14/11/2024
En el Ashtanga siempre se inicia la práctica agradeciendo a quienes practicaron antes que nosotros y permitieron que el Yoga llegara a nosotros.
Gracias Sharath Jois por una vida dedicada al Yoga.
Gracias por sostener un linaje y ser luz para miles de estudiantes 🙏
Tribute to Shree Sharath Jois
The yoga community is united in grief over the loss of Shree Sharath Jois. While we know that life is fleeting, the impact of a great teacher remains eternal. Shree Sharath Jois lives on in each of his students through his teachings, guidance, and inspiration.
The profound love his students feel for him reflects the deep bond he shared with them, a connection that is rare in this age. This dedication is reminiscent of the devotion seen in ancient times. As the Parashara Smriti suggests, true reverence for a teacher brings lasting blessings, even in the age of Kaliyuga.
In traditional prayers, people wish for a peaceful passing: "Anayasena maranam vina dainyena jeevanam"—a life without hardship and a death without struggle. Shree Sharath Jois departed in this auspicious way. Like a lamp that naturally extinguishes when its oil is gone, his journey ended as his karma was fulfilled. Remarkably, he left this world in the holy month of Kartika, a time of spiritual fullness, and during Sharat Ritu (autumn season), which shares his name—a fitting coincidence.
What matters is not how many years we live but how we spend those years. As one of my teachers often said, "Pray that your life may be used as a tool for good action." Shree Sharath Jois’s life reminds us to focus on meaningful actions and to leave a legacy of positive influence.
This loss brings a sense of renunciation, which is essential for spiritual growth. The Mahabharata teaches that everything is transient, except the actions we take and the legacy we leave behind.
In honor of Shree Sharath Jois, can follow the path of dedication and devotion. Like Ekalavya, whose commitment to his teacher uplifted him, dedicated practice in memory of Shree Sharath Jois can inspire growth. In keeping with tradition, reciting texts like the Taittiriya Upanishad, Mahanarayana Upanishad, the eighth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, or chanting Om Namo Narayanaya are fitting ways to pay tribute.
We understand how difficult this loss is for his family. Let us offer our prayers that they may find the strength to bear this pain and continue his legacy with resilience.
OM Namo Nārāyanāya