Honoring Sharath Jois: A Life & Legacy in Ashtanga Yoga
Welcome to Memories of Sharath Jois, a special podcast series where we honour the life and teachings of Sharath Jois, one of the most influential figures in the Ashtanga Yoga community. Over the course of this series, we’ll hear from those who were closest to Sharath – his family, long-time students and colleagues. They will share their personal stories, memories and reflections on how Sharath impacted their lives.
Through intimate conversations we explore Sharath’s life, his journey as a teacher and the lasting legacy he leaves behind in the global yoga community. From early memories in Mysore to intimate moments of connection, to moments of transformation on the mat each episode offers a unique and heartfelt tribute to the man who carried the Ashtanga tradition with grace, humility, and love.
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Why Memories of Sharath Jois?
The Ashtanga tradition has evolved over generations, each bringing their own layer to the practice. From the early days of Pattabhi Jois and Saraswati to the years when Sharath became the central figurehead in the global Ashtanga community, the story of Ashtanga is made up of many parts.
Stillpoints host Scott Johnson never had the privilege of knowing Sharath personally, but like so many he remembers exactly where he was when he heard of his passing. In that moment, the loss made him understand the depth of Sharath’s influence. This podcast series is a tribute to that influence and to the profound impact Sharath had on his students, his family, and the yoga community at large.
Over the course of this series you’ll hear from many people who knew Sharath in different times of his life. These voices are full of warmth, insight, and love – each sharing a unique piece of his story.
Episode 1: You will hear the voices of:
Joanne and Mark Darby
Joanne and Mark have been part of the Ashtanga community since the 1980s, having learned directly from both Sharath and his grandfather, Pattabhi Jois. Their long-standing relationship with Sharath gives them a unique insight into his evolution as a person, from a young boy to the wise teacher and the deep connections he fostered within the community.
Angela Jamison
Angela Jamison has been a dedicated student of Sharath for many years. Her memories are rooted in his teachings and warmth. Their connection spans many years of subtle learning, evolving and personal growth in the Ashtanga system.
Petri Räisänen
Petri Räisänen, one of the leading Ashtanga teachers in the West, studied with Sharath for many years. His reflections on Sharath’s teachings and the role Sharath played in bridging the gap between Eastern and Western Ashtanga communities provide a deep and thoughtful perspective on his impact.
Hamish Hendry
Hamish Hendry has known Sharath since the mid-1990s and brings a wealth of experience from that time. His memories reflect the warmth and wisdom that Sharath shared with him and the unique relationship they built over decades of practice.
Greg Nardi
Greg Nardi has been a long-time student of Sharath and a close friend. His memories of Sharath span his years of growth and transition in the Ashtanga community.
Kino MacGregor & Tim Feldman
Kino MacGregor and Tim Feldman, two of the most recognised Ashtanga yoga teachers , reflect on the direct influence Sharath had on their practice and teaching. Their stories offer a glimpse into how Sharath’s presence shaped their understanding of yoga as a path of life and transformation.
Sushmita
Sushmita, a devoted student of Sharath over the past few years, shares her experiences of his guidance, his humility, and his unique ability to connect deeply with his students. Her memories of Sharath highlight his ability to touch lives far beyond the yoga mat.
Olivier David
Olivier David, a respected Ashtanga teacher and close frined of Sharath, speaks to Sharath’s role in shaping his own journey with yoga. His reflection focuses on how Sharath’s teachings resonated with him personally and how they shaped his understanding of Ashtanga Yoga.
Shelley Washington
Shelley Washington shares her intimate experiences of working with Sharath, and how his influence guided her through personal growth and development as a yoga teacher. Her reflections give a personal glimpse into Sharath’s deep understanding of both practice and family life.
David Kessel
David Kessel, a student of Sharath, who had the profound experience of being with Sharath at the time of his passing, shares his memories of being with Sharath as he passed away. His tes
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