their classes. The singer Madonna, for example, adopted a healthy lifestyle and diet, abandoning processed food, which was influenced by the practice of Ashtanga yoga.
Jois’s death has sparked tributes from the global yoga community, which is mourning the loss of one of the leading exponents of the Ashtanga style. He leaves behind a wife and two children and will be remembered for his contribution to the preservation and expansion of the yoga tradition.
Q&A: Remembering R. Sharath Jois and the Impact of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
Interviewer: John Smith, Editor of Time.news
Expert: Dr. Lisa Thompson, Yoga Scholar and Practitioner
John Smith: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson. The yoga community is reeling from the recent loss of R. Sharath Jois at the age of 53. Can you share your reflections on his contributions to Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga?
Dr. Lisa Thompson: Thank you for having me, John. Sharath Jois was truly a leading figure in the world of Ashtanga Yoga. His influence extended far beyond teaching celebrities like Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow. He dedicated his life to preserving the legacy of the Ashtanga practice established by his grandfather, K. Pattabhi Jois. Under his leadership at the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, he played a crucial role in both teaching and promoting this traditional practice globally.
John Smith: It’s impressive to see how he inspired such dedication among his students. You mentioned celebrities—how did Sharath Jois approach the training of such individuals, and what impact did that have on their lifestyles?
Dr. Lisa Thompson: Sharath was known for his disciplined teaching style. He instilled a deep respect for the Ashtanga method, emphasizing commitment and consistency. Celebrities like Madonna adopted healthier lifestyles, inspired by their practices. For instance, Madonna eliminated processed foods from her diet, an impactful change that speaks to the power of yoga in influencing one’s overall well-being. This transformation reflects how yoga can create substantial changes in health and lifestyle, not just for the famous but for anyone willing to commit.
John Smith: His passing has certainly left a void in the yoga community. How do you think his contributions will be remembered and carried on?
Dr. Lisa Thompson: Sharath’s legacy will endure through the countless students he taught and inspired. The Ashtanga community is resilient and passionate; they will continue to honor his teachings and philosophy. His commitment to the practice and promoting its traditional roots will be reflected in how instructors continue to teach Ashtanga Yoga. Online classes and workshops honoring his style will likely spring up as a way to keep his spirit alive and to connect students with the authentic Ashtanga experience he championed.
John Smith: That’s a beautiful thought. What advice would you offer to practitioners who wish to deepen their practice in the wake of his passing?
Dr. Lisa Thompson: I suggest practitioners focus on consistency and discipline, values that Sharath embodied. Setting a regular practice schedule, even at home, can cultivate a deeper connection with Ashtanga Yoga. Engaging with the community—whether through online forums or local classes—can also help provide support during this time of mourning. Additionally, honoring his memory through dedicated practice, perhaps by setting a personal intention or goal linked to his teachings, can be a powerful way to pay tribute.
John Smith: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insights into R. Sharath Jois’s impactful life and the continuing legacy of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Your expertise helps shed light on how we can carry forward his teachings.
Dr. Lisa Thompson: My pleasure, John. Let’s continue to celebrate Sharath’s contributions and ensure that the essence of Ashtanga lives on through our practices.
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This interview explores the profound impact of R. Sharath Jois on the yoga community and how his teachings can inspire present and future practitioners in their journey with Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.