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Yoga originated thousands of years ago in ancient India. It has now evolved from being just a spiritual and philosophical practice to a global movement which encompasses wellness, physical fitness and mindfulness. In recent years, yoga has weaved its way into higher education. Yoga's integration into higher education goes beyond physical postures. It explores the rich history of yoga, its philosophical foundations, cultural significance and its influence on mental and physical health. Yoga is often studied from historical, anthropological, psychological and health perspectives. It also studies yoga's spread through colonialism and globalization and its modern adaptations in Western contexts. The study of yoga in higher education also opens up discussions on cultural appropriation, authencity and the balance between traditional and modern practices.
Yoga classes play a significant role in reducing stress and anxiety among college students, a population that frequently reports high levels of anxiety and depression. This was highlighted in a recent study co-authored by Gregory Kane, a professor of business administration at Eastern Connecticut State University (Kane, n.d.). Research published in the National Wellness Institute Journal in June underscores the effectiveness of yoga therapy in addressing the mental health crisis among college students. The study emphasizes that yoga and mindfulness offer cost-effective, preventive strategies for improving campus-wide mental health. Gregory Kane collaborated on this study with Martha Goldstein-Schultz, a program advisor at the University of Connecticut and former Eastern faculty member (Weiss, n.d.).
In the fall of 2021, the researchers analyzed 115 Eastern students enrolled in either Hatha yoga or health education classes. Over a seven-week period, students in the yoga group attended classes three times a week, while the health education group participated in classes that included meditation and mindfulness units. The students’ perceived stress and anxiety levels were assessed before and after the intervention. Results showed that yoga participants reported lower stress and anxiety levels at the end of the course, whereas the health education group experienced no significant changes (Weiss, n.d.). The authors emphasized yoga's accessibility as a brief intervention to support mental health on campus, highlighting its potential to enhance student resilience. They noted that universities offering yoga and mindfulness courses could help students develop coping skills and reduce reliance on substances to manage stress and anxiety. These findings contribute to existing literature by demonstrating the benefits of yoga courses in lowering stress and anxiety levels among university students (Weiss, n.d.).
Kane, a kinesiologist, has conducted additional research linking mood improvement and physical activity. He has explored various fitness activities, such as basketball and karate, consistently finding that physical activity enhances mood. However, these benefits are short-lived unless the activity is sustained. Kane explained that mood improvement might result from hormonal changes, such as increased endorphins, the social aspects of exercising, or the mental distraction provided by the activity (Weiss, n.d.). He highlighted efforts at some universities, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), to actively address the connection between mental and physical health by fostering strong intramural sports cultures. At Eastern, student athletes tend to perform better academically, with higher GPAs, better retention rates, and stronger graduation rates than their peers (Weiss, n.d.). Currently, Eastern Community offers free yoga classes for students and staff, supported by the Department of Athletics. These classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Sports Center Dance Studio (Weiss, n.d.).
Scholars who brought Yoga into the Education System
Scholars who brought Yoga into the Education System
Maharishi Patanjali
Maharishi Patanjali
The Patanjali Yoga Sutras are the hallmark of the classical period of yoga. The life of Patanjali remains an enigma to modern historians, and little is known about this master who systematized yoga. Patanjali's primary objective was to define and formalize the classical form of yoga. This is also known as the Eightfold Path of Yoga or the Eight Limbs of Classical Yoga (Praveen Yoga Academy, n.d.).
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda
Over a century ago, a Hindu monk named Swami Vivekananda introduced yoga to an audience in Chicago in 1893 at the World Conference on Religions in Chicago . In the decades that followed, yoga evolved from being relatively unknown in the United States to becoming a mainstream practice (Hammond, n.d.).
The Timeline of Yoga
Vedic Period 900 BCE
Rituals and ceremonies aimed at surpassing the limitations of the mind (Praveen Yoga Academy, n.d.).
Pre Classical Period 900 to 400 BCE
The Upanishadic period, also referred to as the pre-classical period, mentioned yoga as a form of meditation. This period also saw the composition of two significant scriptures, the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad-Gita, which illustrate the history of yoga, dated approximately to 500 BCE and 200 BCE, respectively (Praveen Yoga Academy, n.d.).
Classical Period 500 to 200 BCE
The Patanjali Yoga Sutras are the hallmark of the classical period of yoga.
Post Classical Period
In the post-classical period, numerous yoga schools were established. The study of the human body became a focus, alongside meditation, which had been less emphasized in earlier periods. A new system incorporating various yoga exercises was developed. This era saw the emergence of branches like Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, and others (Praveen Yoga Academy, n.d.).
Primary Source Analysis Workshop
LEARNING ACTIVITY
Review the following articles which trace the historical context of yoga from its ancient origins to its modern adaptations, particularly in educational settings. How have these texts influenced the perception of yoga in modern education?
Primary Texts and their use in academic settings today
Upanishads
Upanishads
The Upanishads are ancient Sanskrit texts that form the philosophical basis of Hinduism, including early references to yoga practices. They date from around 800–500 BCE and explore concepts like the nature of reality, self, and the ultimate truth (Brahman). Notable Upanishads related to yoga include the Katha Upanishad, which discusses concepts like the inner self (Atman) and meditation, and the Shvetashvatara Upanishad, which delves into early yogic practices.
In modern academic study, the Upanishads are often used to examine the origins of meditation, spirituality, and philosophy. Courses in comparative religion, philosophy, and history often include readings from the Upanishads to understand the metaphysical ideas that form the backbone of yoga's spiritual practice. Scholars analyze these texts to trace the evolution of meditative practices and the idea of self-realization that later became central to yoga.
Bhagvad Gita
Bhagvad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. It presents a conversation between prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, who serves as his charioteer. In this dialogue, Krishna outlines different paths to spiritual realization, including the Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion), and Karma Yoga (the path of action).
The Gita is studied extensively in religious studies, philosophy, and literature courses. Its chapters are used to explore ethical dilemmas, the concept of duty (Dharma), and the philosophical underpinnings of yoga as a way to attain spiritual wisdom. In the context of yoga studies, it provides a framework for understanding yoga as a holistic system, not just as physical practice but as a way of life. Excerpts are often analyzed for their influence on modern interpretations of yoga, especially the concept of aligning one's actions with a higher purpose.
These texts reveal how Yoga was embedded in ancient Indian education systems, focusing on hollistic development. Universities today integrate yoga-inspired mindfulness and stress management programs. For example, Standford University offers wellness programs rooted in meditation and yoga to enhance academic performance and well-being
Experiential Learning Through Practice
LEARNING ACTIVITY
Read the following article which shows how yoga has been shown to reduce college student's stress. Then watch the 5 minute Youtube video below following along and performing the exercises as described based on your body's comfort level. How did it make you feel? Did your body feel less stressed to tackle tasks?
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