03/21/2026
Dear Purna Yoga East (PYE) friends and family,
I’m writing to you, our PYE community past and present, to share the news of our beloved yoga teacher. As many of you know our upstairs yoga studio is dedicated to Aadil Palkhivala who took me, Catharine Eberhart, on as a student of yoga over 20 years ago. His dedicated yogic practices are the foundational teachings from which we build our classes at Purna Yoga East. If you have felt better after a yoga class, learned something about the practice or yourself while attending classes at the studio it is because of this most precious human being. He has been called the teacher of teachers and has influenced and taught directly or indirectly all of our instructors at Purna Yoga East and through the world! Many of our students have attended workshops with him over the years and read his books. I asked for his and Savitri’s blessing to name our studio Purna Yoga East in 2009 and he is one of the most influential people in my life; I am ever grateful.
I’ve known for a while he was not well but out of my respect did not share any details publicly. Below is a message from his only daughter sharing about her father’s condition per his request.
I’m asking you as part of our community to lift up Aadil, Zenia and Savitri in your prayers and meditations so that they may find strength and comfort during these challenging times. All sincere prayers, offerings of light, love, strength will be felt and deeply appreciated. A GoFundMe campaign has also been set up. If you are inspired to offer your support and grace financially I know it will be received with much gratitude. Every donation large or small will make an impact and be a blessing for them.
With sincere gratitude and thanks,
Catharine
Message from Zenia Palkhivala:
It is with immense devastation that I share this message. Please if you wish to learn more details come to me directly only.
My dear father, Aadil Palkhivala, felt it important for me to convey his health situation with all of you. He is currently facing stage four kidney cancer that has metastasized to his lungs, with concern that it may have spread further as well. It has been deeply overwhelming, unexpected, and life-altering time for our family. But, we have not given up hope for his recovery.
He recently lost his mother in 2024, only to be diagnosed with stage four cancer a year later. We were in disbelief at the sudden severity of his condition, given his remarkably healthy and holistic lifestyle, but it became clear that his years of continuous traveling were a primary contributing factor. As many of you know, he made it his mission to spread the knowledge of authentic yoga-asana, philosophy, and an abundant lifestyle across the globe. This has been his life’s purpose. However, we were informed of the harmful impact that can come with that level of extensive traveling, and how that toxicity has manifested in his health along with genetic components. We have been told this was a slow growing cancer that began long ago. When he contracted a severe case of COVID in 2020, it exacerbated an already existing issue, bringing it more clearly to the surface. Yet, through all of this, he prioritized his craft above all else.
We are doing everything we can to ensure he receives proper medical attention, safety, and comfort. However, due to the complexity of his condition and the suffering he is enduring, we would greatly appreciate any insights or suggestions for his recovery. We would love to connect with those who have ideas, experience, resources, medical insights, treatment options, specialist referrals, or connections that could help him. We want to give him the best possible care, help him heal, preserve his dignity, and surround him with the same love he has given so freely to others throughout his life.
My father’s kindness, eloquence, humor, delightful demeanor, brilliance and quiet strength have impacted so many people profoundly. He has dedicated his life to helping others heal, grow, and reconnect with their bodies, sharing his craft with sincerity and devotion among teachers and students across generations. His contributions to the yoga and wellness community for over 50 years have truly supported countless lives.
Now, he needs support to recover.
The financial strain this has had has been immense, so we feel a fundraiser would be helpful for those who are willing to offer financial gratitude and support to my father during this delicate time.
If you would like to help or have any questions, please contact me, Zenia, directly, to avoid any miscommunication, as my father is too unwell to communicate presently. Please do not reach out to him or extended family at this time. More than anything else, please keep my father in your prayers. My mother and I are grateful for your love and support.
Thank you for holding us in your care,
Zenia, Savitri & Aadil
Contact:
Zenia Palkhivala
office@zenia.com
Please message me for my phone number
🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
It is with immense sorrow and devastation that I share this message. My de… Zenia Palkhivala needs your support for Support for Aadil Palkhivala’s Cancer Care
