Hello from Florida! My husband and I are very excited to find your channel which we stumbled upon whilst looking at some ashtanga resources! I was so surprised about the news of Sharath dying so young and while in Virginia on a hike! Such a shock! Nevertheless I can see what an amazing resource your channel will be for us as we go deeper into our yoga exploration together. We are 54 with three kids and while I have practiced a very mild and “substandard” tired mom version of the practice, my husband has now taken an interest and he’s very keen to learn more. Nice to finally have him interested so we can share it and maybe even go to India….Ive known about purple valley for a decade but hadn’t see your name before. Cheers and all best, Aimee
hi Aimee! thanks for taking the time to comment and introduce yourself ! Hope to meet you and your husband someday - maybe at Purple Valley.. ? In the meantime, keep in touch and i hope you enjoy the various resources (check my blog on our website and if you have instagram my IG as well perhaps). Best wishes!!
This was so beautiful Adam, I teared up when you recounted your stories in Mysore. I think this is all we have left now, some stories, and fond memories of this vessel, which he definitely was. I also agree with you - I think the adulation and fame made him age quicker than he would have if he did not have those pressures on him. We are truly some of the lucky ones to have been in mysore while he was still alive, and I believe - if anything I have a stronger connection to him in the last few days than I have in the last few years. His impact is longer limited by his physical body or the size of a room, and he's freed us now. I pray his soul finds deep rest, for he's given everything he has to this path
thanks everyone for your comments. i’ve been taking some time these days to stay quiet, contemplate and try to digest the news. But; I just want to say how much i’ve appreciated the support and read and appreciated every single comment here . 🙏😊
Thank you Adam for this beautiful, honest and heartfelt tribute to Sharath. May he rest in peace, and may the memories you have of your time with him bring you some comfort during this very sad time. Om shanti. 🙏❤
Hindus do not rest in peace after death. We strive to end the cycle of birth and death so we move on - wish his soul/aatman "sadgati/सद्गति" - sadgati. sat = truth, gati = movement; sadgati = ultimate condition or good passage, spiritual salvation. OM Shanti.
@yes-yogaearthstories haha, yes when it's over (for the current body), it is by no means over (for the soul once occupying that body), ...until it is (kaivalya), until we swim in the currents of the divine. Jai Guru ! 🙏🪷
Hi Adam, i used to be part of Satyananda & Sivananda traditions for many years but moved on with all due respects to them. I did practice ashtanga vinyasa for several years while living in Thailand & when I was younger. I love blending styles this is my personal approach in practice & teaching. I found many styles synergistic & complementary rather than conflicting & rigid, it is an art to explore this area which i have been doing for years. Yet, instead of encouragement, i was often criticised within the Ananda communities for looking at the ashtanga practice & within ashtanga community i was looked down by some for my ananda connections & influences. Those dynamics made me reflect & learn something too. I also love Buddhism - the vipassana & metta bhavana technical part of it & of course see the connections between traditional hindu yoga & buddhism. I certainly saw how buddhsits overlook asanas, ashtangis overlook inner yoga practices & anandas specially the Satyananda Tradition overlooks Hatha & overemphasizes Karma Yoga. I found those imbalances actually conflicting with the message of Yoga in the vast sense as a way of life & path to returning. I am surprised at Sharath Ji's sudden & early departure, RIP & gratitude to his contribution to modern mainstream yoga. Within all yoga communities there have been controversies & scandals. Hopefully, we all learn from all of it. Yoga shows the way. Hari OM.
Thank you for your message here. I have had the same experience... I am more of a lone practitioner now since I can not really relate to any of the more pyramidal dogmatic styles and feel personally like you a weaving through me of probably 80 000 lifetimes on earth and different traditions running through my being all returning to holdong space from my heart where ever i am and what ever I do. Recognizing the depth when you spend everyday living your yoga, and realizing how this looks like for me today is combining the essence of metta bhavana ayur yoga vital fisiom yoga yoga therapy hatha vinyasa qigong and a blend of being a channel in the moment and continue learning from my own daily practice and giving more then 12000 practices over many years adapting to the individual that I have before me. Loving acupressure points meridian consciousness in a posture feeling the energy affecting this present moment as is..... etc. And it is a lineage that vibrates within me of Yoga and also the pure creative channel that is ever transforming itself into its own language and embodyment.... Thank you adam for your sharing. I have never been able to join the ashtanga world as such but love your teacher Mark and Kino and learn from every bodies journey and sincerity Thank you
That was very moving, Adam. I am not an Ashtanga practitioner, but have come through a lineage and very much relate to a lot of what you said here so thank you so much for your honesty. I've often found myself looking at what everyone else is saying about the tradition or the teachers or their experience, and wondering why I don't feel it the same way. It's been a cocktail of emotions for me too trying to find that connection, trying to find a way in that feels right. And yet, in many ways, being on the fringes also suits me. It's an active choice, maybe. Anyway, again just to say thanks and all the very best to you at this difficult time.
I met Sharath-ji when he was 29. It was a totally different scene from 2000 to now. Pattabhi Jois taught me every day with a group of only 6 others in the primary series (this was in the original shala, not in Gokulam), so I only had casual interactions with Sharath. But many fond memories remain of his quiet nature and demeanour. I went on to study and explore back bends for 13 years under a teacher in Mysore whom many Ashtanga students also visited at one time....But these early seeds and connections remain a central thread of one's learning and development.... lasting a lifetime. I enjoyed listening to your letter.
Thank you Adam for these words and for sharing your story and what you experienced with Sharath. For me who didn't manage to go to Mysore yet it was really informative.
Great podcast eps. Brave (but good) of you to disclose your mixed feelings. Was interested in your words that Sharath was "broken" -- do you mean physically? You said it in the context of Pattabhi Jois having put a lot of pressure on Sharath. Apologies in advance if what I write next is ignorant/controversial, but I'll lumber forward anyway. It's interesting to me that Sharath died of a heart attack in his early 50s and Maty died at 55 years. Both supposedly in superior health, both extreme athletes of sort. Certainly Ashtanga Gurus. Possibly no parallel at all, but I did think it (ie two very fit people cut short young). Also interesting re Sharath given Patthabhi lived to 93. RIP.
Heart disease is the number one killer of people around the world. Could be blocked arteries, could be genetic, could be related to the long trip he took to get to the states, and I believe he had rheumatic fever as a kid. My dad had a massive heart attack at 50. He survived only because we lived near a world class hospital at the time. But he never fully recovered. Then we see people who partied their whole lives and they live to 80 and beyond. Sometimes it doesn’t make any sense.
We lost a great teacher. Having so many travel workshops may have put a lot of pressure on Sharath. There may be a little pressure within him to take the torch from his grandfather, who most people regard as the master among masters.
He was too young, in my opinion. But, such is fate. 🙏🪷✨ Journey well, guruji. You dutifully carried on what your grandfather started, so that thousands, perhaps millions would be benefitted in mind, body, spirit. Jai Jai Jai 🌸🔥
Hello from Florida! My husband and I are very excited to find your channel which we stumbled upon whilst looking at some ashtanga resources! I was so surprised about the news of Sharath dying so young and while in Virginia on a hike! Such a shock! Nevertheless I can see what an amazing resource your channel will be for us as we go deeper into our yoga exploration together. We are 54 with three kids and while I have practiced a very mild and “substandard” tired mom version of the practice, my husband has now taken an interest and he’s very keen to learn more. Nice to finally have him interested so we can share it and maybe even go to India….Ive known about purple valley for a decade but hadn’t see your name before. Cheers and all best, Aimee
hi Aimee!
thanks for taking the time to comment and introduce yourself ! Hope to meet you and your husband someday - maybe at Purple Valley.. ?
In the meantime, keep in touch and i hope you enjoy the various resources (check my blog on our website and if you have instagram my IG as well perhaps). Best wishes!!
This is the best reflection on Sharath I've come across so far. ❤ Made me want to be back in the room with him so bad!
wow. thanks! glad you appreciated it . 🙏😔
This was so beautiful Adam, I teared up when you recounted your stories in Mysore. I think this is all we have left now, some stories, and fond memories of this vessel, which he definitely was. I also agree with you - I think the adulation and fame made him age quicker than he would have if he did not have those pressures on him. We are truly some of the lucky ones to have been in mysore while he was still alive, and I believe - if anything I have a stronger connection to him in the last few days than I have in the last few years.
His impact is longer limited by his physical body or the size of a room, and he's freed us now. I pray his soul finds deep rest, for he's given everything he has to this path
thanks everyone for your comments. i’ve been taking some time these days to stay quiet, contemplate and try to digest the news. But; I just want to say how much i’ve appreciated the support and read and appreciated every single comment here . 🙏😊
Thank you Adam for this beautiful, honest and heartfelt tribute to Sharath. May he rest in peace, and may the memories you have of your time with him bring you some comfort during this very sad time. Om shanti. 🙏❤
Hindus do not rest in peace after death. We strive to end the cycle of birth and death so we move on - wish his soul/aatman "sadgati/सद्गति" - sadgati. sat = truth, gati = movement; sadgati = ultimate condition or good passage, spiritual salvation. OM Shanti.
@yes-yogaearthstories
haha, yes when it's over (for the current body), it is by no means over (for the soul once occupying that body),
...until it is (kaivalya), until we swim in the currents of the divine.
Jai Guru ! 🙏🪷
Hi Adam, i used to be part of Satyananda & Sivananda traditions for many years but moved on with all due respects to them. I did practice ashtanga vinyasa for several years while living in Thailand & when I was younger. I love blending styles this is my personal approach in practice & teaching. I found many styles synergistic & complementary rather than conflicting & rigid, it is an art to explore this area which i have been doing for years. Yet, instead of encouragement, i was often criticised within the Ananda communities for looking at the ashtanga practice & within ashtanga community i was looked down by some for my ananda connections & influences. Those dynamics made me reflect & learn something too. I also love Buddhism - the vipassana & metta bhavana technical part of it & of course see the connections between traditional hindu yoga & buddhism. I certainly saw how buddhsits overlook asanas, ashtangis overlook inner yoga practices & anandas specially the Satyananda Tradition overlooks Hatha & overemphasizes Karma Yoga. I found those imbalances actually conflicting with the message of Yoga in the vast sense as a way of life & path to returning. I am surprised at Sharath Ji's sudden & early departure, RIP & gratitude to his contribution to modern mainstream yoga. Within all yoga communities there have been controversies & scandals. Hopefully, we all learn from all of it. Yoga shows the way. Hari OM.
Thank you for your message here. I have had the same experience... I am more of a lone practitioner now since I can not really relate to any of the more pyramidal dogmatic styles and feel personally like you a weaving through me of probably 80 000 lifetimes on earth and different traditions running through my being all returning to holdong space from my heart where ever i am and what ever I do. Recognizing the depth when you spend everyday living your yoga, and realizing how this looks like for me today is combining the essence of metta bhavana ayur yoga vital fisiom yoga yoga therapy hatha vinyasa qigong and a blend of being a channel in the moment and continue learning from my own daily practice and giving more then 12000 practices over many years adapting to the individual that I have before me. Loving acupressure points meridian consciousness in a posture feeling the energy affecting this present moment as is..... etc. And it is a lineage that vibrates within me of Yoga and also the pure creative channel that is ever transforming itself into its own language and embodyment....
Thank you adam for your sharing. I have never been able to join the ashtanga world as such but love your teacher Mark and Kino and learn from every bodies journey and sincerity Thank you
Thank you for sharing Adam. Nice to hear your story.
That was very moving, Adam. I am not an Ashtanga practitioner, but have come through a lineage and very much relate to a lot of what you said here so thank you so much for your honesty. I've often found myself looking at what everyone else is saying about the tradition or the teachers or their experience, and wondering why I don't feel it the same way. It's been a cocktail of emotions for me too trying to find that connection, trying to find a way in that feels right. And yet, in many ways, being on the fringes also suits me. It's an active choice, maybe. Anyway, again just to say thanks and all the very best to you at this difficult time.
No heart for you
I hear you
thanks for sharing these memories.
I met Sharath-ji when he was 29. It was a totally different scene from 2000 to now. Pattabhi Jois taught me every day with a group of only 6 others in the primary series (this was in the original shala, not in Gokulam), so I only had casual interactions with Sharath. But many fond memories remain of his quiet nature and demeanour. I went on to study and explore back bends for 13 years under a teacher in Mysore whom many Ashtanga students also visited at one time....But these early seeds and connections remain a central thread of one's learning and development.... lasting a lifetime. I enjoyed listening to your letter.
Thank you for honesty and sharing 🙏
Beautiful words. Writing also heals ❤
Beautiful, Adam. Thank you for sharing. 🙏❤🩹
Thank you Adam for these words and for sharing your story and what you experienced with Sharath. For me who didn't manage to go to Mysore yet it was really informative.
Thank you, Adam 🙏
Thank you Adam❤
JUST LEARNED AND SHOCKED!!!!!
Great podcast eps. Brave (but good) of you to disclose your mixed feelings. Was interested in your words that Sharath was "broken" -- do you mean physically? You said it in the context of Pattabhi Jois having put a lot of pressure on Sharath. Apologies in advance if what I write next is ignorant/controversial, but I'll lumber forward anyway. It's interesting to me that Sharath died of a heart attack in his early 50s and Maty died at 55 years. Both supposedly in superior health, both extreme athletes of sort. Certainly Ashtanga Gurus. Possibly no parallel at all, but I did think it (ie two very fit people cut short young). Also interesting re Sharath given Patthabhi lived to 93. RIP.
Heart disease is the number one killer of people around the world. Could be blocked arteries, could be genetic, could be related to the long trip he took to get to the states, and I believe he had rheumatic fever as a kid. My dad had a massive heart attack at 50. He survived only because we lived near a world class hospital at the time. But he never fully recovered. Then we see people who partied their whole lives and they live to 80 and beyond. Sometimes it doesn’t make any sense.
❤
Beautiful. Thank you 🙏
We lost a great teacher. Having so many travel workshops may have put a lot of pressure on Sharath. There may be a little pressure within him to take the torch from his grandfather, who most people regard as the master among masters.
He was too young, in my opinion. But, such is fate. 🙏🪷✨
Journey well, guruji. You dutifully carried on what your grandfather started, so that thousands, perhaps millions would be benefitted in mind, body, spirit.
Jai Jai Jai 🌸🔥
Thank you Adam ❤