In remembrance of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, 1915-2009
sri k. pattabhi jois is a well known name, not only in the ashtanga family which he fathered, but within the universal yoga community. many affectionately call him Guruji (great spiritual teacher) without ever having even met or studied with him directly, his intimate essence simply carried and shared by those who had.
so when guruji passed away yesterday – his loss was one devastatingly felt around the world.
the practice was challenging, as always. and at one point, we stopped waiting for our teacher to call the next pose, and began to each move at our own more comfortable, yet quickened pace to escape. we were reminded of our role as students:
at the end of our practice, the tears began to flow once more. but this time, not from sadness or regret; my tears were of gratitude, instead. because in that moment, i realized i was in the presence of the great teacher, and had been all along.
for the spirit and tradition does not die – cannot die - and will be continually shared in the esteemed seat of the teacher. my teacher. my many teachers.
let us all take time to honor the tradition of our sadhana – our daily spiritual movement practice. and to
remember that part of this tradition calls us to honor the seat of the teacher . . . by humbly assuming our role as the student.
i have learned so much by those who stand before me – and i will continue to learn and to grow, so long as i continue to cherish and respect each lesson, each opportunity, and each teacher offered as my guide.
namaskaram, my teacher/s – in meekness I bow to the divinity inherent in you.
*a guru teaches how to find the way home to God. the guru knows this path as it is one he has already traveled. welcome home, sri k pattabhi jois.*
so when guruji passed away yesterday – his loss was one devastatingly felt around the world. earlier in the day, i had cried for my loss - selfishly mourning my own failure to ever be in the master’s presence. then wanting to honor Guruji in the only way i knew how, i made my way through dc rush hour traffic, to the ashtanga studio for practice.as the teacher entered the practice space, we the students stood – collectively and humbly respecting his presence in the room. and over the next 90 minutes that followed, our asana would be practiced in the time-honored tradition handed down from our beloved Guruji.
the practice was challenging, as always. and at one point, we stopped waiting for our teacher to call the next pose, and began to each move at our own more comfortable, yet quickened pace to escape. we were reminded of our role as students:
when Guruji called a pose, you did not move from that pose until he called the next. even if he fell asleep after calling chaturanga, you stayed there until Guruji awoke to call the next pose. for he was your teacher.
at the end of our practice, the tears began to flow once more. but this time, not from sadness or regret; my tears were of gratitude, instead. because in that moment, i realized i was in the presence of the great teacher, and had been all along.
for the spirit and tradition does not die – cannot die - and will be continually shared in the esteemed seat of the teacher. my teacher. my many teachers.
let us all take time to honor the tradition of our sadhana – our daily spiritual movement practice. and to
remember that part of this tradition calls us to honor the seat of the teacher . . . by humbly assuming our role as the student. i have learned so much by those who stand before me – and i will continue to learn and to grow, so long as i continue to cherish and respect each lesson, each opportunity, and each teacher offered as my guide.
namaskaram, my teacher/s – in meekness I bow to the divinity inherent in you.
*a guru teaches how to find the way home to God. the guru knows this path as it is one he has already traveled. welcome home, sri k pattabhi jois.*
Posted by peg mulqueen at 5/19/2009 9:41 AM 
Categories: sri k. patthabhi jois,ashtanga yoga
Tags: ashtanga yoga guruji may 18 2009 sri. k. patthabi jois
Categories: sri k. patthabhi jois,ashtanga yoga
Tags: ashtanga yoga guruji may 18 2009 sri. k. patthabi jois
A wonderful tribute. Thanks for deepening my knowledge and respect for this guruji. Your parting words served as a helpful reminder to me ... assuming my role as a humble student to absorb all I can from the teacher leading the class, practice or experience.
I taught my first yoga class yesterday at Sport and Health and am humbled by the powerful energy expenditure required to lead the practice!
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thank you laura . . . and congratulations in leading your first class! i think for me, the most valuable thing i have learned as a teacher - is to always remain a student first.
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