The original context of yoga was spiritual development practices to train the body and mind to self observe and become aware of their own nature. The purposes of yoga were to cultivate discernment, awareness, self-regulation and higher consciousness in the individual. As the split occurring between those seeking physical development versus those seeking spiritual development has widened, the lack of awareness and attention to inner experience has disconnected the practitioner from his body. Yoga is meant to be a system of increasing awareness and decreasing disease. It was able to enter into the American mainstream by presenting itself as a tool with many benefits, including reduced stress, increased relaxation and greater flexibility. It has continued to grow through American gyms as something that cultivates aerobic capacity and builds strength. But many gyms that offer yoga emphasize the physical exercise without teaching the essential self-awareness that differentiates yoga from any exercise.

 

History of the Institution

                  The Department of Yoga Studies , Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla was established in the year 1979. Initially Diploma in Yoga Studies Courses were started in the Department as Academic Courses In 1979.  In 2009 M.A in Yoga Studies was introduced as a new course . . In view of the needs of the state, in 2016  M.Phil. and Ph.D Course was started in the Department . Presently, the Department is offering four courses viz. Ph.D., M.Phil., M.A in Yoga Studies and Post Graduate Diploma in Yoga.

                  

1. Maintaining and promoting the different Indian Yoga traditions.

2. To provide extensive research facilities for carrying out fundamental research in the discipline of Yoga and its applications keeping in view the socio-economic needs of all sections of the society.

3. To prescribe different courses for imparting Yoga education, training, therapy and research.