Pattabhi Jois died in Mysore yesterday at age 94. He was one of the most famous students of Sri T Krishnamacharya. I have read about him in some of the books from KYM.
When he was 12 years old, he attended a yoga demonstration at his middle school in Hassan. He was amazed by the asanas and by the strong, graceful yogi jumping from pose to pose. The next day, he went to meet the yogi who had given the demonstration, a man by the name of T Krishnamacharya. Bravely, for a boy of only twelve, he requested to be instructed in yoga. For the next two years, Pattabhi Jois learnt yoga from T Krishnamacharya. He continued his studies with his guru again after a break.
When I first attended a Mysore class in Ashtanga, I was quite shocked. It was so different from any other cookie cutter class in the West. I did not understand it 5 years back. It is a mature practice which is mostly self practice. I think I would understand it now, that I understand Yoga way better. I also know a lot more about Sri Krishnamacharya and his style of teaching.
I have great respect for Ashtanga and one of my favorite quotes by Pattabhi Jois is,
Do your practice, all is coming.
Posts