Pattabi Jois died today at 4:45 AM NY Time

Between my second and third sun salutation John stopped the class today to tell us that Pattabi Jois (center) passed away today.

He asked us to sit down for a minute and think about the greatness of this man, and the fact that we are in the studio every day, doing this type of yoga, and enjoying its benefits thanks to him.

As John helped me in Marichasana D I asked him if he was sad. "That is not the right word", he answered. He seemed confused. I guess we all are. To John, Guruji as Pattabi Jois is lovingly called, was like a "grandfather", someone he loved and respected very deeply, someone who guided him on this amazing path.

Even though he never taught me directly and I only saw him a few times when in Mysore last year, I dared share my own experience of Guruji with John too. The thing about him is that his famous quote "Do your practice and all is coming", has taken new meanings as time goes by. As I keep practicing (and by "practicing", is my understanding, he meant "focus on God"), I realize that the "all" that is "coming" changes.

When I started practicing I wanted a good body, I wanted to be a certified teacher, and I wanted to be able to do all of those hard core asanas. Today I have love in my life, and "all" means sharing with the man I love, while building a life together and sharing yoga with the world.

Ultimately I know that through the desires we get closer and closer to the core, and perhaps one day, in one lifetime or another one I will only want God.

John told us that in Indian tradition the spirit is still very attached to the body for the first 12 days, and then, on day 12 there is a dramatic detachment. Prayers will be heard throughout the world in his name.

Today from 11 to 1 there will be prayers at the Ganesha temple at 430 Broom street (Eddie Stern's shala).

In gratitude to my teachers. Namaste.