An Ode to Yoga Teachers: Honoring the Guides Who Lead Us

An Ode to Yoga Teachers: Honoring the Guides Who Lead Us

This week brought heartbreaking news to the Ashtanga community with the passing of beloved Sharath Jois. His influence in the lineage of Ashtanga yoga was profound, and his departure leaves a void felt by practitioners around the world. This loss inspired me to reflect on the significance of yoga teachers—the guides who shape our practice, help us navigate challenges, and sometimes, lead us even beyond their physical presence.

As a home practitioner, discovering Ashtanga yoga through Kino MacGregor’s Om Stars platform was a blessing. Through it, I developed a daily practice and connected with teachers who studied directly with the founders of the Ashtanga lineage. Practicing at home, without in-person guidance, can feel overwhelming, especially with the vastness of online resources, diverse styles, and potential barriers like accessibility and reliable information. Finding the right teacher in such an environment isn’t always straightforward, but the impact of a good one is unmistakable.

If you’re looking for a teacher, my best advice is to seek someone with a deeply rooted personal practice—someone who has an established daily practice and a strong connection to their own teacher. This relationship is vital because it means they have walked the path you are embarking on and can offer grounded and experienced advice when you encounter the inevitable obstacles of practice. An experienced teacher has often encountered the same challenges or knows where to find solutions, and that wisdom is invaluable for guiding you through your own journey. Whether online or in person, having a teacher is a crucial support in yoga.

There may come a time when we lose our teacher, through various circumstances, which can leave us feeling disoriented or uninspired. This, too, is a reality of practice. In such moments, staying connected—whether by email, social media, or other means can help keep the relationship alive. Reflecting on what we’ve learned from them can deepen our appreciation for the teachings and, in turn, reignite our passion for practice. Even in the absence of a teacher, the lessons they imparted remain with us, serving as a continued source of inspiration.

The Ashtanga community is currently feeling this loss deeply, but it is a community of resilience, discipline, gratitude and deep connection. As we honor the teachings of both Pattabhi Jois and Sharath Jois, we continue to carry forward the light they brought to the practice. I am profoundly grateful to the teachers at Om Stars and Miami Life Center who have guided me and remain a steady presence in my life on this path.

Yoga is foremost a healing practice. When faced with loss, we can find refuge within our practice, allowing ourselves space, and remembering that time is one of the greatest healers. In gratitude for all teachers who walk with us, even in spirit, may we continue to honor their legacy through our dedicated practice.

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