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Academic Study of Yoga

Christopher Chapple  1, @  

1 : Loyola Marymount University

Example One: Loyola Marymount University
Equipped with a PhD in the History of Religions (Fordham, 1980) and twelve years of rigorous Yoga training under the guidance of Gurani Anjali Inti (1935-2001), I initiated a home study group focusing on the Yoga Sutra that convened from 1996-2001, gathering scholars and practitioners from a variety of disciplines and Yoga paths. This evolved into a 120 hour continuing education certificate in Yoga Philosophy, a four year training in Yoga Therapy, various university-based teacher trainings, and a certificate in Yoga and Ecology now titled Modern Yoga, Mindfulness, and Social Change. After more than a thousand people completed these various certificates, LMU administration suggested developing a graduate program. The approval process took five years. Using S-VYASA Bangalore and Somaiya Mumbai as comparator schools, the curriculum took shape: a foundations course equipping students with basic academic skills and first hand exposure to the rich array of historic Yoga centers in Los Angeles and Ojai, three semesters of Sanskrit; graduate seminar courses in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jaina traditions; and courses in Hatha Yoga texts, Comparative Mysticism, and Modern Yoga and Social Change; and a culminating project/thesis. Five years ago a concentration and a postgraduate certificate in Yoga Therapy were added. More than 100 students have graduated from the program and are engaged in a variety of pursuits. Some have earned or are earning PhDs or EdDs, some have created their own studios, many are teaching at colleges and universities. This presentation will point out key challenges, particularly finding financial aid for students. It will also highlight best-practices, including travel to India and student-initiated research projects.
 

Subject : : Round table intervention

Comment : For a panel on academic Yoga Studies programs.

Topics : Session #36: Yoga in the US Academy

Keywords : academic study of Yoga ; university

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