15/11/2024
Reflectionsโฆ
As the news begins to settle in, our emotions are slowly finding their voice in words.
The loss of a too young person, a father, a teacher dedicated to his students, dedicated to the practice.
Yet, when it is time, it is simply โฆ time.
Looking back on the past 20 years of Purple Valley, itโs clear that the years Sharatji spent with us from 2004 to 2009 were pivotal in shaping the direction of our center. His presence here defined what Purple Valley is todayโa sanctuary for the practice of Ashtanga Yoga.
But the impact of this direction extends far beyond the yoga mats rolled out in our beautiful shala.
The Ashtanga community has contributed to making a difference in many lives connected to Purple Valley. From the staff and their families in the village, their families outside Goa, the local school, the animal welfare center and the orphanage next door โฆ.. We are, in a way, a small microcosm in a much larger picture, one of many. Reflecting on this brings with it a deep sense of love and gratitude to all of you.
This communityโheld together by the spirit of Ashtanga, its devoted practitioners, teachers, and you, Sharatjiโis like a beautifully woven web. And though today, that web feels broken, we know that you, in your new form, will continue to be part of it. A piece of the whole is missing, and yet, your presence will always be with us, just in a different shape. And our web will continue to grow.
Reading the beautiful messages from your students, the void you leave behind will never be filled, as many of you have written. But that is not the goal. Your place is irreplaceable, and no one will attempt to fill it. You have merely transformed, continuing to be a guiding thread in the web we shareโconnecting us all in ways that words cannot fully capture.
Our aim is to continue to serve the ashtanga community the best we can โฅ๏ธ
Image 1. Sharat and his first retreat in 2004. Image from
Image 2. Retreat year ???
Image3. Sharthji, in shala. Image from
