Noted Indologist, author and self-described “champion of traditional yoga,” Georg Feuerstein has died.

His wife and teaching partner, Brenda L. Feuerstein, made the following announcement on the Traditional Yoga Studies Facebook page:

It is with great sadness that I announce that my husband and spiritual partner, Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D., left his body on August 25, 2012 at 9:10 PM.

At this time, I would like to request prayers from the worldwide community for Georg’s transition through the afterlife states and for a swift rebirth.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, Georg had requested a scholarship fund be set up to enable incarcerated people the opportunity to participate in our distance learning courses. More information about the fund will be available this week.

As information about the scholarship fund emerges, I’ll post updates here on IAYB. The cause of death has not been publicly announced at this time.

Georg Feuerstein made an immense contribution to the understanding and transmission of yoga in the West. His thorough and well-researched books, including The Yoga Tradition, The Deeper Dimension of Yoga and The Bhagavad Gita: A New Translation (among many, many others), are required reading for yoga teacher training programs around the world.

In recent years, Feuerstein has worked to promote the “authentic yogic teachings” by offering distance learning courses – including an 800-hour course on the history, literature and philosophy of yoga – and mentorships. Earlier this month, he appointed his wife as the chief tutor for all his distance learning programs.

Sincerest condolences to Feuerstein’s family and students during this difficult time.