Dear Students and Friends,
As some of you are aware, K. Pattabhi Jois, who Jocelyne and I learned yoga with from 1991 until his death in 2009, has been accused of multiple instances of sexual abuse. Jocelyne and I have been engaging in serious thought and discussion about this, as well as speaking with friends, family, and therapists, all in an effort to understand how to deal with the pain of a fallen teacher, the pain of abused students, and the pain of
those who trusted him.
We have posted our thoughts on our website, which can be read here. We would also like to share three other resources:
1. Several weeks ago I recorded an episode of the Epic Journey podcast with Leanne Woehlke where we discussed this issue. If you would like to listen to that podcast, you can do so here. If you would like to only listen to the portion where we discuss Pattabhi Jois, you can follow
this link here, though it is slightly out of context. Please note that I was not expecting that I would discuss this during our podcast, so you will hear my unedited, unprepared thoughts and feelings.
2. Spiros and Erica of the LA Yoga Club are hosting a gathering called Kinship: A Gathering of Yogis, to explore and discuss the issues and challenges facing the Ashtanga Yoga communities. It will be moderated by An Olive Branch, an organization that helps communities navigate the trauma of
unethical relationships between spiritual leaders and their followers, promote understanding and healing, and provide procedures to reduce the likelihood of abuse to occur again. All, without reserve, are welcome to this gathering.
We hope that by sharing the letter on our website, as well as the thoughts in Leanne's podcast, that we can answer some questions that some of you may have about our thoughts and feelings on this issue.
With love,
Eddie and Jocelyne
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