In brief
The world of yoga mourns the loss of Sharath Jois, who helped popularize Ashtanga yoga globally and attracted countless followers through his teaching.
Sharath Jois, a leading figure in the Ashtanga yoga tradition, passed away unexpectedly on Monday at the age of 53 while hiking in Virginia. His death was confirmed by his sister, Sharmila Mahesh, and John Bultman, who manages the yoga program at the University of Virginia. Mr. Jois reportedly suffered a heart attack on a trail near the university's campus as he visited.Ashtanga yoga, a physically demanding style that involves a rigorous series of postures and dynamic movements, was popularized globally by Mr. Jois's grandfather, Krishna Pattabhi Jois, during the 1990s. His teachings attracted significant attention, including a diverse following that featured celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna. In recent years, Ashtanga has become one of the most sought-after forms of yoga, especially with the rise of modern fitness culture in India.After taking over his grandfather's legacy, Mr. Jois proudly called himself the “Paramaguru,” meaning “lineage holder,” on social media platforms. In Mysore, India, the heartland of Ashtanga yoga, he was affectionately dubbed “the boss,” and workshops under his guidance would sell out within moments, illustrating his immense popularity. His longtime student, Kino MacGregor, noted in a 2016 essay that Mr. Jois's classes were always in high demand.Isha Singh Sawhney, another dedicated student and co-author of Mr. Jois's 2018 book "Ageless," commented, “He was an excellent yoga teacher, one of the best,” reflecting on his influence and teaching prowess. The passionate community that he built and the lives he touched through his commitment to yoga will remember him as a transformative leader in the field.
