In solidarity with the women who bravely came forward to say they had been physically abused by Pattabhi Jois at the Ashtanga Yoga Center in Mysore, India, I want to acknowledge this statement by his grandson (my teacher), Sharath, on the subject, even though I am too late to share it here. Sharath’s statement was also painfully late, and has since been deleted. Here it is (was):
“Growing up I was very close to my grandparents. When I recall learning asana from my grandfather it brings me immense pain that I also witnessed him giving improper adjustments. I did not understand and felt helpless. I am sorry that it caused pain for any of his students. After all these years I still feel the pain from my grandfather’s actions.
We must have zero tolerance towards abuse, mishandling, or touching students inappropriately. Teachers should respect students at all times.
We all have a responsibility to govern the teachings and protect against wrongs. Many times I have wondered why the senior students who were at the Lakshmipuram shala did not support the other students when they saw these things occur? They have moved on to become famous teachers worldwide. Why did they not act in support of their fellow students, peers, girlfriends, boyfriends, wives, husbands, friends and speak against this?
My grandfather was my guru. He taught me everything I know about Asana, and I loved him, but I’m extremely sorry for those students who are going through this trauma. I understand your pain. It is my humble request to all those students harmed to forgive him for his actions. By acknowledging the past wrongs I hope you will be relieved from this terrible burden. It is my sincere hope that we can prevent abuse from ever happening again.
Namaskara 🙏🙏🙏”
For anyone wanting to know more, I recommend checking out Sarai’s take on it or the New Yorker who wrote a good article on the background of this story.
Salam, Annabel
Ashtanga Yoga Beirut 