Featuring: Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Sharath Rangaswamy, Willem Dafoe and Gwyneth Paltrow
It seemed fitting on the coming of the 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11th attacks that I cover a New York documentary made during that time. According to the producers, this documentary was meant as a “concert film” celebrating the Ashtanga style of yoga and it’s living guru at the time, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Affectionately known as “Guruji” which means teacher, he was on his last North American tour. During the making of the film, Guruji was holding master classes at Chelsea Piers with Ashtanga yogis from around the country. His family also accompanied him, his children, his wife, (whose birthday is on Sept. 11th) and his grandson, a beautiful young man named Sharath Rangaswamy.
This documentary is a loving tribute to all who love and practice Ashtanga yoga with devotion, especially the New Yorkers and their small studio on Broome Street. The devotees who are interviewed for the film exude a brightness and equanimity that comes through in their enthusiasm to try to explain their practice. Along with the regulars, there is also a few famous folk, among them, Willem Defoe and Gwyneth Paltrow who blend in with the regular devotees during the master class footage.
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois was 86 when he gave these last master classes and he appears to be in perpetual serenity or bemusement. He devoted his life to teaching this style of yoga and it shows in his dedication to helping out students with challenging poses. He is seen very focused on the students, participating in a ceremony, or receiving students touching his feet!
The film takes a turn in tone when on the day of Sept. 11th, the students and one of the main teachers from the NY yoga studio are seen giving a cupcake to Sri K. Pattabhi Jois’ wife. Then, immediately afterward, the awful footage of Sept. 11th burning Twin Towers, and the immediate response from the NY Ashtanga yoga community. The studio continues to hold the classes in the days following the attacks, to everyone’s relief and a special ceremony commemorates the people who died in the tragedy. One of the teachers tells the viewers that the prayers that are read during the ceremony are from ancient texts thousands of years old; it wasn’t just invented for the occasion.
The viewer gets a small glimpse into the power and saving grace of a devoted yoga practice. One of the most moving parts of the film occurs when Sri K. Pattabhi Jois is seen wearing a fireman’s shirt during a Ashtanga led class. He is giving instructions just as he did before but in clear solidarity. He doesn’t say much in direct address to his students but his presence is reassuring.
