R. Sharath Jois

R. Sharath Jois (1971-2024) was the grandson of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and served as the Paramaguru—the current lineage holder—of the Ashtanga yoga tradition until his passing in November 2024. As the director of Sharath Yoga Centre (formerly KPJAYI) in Mysore, he was the primary authority on authentic Ashtanga practice in the modern era, personally teaching and certifying teachers from around the world. Sharath's path to becoming lineage holder was not predetermined. He initially trained as an electrician before his mother, Saraswathi, encouraged him at age 19 to become Guruji's full-time assistant. This apprenticeship lasted for decades, during which Sharath absorbed not only the physical practice but the complete body of knowledge Pattabhi Jois possessed regarding yoga practice, theory, and philosophy. Sharath became the only one of Pattabhi Jois's students to master all six series of Ashtanga Yoga—Primary through Sixth—representing the complete traditional system. This comprehensive mastery, combined with his family lineage, positioned him as the natural successor to continue Guruji's mission after his passing in 2009. Under Sharath's leadership, the Mysore shala continued to be the spiritual home for serious Ashtanga practitioners worldwide. Thousands made the pilgrimage to study with him directly, and he traveled extensively to conduct workshops and conferences, bringing the authentic transmission to students globally. He was known for his dedication to preserving traditional methods while thoughtfully adapting to serve modern practitioners. Sharath Jois represented the living heart of the Ashtanga lineage—the direct transmission from grandfather to grandson that ensured this practice retained its integrity across generations. His sudden passing leaves an immense void, yet the countless teachers he certified carry his guidance forward, ensuring the tradition continues.