Pattabhi Jois is Dead

Also a good post with vids and other goodies on Guruji:

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2009/05/sri-k-pattabhi-jois-founder-of-ashtanga-yoga-passes-away-at-age-93/

And here:

http://blog.beliefnet.com/freshliving/2009/05/sri-k-pattabhi-jois-ashtanga-yogas-founder-rip.html

I had the great honor to meet Pattabhi Jois in 1996. My girlfriend (now wife) and I were traveling in India, and halfway through the trip decided we needed to do something "intense." We went to Mysore and knocked on the nondescript door of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, hoping to practice yoga for 2 weeks. Amma, Guruji's wife answered. We were apologetic for coming to the house unannounced. She was very sweet, and in moments, Guruji himself was at the door. We told him we wanted to practice with him for 2 weeks. "No, no - no two weeks. Two weeks too short. 1 month, 2 month, 6 month. 1 month minimum!"

We walked away feeling like we'd been to the wizard of Oz, and had been told to go away. We did not have that much time.

We practiced in our room at the Kaveri lodge for a few days, while deciding if we could swing a month in Mysore. During that time, I got involved in a basketball game at a local park court that was riddled with pot holes. I badly sprained my ankle in one of the potholes, and thought my yoga opportunity was over. I went to see Pattabhi Jois about it. He suggested an Ayurvedic oil, and to continue the practice. And so I did. We wound up extending our visa, and staying for 2 months. They were very challenging months - I opened up to flexibility I had never known my entire life, and the process caused lots of soreness. At that time I used to sprain my ankles at least 4 times a year, and since that time I have not sprained my ankles.

We've seen him a couple of times since 1996. In 2000 we did a wonderful week with him in Maui, and in 2004 at the Roosevelt Hotel in LA. The very last time I saw him on that last day of practice in LA, I arrived early and set up my mat in the second row, in hopes he would adjust me. On the very last pose of the 1st Series, we are to take are legs into Padmasana, and lift ourselves off the ground. It had been years since I could manage to get my legs into Padmasana, and as we prepared for this last pose, I saw the puffy feet of our leader in the practice standing before me. "Take padmasana!" he barked to the class, and then sharply to me, "Take!!" I pulled my legs into padmasana without a thought. "Lift up!" he shouted to the class of 300, with a sweeping hand gesture. "Lift! he shouted at me, and I did so with a sudden found strength and confidence. He slowly counted to 15, going from 13 back to 8 ("ee-ate") along the way, and then he cackled as I landed back on the mat, exhausted.

Over all the years, while so many of his students simply referred to him as "Guruji," I could not say this comfortably. But, at that moment, for the first time, I really felt the meaning of this word. It was so clear that this man had an ability to draw more from me than I thought I had to give.

And so, the inspiration of this incredible man will stick with me forever, and I could not be more thankful.

Practice, and all is coming!

Blessings to Guruji and all his family on this sad day. I had the honor of studying with Guruji many, many times in the U.S. (NYC and Maui) and made 1 trip to mysore. During that trip, my intention was not to be seen, but to pay respects to the Guru, to see where the practice originated and make the journey to the source. I had a wonderful month in Mysore, and on the last day, Sharath and Guruji approached me at the beginning of my time slot and told me I would move to 5am tomorrow. I thanked them and let them know I would be leaving in the afternoon and today would be my last practice. It was a wonderful one, and as always, at the end of my practice, I went to find Guruji for one more blessing at his feet. When I stood up, Guruji was shaking his head. 'No, No, No... You must not go home.' I got big tears in my eyes and told him I would see him in NYC in 1 months time.
Even though you think in Mysore, with the room completely packed, everyone trying SO HARD to get his attention, that you could go unnoticed. He saw EVERYONE. That is the power of the Guru. Thank you Guruji for all that you have shared and passed on. We honor you today and everyday.

I have just begun to study Ashtanga Yoga. I live here in the United States and am learning from my teacher this beautiful eight limb yoga. It has been very eye and heart opening for me as someone who only knew about the "outer" workings but not the "inner". Jois will be dearly missed by those who knew him but he will always be here for those of us who practice what he has left for us.

I found out in my Ashtanga class today. Very sad and somber class. I dedicated my practice to him and I did the best Ashtanga practice I have done. The passing of a true Guru.

It is a sad day indeed but Sri's wisdom and inspiration will be eternal. He gave so many so much and will always be remembered as one of those great gurus who brought yoga to the West. We are forever blessed. Namaste.

I am sorry to know this.

Unfortunately, I never got to meet Pattabhi Jois. I bought a plane ticket and registered for class at the opening of the Islamorada Shala, but the event was cancelled due to health concerns. I lament never having met him, but my brother-in-law has spent (cumulatively) years with him, so I will have stories and those vicarious memories.

{-:-}AMITABAH,GURUJI,ONG-NAMO-GURU-DEVO-NAMO{-:-}