Mourning Paramaguru Sharath Jois
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Dear Friends,
Thank you for joining us last week at the Contemplative Commons.
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Paramaguru Sharath Jois. He was a leading figure in the yoga world and heir to the lineage of Ashtanga yoga. He was our teacher, and for over a quarter of a century, he was a friend and like family to us.
Sharath was the inspiration behind the Contemplative Sciences Center (CSC) at UVA. In 2013, He came here to teach a yoga class, and from that one class blossomed the idea of a Contemplative Sciences curriculum, exploring many forms and facets of spirituality and human flourishing.
Ashtanga is a very difficult discipline of yoga, and during Covid, when Sharath saw how many people in the world suffered from depression, stress and other mental health issues, he was inspired to develop a new, more accessible series of yoga. He called it The Active Series, and it is meant for the masses. He unveiled it to the world this past weekend at the CSC, and as it turns out it was his parting gift to humanity.
The foundational essence of the Contemplative Commons will forever be infused with his spirit, and for that we are lucky. He was the kindest, most joyful, most giving and selfless person we knew.
We join in mourning the millions of his followers and students across 100 countries who saw him as their leader. The world has lost one of its brightest lights, but he gave so much that his glow will warm our memories and lives for many generations to come.
Paul and Sonia Jones
More About Sharath Jois, excerpts from the book The Active Series: