Sharath Jois (1971-2024)

I met Sharathji in 2007, at the old KPJAYI, in Mysore in South India. I met him in class, and although the great Shri K. Pattabhi Jois was still in the room, I knew immediately who my teacher would be.

And from 2007 to 2016, I went to India every year to study with Sharath Jois. I think it was in 2012, when I was telling him about my difficulties, and he told me, “Vira (for him, Vera was Vira) your name is Warrior, and for you to honor your name, you have to be strong in your teaching, and in your life…” and I went back to Portugal trying to follow his words, and even today, after so much time, I continue to try to follow his advice.

My teacher died too soon, he was only 53 years old, he left unexpectedly on the afternoon of November 11th, and since then his students from all over the world have been sharing stories and images about him. Because Sharathji had the ability to impact and change our lives, and he inspired us all, with his passion and love for Yoga. He left a legacy, and had the humility to change his teaching, learning from his students, adjusting to the natural evolution of our needs, without losing connection with the tradition left by his Guru, his grandfather, Shri K .Pattabhi Jois.

We are not in a phase of great faith in the Gurus, and nowadays Yoga is no longer fashionable, there are other faster and more fun things to achieve strength and physical flexibility.

But what has been forgotten is that this practice is not just physical, it is something much more profound and special. It is another unique, powerful and transformative thing, because it goes beyond physical strength and flexibility, and enters the mental, emotional, energetic and spiritual dimensions.

You may have physical strength and flexibility, but without the other layers, you will remain lost, confused, sad, angry, anxious, stressed, exhausted, etc. Because happiness is not outside but in what exists within each one of us, may Yoga, more than 5000 years old, show us the way.

My teacher died too soon, I had finally resumed this year  my annual trips to Mysore, and I thought I would be with him, another 10 or 20 years. But nothing is guaranteed, so may we celebrate his life, practicing with intention, focus and discipline, and be people with our hearts in the right place, in an open, kind and loving way.

I love you, my dear Guru.

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