Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois, 1915 - 2009

Guruji!

When Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois became a student of Krishnamacharya in 1927, he was taught this particular method of practice. In the present day, these traditional asana sequences have been translated into the primary, intermediate, and advanced series that make up the Ashtanga Yoga practice. This practice is intended as yoga therapy, literally working from the inside out.

Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois, who is affectionately called Guruji by his students, was born on the day of the full moon in July 1915. He left home to embark on a twenty-five year period of study with his guru Krishnamacharya when he was only twelve years old. From 1937 to 1973, he taught at the Sanskrit College in Mysore, and in 1956, earned the title of Vidvan, or Professor. In 1948 Pattabhi Jois established the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute from his home in Laxmipuram. He took his first trip to the West in 1974, when he was invited to deliver a speech on yoga, in Sanskrit, at an international yoga conference held in South America. The following year, sponsored by a group of his North American students, Guruji traveled to California with his son Manju Jois. Over the last thirty years, as a result of his several trips to different parts of the world, and the efforts of his many dedicated students, the teachings of Ashtanga Yoga have spread, and its popularity persists.

  In honor of Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois, please study the Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series 

  with us on Wednesdays at 10:00am.  Suitable for all levels.