Renowned Ashtanga yoga master Sharath Jois tragically passed away while hiking near the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. The 53-year-old suffered a heart attack during the hike, despite efforts from emergency medical workers who arrived on the scene. Jois’s sudden death has sent shockwaves through the global yoga community.
Sharath Jois was a celebrated figure in the world of yoga, known for his dedication to teaching Ashtanga yoga. He was the grandson of Krishna Pattabhi Jois, the founder of Ashtanga yoga, and took over his grandfather’s institute in 2007. Jois later founded the Sharath Yoga Center, attracting thousands of practitioners worldwide with his deep devotion to the tradition of yoga and his inspirational teaching style.
The incident occurred while Jois was hiking with around 50 students. Witnesses reported that he appeared fatigued and sat down on a bench before collapsing. His sister, Sharmila Mahesh, and John Bultman, a yoga program manager at the University of Virginia, confirmed the news. The untimely death of Sharath Jois is a significant loss to the yoga community, where he was highly regarded for his expertise and dedication.
Sharath Jois’s legacy in the yoga world is profound. He was instrumental in popularizing Ashtanga yoga globally and his teachings have left an indelible mark on the lives of many. His workshops and classes inspired countless practitioners, and his passing is mourned by students and colleagues alike. Jois’s contribution to the yoga community will be remembered and cherished for years to come.