K. Pattabhi Jois: The Legacy of Ashtanga Yoga

Early Life and Introduction to Yoga

K. Pattabhi Jois, born on July 26, 1915, in Kowshika, Karnataka, India, was a pivotal figure in the world of yoga. His journey into yoga began at the age of 12 when he attended a lecture and demonstration by the legendary T. Krishnamacharya. Captivated by the practice, Jois became Krishnamacharya’s student the very next day. This marked the beginning of a lifelong dedication to the study and teaching of yoga.

Jois studied with Krishnamacharya from 1927 to 1929 in his village and then in Mysore from 1932 to 1953. During this period, he delved deeply into classical yoga texts such as Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra, Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, Yoga Yajñavalkya, and the Upaniṣads. These studies laid the foundation for his development of the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga system, which he would later introduce to the world.

Development of Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga, as taught by Jois, is a dynamic and physically demanding practice that synchronizes breath with movement through a set series of postures. This method, known as Vinyasa, creates a flowing sequence that generates internal heat, purifying the body and mind. Jois emphasized the importance of daily practice, often stating, “Practice, practice, practice, and all is coming.”

The Ashtanga system is divided into six series, each progressively more challenging. The Primary Series, known as Yoga Chikitsa (Yoga Therapy), detoxifies and aligns the body. The Intermediate Series, Nadi Shodhana (Nerve Cleansing), purifies the nervous system. The Advanced Series, Sthira Bhaga (Divine Stability), integrates strength and grace of movement.

Influence and Legacy

Jois’s influence extends through his renowned students, who have become prominent yoga teachers and practitioners themselves. These students have played a significant role in spreading Ashtanga Yoga globally.

• David Williams and Nancy Gilgoff: Among the first Westerners to study with Jois in Mysore, they were instrumental in introducing Ashtanga Yoga to the United States in the 1970s.
• Eddie Stern: A long-time student of Jois, Stern co-wrote “Guruji: A Portrait of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Through the Eyes of His Students,” a comprehensive account of Jois’s life and teachings. Stern is also known for his efforts to bring yoga to underserved communities.
• Richard Freeman: Known for his deep understanding of yoga philosophy and anatomy, Freeman has been a key figure in the Ashtanga community. His teachings emphasize the integration of breath, alignment, and mindfulness.
• Sharath Jois: Pattabhi Jois’s grandson, Sharath, continues his grandfather’s legacy by teaching Ashtanga Yoga at the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPJAYI) in Mysore. He has trained thousands of students from around the world.

Publications

K. Pattabhi Jois authored several influential books on Ashtanga Yoga, which have been translated into multiple languages and continue to inspire practitioners globally. Some of his notable publications include:

• “Yoga Mala” (1962): This seminal work outlines the philosophy and practice of Ashtanga Yoga. Jois provides detailed instructions for the Primary Series, emphasizing the importance of breath, posture, and gaze (drishti). The book also includes insights into the ethical and spiritual dimensions of yoga.
• “Suryanamaskara” (1995): In this book, Jois explores the significance of the Sun Salutations, a fundamental component of the Ashtanga practice. He explains the physical and spiritual benefits of this sequence and provides guidance on its proper execution.
• “Ashtanga Yoga Anusthana” (2010): Published posthumously, this book offers a comprehensive guide to the practice of Ashtanga Yoga. It includes detailed descriptions of the postures, along with photographs and instructions for each series.

Philosophical Contributions

Jois’s teachings were deeply rooted in the traditional Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga. He believed that yoga was not just a physical practice but a spiritual discipline that could lead to self-realization and inner peace. His approach to yoga was holistic, integrating physical, mental, and spiritual practices.

Jois emphasized the importance of the eight limbs of yoga (Ashtanga), as outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. These limbs include ethical guidelines (yamas and niyamas), physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), sense withdrawal (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and ultimately, union with the divine (samadhi). He taught that mastery of the physical postures was essential for progressing to the higher stages of yoga.

Impact on Women’s Yoga

K. Pattabhi Jois played a crucial role in making yoga accessible to women. At a time when yoga was predominantly practiced by men in India, he welcomed female students into his classes. His daughter, Saraswathi Jois, became one of the first women to teach Ashtanga Yoga, furthering the spread of the practice among women.

Global Influence

K. Pattabhi Jois’s impact on the global spread of yoga cannot be overstated. He traveled extensively, teaching yoga in various countries and adapting his teachings to suit different cultural contexts. His ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds helped him build a global following.

In Latin America, Jois’s influence was particularly strong. He spent several years in Argentina and Mexico, where he established yoga centers and trained teachers. His efforts helped lay the foundation for the vibrant yoga communities that exist in these countries today.

Later Years and Legacy

In his later years, K. Pattabhi Jois continued to teach and inspire students from around the world. Despite facing health challenges, he remained dedicated to his practice and teachings until his passing on May 18, 2009. Jois’s legacy is carried on by his family, particularly his grandson Sharath Jois, who continues to teach Ashtanga Yoga at the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPJAYI) in Mysore.

Controversies

Despite his significant contributions to yoga, Jois’s legacy is also marred by allegations of inappropriate adjustments during his classes. Several students have come forward with accounts of being touched inappropriately by Jois during adjustments. These allegations have led to a broader conversation within the yoga community about the ethics of physical adjustments and the importance of consent. Sharath Jois, his grandson, has publicly apologized for his grandfather’s actions and has emphasized the importance of proper conduct in teaching.

Conclusion

K. Pattabhi Jois’s contributions to the world of yoga are immense and enduring. Through his development of Ashtanga Yoga, he has influenced countless practitioners and teachers globally. His teachings, rooted in traditional Indian philosophies, emphasize the holistic nature of yoga as a path to self-realization and inner peace. While his legacy is complex, encompassing both profound influence and controversy, the practice of Ashtanga Yoga continues to thrive and evolve, guided by the principles he established.