My name is Hagar Shalev. I am in the final stages before submitting my thesis work for a graduate degree at Haifa University's, Faculty of Humanities in the Asian Studies department. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in East Asia and Indian Studies from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. My thesis work dealt with socio-political, mythical and ritual changes in the religious experience in the cult of Mahāsū Devtā. My research interests are: Himalayans' religions/ traditions, roots of Yoga, modern Yoga and yogic philosophy, Gandhi's thought and Structure of Hindu Society. I believe that being associated with the "Asian Sphere" program will allow me to develop, both professionally and personally, and have the advantage of being introduced to a wider, international, scientific community, and exposed to a greater array of ideas.