I chose CIHS as my
graduate school of choice for many reasons. My primary reason was to study under
Dr. Hiroshi Motoyama after I discovered his book, Theories of the Chakras, while
on retreat in India. I had spent many
years researching the interconnection between meditation, yoga, paranormal
experience, mysticism, and the kundalini process, both on a scholarly level and
through personal, spiritual practice. I was both dismayed and surprised at how
oversimplified descriptions regarding each of these areas were found, especially
in the commercial marketplace.
I
sought to find and coalesce scholarly quotes for a paradigm that distinguished
each of these subjects and respected their original meanings. For example,
rather than regarding yoga or meditation as simply methods of relaxation, the
original purpose of these practices is for spiritual evolution.
Secondly, CIHS emphasizes and requires spiritual practice and experience in its
masters and PhD programs. Spiritual experience is the greater purpose of
religious studies and yoga (Sanskrit yuj: to yoke to the divine); not
intellectual understanding alone. Ironically, some mainstream universities
regard the inclusion of experience as "nonscholarly".
Thirdly, the mission statement of CIHS deeply appealed to me for it portrays a significant global purpose for both individuals and humanity alike. Altruism and service to humanity is considered an essential outcome of CIHS.