Sharath Jois

Sharath Jois, along with his family, has spread the teachings of Ashtanga Yoga around the world while staying true to its traditional roots. Sharath was immersed within a long-standing lineage, as he was born to a prominent family of yogis. He is the grandson of Pattabhi Jois, a key figure in establishing modern Ashtanga. His biography is nothing short of extraordinary, depicting a person who sacrificed everything for one purpose: yoga.

Early Life and Training

A Mysuru native, Sharath Jois was born on 29th September 1971. He was raised in an environment where yoga was strongly ingrained in the culture, and at the age of 7, Sharath started learning under the guidance of his grandfather. Undoubtedly, there were many physical and mental barriers, but Sharath’s love for yoga ensured that he stayed committed no matter the odds stacked against him.

In his teens, Sharath’s curiosity for learning increased, as he began exploring Sanskrit along with yoga's core philosophies. This further helped him develop a more rounded approach to understanding physical postures, encompassing their spiritual and philosophical dimensions.

Leadership at KPJAYI

Upon the death of Pattabhi Jois in 2009, Sharath Jois became the director of the K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPJAYI). Since then the institute has continued to develop as an international center for Ashtanga Yoga students. All these are described as aspects of Sharath’s leadership within the global community and interact appropriately across various boundaries while keeping the Ashtanga tradition intact.

Sharath is known as a precision-based teacher. His students are trained in controlling their breath (pranayama), performing all asanas with a correct bodily posture, and practicing vinyasa, or asana movement synchronized with one breath cycle. This integrated approach enhances the cognitive, emotional and spiritual levels of the practice of yoga, and his students appreciate it from all over the globe.

Global Influence

It may be said that it is Sharath Jis who has popularized Ashtanga Yoga all over the world outside the boundaries of India. He used to travel to various countries, conducting workshops and retreats with various people attending. Under his instructions, many adopted the practice of yoga not simply as an exercise but as a comprehensive approach to everything.

Moreover, apart from teaching them in person, Sharath has also popularized his teachings through social media. This has been one of the most important factors in the last few years for enabling access to genuine teaching of Ashtanga Yoga to practitioners across borders.

Philosophy and Lifestyle

Sharath is inspired by a traditional approach to yoga that revolves around some core beliefs, which encourage a simple, mindful way of life within the ethical fold of yoga (the yamas and the niyamas). His practice as well as his teachings puts great emphasis on the importance of effort and regularity in one’s life.

Legacy and Vision

In this aspect, he seeks to be a part of the Ashtanga Yoga tradition. He does so by instilling the need to deepen the practice in the students around him. He has through great efforts been able to ensure that the principles taught by Jois are absorbed in the face of the changing times. Sharath’s vision not only seeks to conserve Ashtanga Yoga but also promotes further development of the practice in the context of individual and social benefit.

Conclusion

Sharath Jois’s life is one of the most powerful examples of how yoga can truly impact people’s lives across borders. With unyielding faith and dedication, he has proven to be an exemplary practitioner and leader, who cherishes and continues a legacy that has much more to offer to the world of yoga.