The Jois Family: Three generations of
Ashtanga Yoga practitioners!
It is a testament to both the power of Ashtanga Yoga and to Guruji as a teacher that so many in the Jois Family have chosen to take on the responsibility of its continued transmission. Having spent more years studying with Guruji than any others, the members of the Jois family are uniquely capable of providing traditional instruction for new and experienced students alike.
Sri K. Pattahbi Jois
R. Sharath Jois
Sharath was born in 1971 to a family synonymous with Ashtanga Yoga. His mother, Saraswathi, was taught the practice by her father, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (Guruji). Sharath’s grandfather would also be his guru. Sharath began to learn yoga postures at the age of seven and at nineteen took up a dedicated yoga practice with Guruji. Sharath would wake at 3:30 am to walk across the city of Mysore to his grandfather’s yoga shala for instruction. After his practice, Sharath taught alongside Guruji, a routine that continued until Guruji retired from teaching shortly before passing on in May of 2009. Sharath then took on the mantle of his grandfather’s Institute, renaming it in his honor, the Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute, and striving to continue Guruji's legacy as its Director. Today, Sharath’s dedication is daily evidenced as he rises at 1:00 am to complete his practice before beginning instruction of the many yoga students at 4:30 am. He keeps Guruji’s teachings alive at the Institue in Mysore.
For a complete biography of R. Sharath Jois, please see the KPJAYI website.
Saraswathi
Daughter of Sri K Pattabhi Jois (Guruji) and mother of Sharath Jois, Saraswathi was born in 1941. She practiced yoga steadily under the guidance of her father from the age of 10 in 1951, until taking on family responsibilities in 1963. She was the first female ever to be granted admission to the Sanskrit College in Mysore where she studied both yoga and Sanskrit from Guruji. For many years after this she assisted him in yoga classes but in 1975 started teaching her own classes at a local temple, for eleven years teaching only women. In 1986 she began a quiet revolution in the local Mysore community, teaching both men and women together in a mixed class. Although criticized for making such a radical change to local tradition, she persevered and gained great respect with the local community. In 2002, Saraswathi once again started teaching with Guruji (and Sharath) at the KPJAYI in Mysore.
Known for being especially attentive to new students, Saraswathi is a powerful female influence within the Jois family, bringing wisdom, experience and a feminine perspective to her teaching. Since Guruji's passing in 2009 Saraswathi has dedicated herself to the continuation of his life's work, sought after as an Ashtanga Yoga teacher throughout the world. We are incredibly fortunate to have her teaching in KPJ Bondi so please take this opportunity and join us to experience the powerful teaching of Saraswathi.
"Through the various stages of life, yoga practice naturally changes it's form and becomes much more than just asanas. Being a woman. mother and householder with important responsibilities, our energy is redirected at times and our yoga practice gives us the courage to embrace change. The constant which always remains, is the clarity and balance that the ashtanga yoga practice gives. The years of practice become a framework for how we live our lives each and every day."
Manju Jois
Ashtanga yoga master Manju Jois, of Mysore, South India, is the oldest son of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Born on November 16th, 1944, his introduction to yoga began at the age of seven, when he was awakened early each day by his father for lessons that would forever change the course of his life and the lives of those who would study with him in the years to come. By age 15 he started teaching alongside his father and has continued ever since. His 50 years of teaching the true Mysore Ashtanga method has taken him to 22 countries and 21 states in the US and has resulted in rich educational offerings for students worldwide, including Ashtanga weekend workshops, teacher trainings and intensive week-long classes, all of which focus on the ancient traditions passed down through his father.
Sharmila Mahesh
‘Shammi’, granddaughter of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and sister to yoga master Sharath R, has been an Ashtanga yoga practitioner since the age of 18 when she started teaching along side her mother Saraswathi. In 1996 her grandfather (Guruji) nominated her to be the principle teacher in his Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Bangalore. She is committed to sharing and preserving the lessons she learned from Guruji - wisdom, patience, love and daily practice.
