Our Center

16 percent of the German population have experience in practicing Yoga – more than 11,3 Million people! About 100.000 yoga teachers are working in Germany, 10 % of these in full-time positions. Still, the academic research in the area of yoga and meditation (other than meditation linked to Buddhism) is on a very basic level. While the study of yoga in other countries such as Great Britain, Italy or the USA has recently entered university level (Master programs in London and Venice), Germany until this day lacks an academic institution which can provide an area of research, exchange and education for interested scholars and the public.

Unique within Germany, the Center for Yoga Studies at Hamburg University will therefore fulfill important needs in teaching, research and outreach. The center will also complement existing centers at Hamburg University such as the Numata Center for Buddhist Studies, the Centre for Tantric Studies, and the Khyentse Center for Tibetan Buddhist Scholarship. We are looking forward to worldwide cooperation with other centers for Yoga Studies such as the SOAS University of London Center for Yoga Studies in Great Britain.