Paramaguru Sharath Jois
Sri R. Sharath Jois, Paramaguru (lineage holder) for the Ashtanga Yoga tradition passed away on Monday, November 12, 2024 in Charlottesville, Virginia where he was teaching a course for Ashtanga teachers. Prashanti Carroll Friedmann, a disciple of Swami Satchidananda and senior student of Sharathji’s beloved mother Saraswathi, informed Integral Yoga Magazine of his passing from cardiac arrest during a hike on a trail just outside of Charlottesville.
Jivamukti Yoga co-founder Sharon Gannon shared this tribute:
“Sharath was a master yogi – he never did anything for his personal gain. He stepped into his destiny with humility and purpose never wishy-washy, never indecisive — always 100 plus percent committed. He exemplified the perfect teacher as well as the perfect student. His unwavering devotion and respect for his grandfather, his guru, was the most important teaching he gave to us, although it wasn’t always heard or understood by many. He was grace, patience, gentleness, kindness, and wisdom personified. He had a winning sense of humor—without an ounce of meanness or cynicism. And that knowing smile of his—Aw! It could melt hearts and set things right in the midst of the most turbulent and chaotic of situations. I feel so fortunate to have known such a truly good person. I am a better person because of him. His presence and his wisdom will be with me always.”
Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville and Integral Yoga International pays our respects to Sri Sharathji and we send our deepest condolences and prayers to the family, as well as all the teachers and students of Ashtanga Yoga. May Sharathji rest in the loving embrace of the Divine.
