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Yoga — A Way of Life Questions & Answers | Class 6 English | CBSE NCERT
Chapter-wise questions and answers for Yoga — A Way of Life in Class 6 English, with a clear summary, key points, and exam-ready model answers.
What you will find on this page: a clear chapter summary, revision notes, word meanings, important questions, MCQs, and exam-ready question answers for Class 6 English.
After reviewing the chapter explanation, answer the short-answer, long-answer, extract-based, and objective questions below.
About 79 min readYoga — A Way of LifeUpdated 29 Sep 2026
Questions and answers
1 marks · mcq
1. 1. Where did yoga originate? (MCQ)
(a) In ancient China
(b) In ancient India
(c) In modern America
(d) In ancient Greece
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India. The word 'Yoga' comes from the Sanskrit root 'yuj', which means 'to join' or 'to unite'. This symbolises the unity of mind and body; thought and action; harmony between human and nature. It is a holistic approach to health and well-being.
Show answer
(b) — The extract clearly states that yoga is a practice that originated in ancient India.
1 marks · mcq
2. 2. The word 'Yoga' comes from the Sanskrit root: (MCQ)
(a) yuj
(b) yogi
(c) union
(d) yuga
Show answer
(a) — The word 'Yoga' comes from the Sanskrit root 'yuj', which means 'to join' or 'to unite'.
1 marks · mcq
3. 3. What does the root word 'yuj' mean? (MCQ)
(a) to stretch the body
(b) to join or to unite
(c) to breathe slowly
(d) to sit still
Show answer
(b) — 'Yuj' means 'to join' or 'to unite'.
1 marks · direct
4. 4. One-word question: From which language does the root word of 'Yoga' come? (One word)
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Sanskrit
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5. 5. What does yoga symbolise, according to the extract? (Short answer)
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Yoga symbolises the unity of mind and body, of thought and action, and harmony between human beings and nature.
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6. 6. What do you understand by the statement that yoga is 'a holistic approach to health and well-being'? (Short answer — inference)
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It means that yoga looks after the whole person together — the body, the mind and the spirit — rather than treating them separately. It aims at complete health and well-being, not just physical fitness.
1 marks · mcq
7. 7. Who presented the ancient tradition of yoga in a systematic way? (MCQ)
(a) Sage Valmiki
(b) Sage Patanjali
(c) Sage Vyasa
(d) The World Health Organisation
It is a holistic approach to health and well-being. Sage Patanjali presented the ancient tradition of yoga in a systematic way in 'Yoga Sutras of Patanjali'. He described yoga as the means to make the mind quiet and free from all distractions. Yoga has become increasingly popular around the world due to its many health benefits.
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(b) — Sage Patanjali presented yoga systematically in the 'Yoga Sutras of Patanjali'.
1 marks · mcq
8. 8. In which work did Sage Patanjali present yoga? (MCQ)
(a) The Vedas
(b) The Ramayana
(c) Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
(d) Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā
Show answer
(c) — He presented the ancient tradition of yoga in a systematic way in the 'Yoga Sutras of Patanjali'.
1 marks · mcq
9. 9. How did Sage Patanjali describe yoga? (MCQ)
(a) As a way to win competitions
(b) As the means to make the mind quiet and free from all distractions
(c) As a form of dance
(d) As a treatment for illness only
Show answer
(b) — He described yoga as the means to make the mind quiet and free from all distractions.
1 marks · mcq
10. 10. State whether the following is True or False: Yoga has become less popular over the years. (True/False)
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False — Yoga has become increasingly popular around the world due to its many health benefits.
1 marks · direct
11. 11. Why has yoga become popular around the world? (Short answer)
Show answer
Yoga has become increasingly popular around the world due to its many health benefits, such as making the body strong and the mind calm.
1 marks · direct
12. 12. In the extract, the word 'distractions' means: (Short answer — vocabulary)
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'Distractions' means disturbances — the things that pull the mind away and do not let it stay quiet or focused. Patanjali describes yoga as a way to free the mind from all such distractions.
1 marks · mcq
13. 13. What are yoga postures also called? (MCQ)
(a) Pranayamas
(b) Asanas
(c) Sutras
(d) Kriyas
Yoga has become increasingly popular around the world due to its many health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of yoga — Yoga postures (asanas) help to stretch and strengthen the muscles, increase flexibility, endurance and balance. This can improve overall physical fitness. This can also help to reduce body pains, such as lower back pain.
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(b) — Yoga postures are called asanas.
1 marks · mcq
14. 14. According to the extract, asanas help to reduce: (MCQ)
(a) hair fall
(b) eyesight problems
(c) body pains, such as lower back pain
(d) fever and cold
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(c) — Asanas can also help to reduce body pains, such as lower back pain.
1 marks · mcq
15. 15. In the extract, the word 'endurance' means: (MCQ)
(a) the capacity to continue without giving up
(b) the ability to bend easily
(c) great speed
(d) physical height
Show answer
(a) — 'Endurance' is the capacity to continue an activity without giving up.
1 marks · direct
16. 16. Fill in the blank: Asanas help to stretch and strengthen the ______. (Fill in the blank)
Show answer
muscles
1 marks · direct
17. 17. List any three things that asanas do for the body, according to the extract. (Short answer)
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Asanas stretch and strengthen the muscles, increase flexibility, endurance and balance, and improve overall physical fitness. They also help reduce body pains such as lower back pain.
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18. 18. How can practising asanas improve a sportsperson's performance? (Short answer — inference)
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Strong, flexible muscles and better endurance and balance improve overall physical fitness. These very qualities help a sportsperson run longer, react quicker and stay steady, so asanas can naturally improve performance in sports.
1 marks · mcq
19. 19. Yoga involves two practices that calm the mind. They are: (MCQ)
(a) running and jumping
(b) breathing techniques and meditation
(c) singing and dancing
(d) reading and writing
Yoga involves breathing techniques and meditation, which can help to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety. It relaxes the mind, improves the quality of sleep and increases concentration.
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(b) — Yoga involves breathing techniques and meditation, which calm the mind.
1 marks · mcq
20. 20. How does yoga improve the quality of sleep? (MCQ)
(a) By tiring the body completely
(b) By relaxing the mind
(c) By making us sleep during the day
(d) By reducing exercise
Show answer
(b) — Because breathing techniques and meditation relax the mind, they improve the quality of sleep.
1 marks · mcq
21. 21. In the extract, the word 'anxiety' means: (MCQ)
(a) joy
(b) strength
(c) worry
(d) laziness
Show answer
(c) — 'Anxiety' means worry, which yoga helps to reduce.
1 marks · mcq
22. 22. State whether the following is True or False: Yoga increases concentration. (True/False)
Show answer
True — The extract says yoga improves the quality of sleep and increases concentration.
1 marks · direct
23. 23. How can yoga help a student before an examination? (Short answer — inference)
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Breathing techniques and meditation calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety. A calm, relaxed mind with better concentration is exactly what a student needs to prepare for and face an examination.
1 marks · direct
24. 24. Which benefit of yoga do you find most useful for yourself, and why? (Short answer — personal response)
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I find the increase in concentration most useful, because a focused mind helps me study better and learn faster. (Any benefit — calmness, better sleep, less stress, fitness — with a valid reason is acceptable.)
1 marks · mcq
25. 25. What has yoga been shown to boost? (MCQ)
(a) The immune system
(b) The price of fruits
(c) The number of games
(d) The weight of the body
Yoga has been shown to boost the immune system. It can improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving circulation. Yoga can aid in weight loss by burning calories, and maintaining health.
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(a) — Yoga has been shown to boost the immune system.
1 marks · mcq
26. 26. How does yoga improve heart health? (MCQ)
(a) By increasing blood pressure
(b) By lowering blood pressure and improving circulation
(c) By stopping the heartbeat
(d) By hardening the arteries
Show answer
(b) — Yoga improves heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving circulation.
1 marks · mcq
27. 27. In the extract, the word 'boost' means: (MCQ)
(a) to reduce
(b) to increase or strengthen
(c) to ignore
(d) to measure
Show answer
(b) — 'Boost' means to increase; yoga strengthens the immune system.
1 marks · direct
28. 28. Fill in the blank: Yoga can aid in ______ by burning calories. (Fill in the blank)
Show answer
weight loss
1 marks · direct
29. 29. How does yoga help in weight loss and general health? (Short answer)
Show answer
Yoga burns calories, which aids in weight loss. It also boosts the immune system and improves heart health, thereby maintaining overall health.
1 marks · direct
30. 30. A friend says, "Yoga is only for flexible people." Based on the passage, do you agree? (Short answer — personal response)
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No, I do not agree. The passage shows that yoga helps everyone — it stretches and strengthens muscles and increases flexibility, which means even beginners benefit and become more flexible over time. Yoga also calms the mind and keeps the heart healthy, which is useful for all.
1 marks · mcq
31. 31. Who launched the WHO mYoga app? (MCQ)
(a) The United Nations
(b) The World Health Organisation
(c) Sage Patanjali
(d) A private company
Yoga promotes a sense of overall well-being. This is the reason why the benefits of practising yoga are internationally recognised. The World Health Organisation (WHO) on 20 June 2021, launched an App called WHO mYoga. The app contains a collection of videos and audio files to teach and support yoga practice. The aim was to have an easy-to-use and free tool for people across the world to encourage them to practise yoga.
Show answer
(b) — The World Health Organisation (WHO) launched the app called WHO mYoga.
1 marks · mcq
32. 32. When was the WHO mYoga app launched? (MCQ)
(a) 21 June 2021
(b) 20 June 2021
(c) 11 December 2014
(d) 20 June 2020
Show answer
(b) — The WHO launched the mYoga app on 20 June 2021.
1 marks · mcq
33. 33. What does the WHO mYoga app contain? (MCQ)
(a) Games and quizzes
(b) A collection of videos and audio files to teach and support yoga practice
(c) Sport match scores
(d) Recipes for healthy food
Show answer
(b) — The app contains a collection of videos and audio files to teach and support yoga practice.
1 marks · direct
34. 34. One-word question: What kind of tool did WHO want mYoga to be — free or paid? (One word)
Show answer
Free
1 marks · direct
35. 35. What was the aim behind launching the WHO mYoga app? (Short answer)
Show answer
The aim was to have an easy-to-use and free tool for people across the world to encourage them to practise yoga.
1 marks · direct
36. 36. What does the launch of the WHO mYoga app tell us about yoga? (Short answer — inference)
Show answer
It tells us that the benefits of practising yoga are internationally recognised. An organisation as important as the World Health Organisation created a free app to encourage people everywhere to practise yoga, showing how valuable yoga is for the whole world.
1 marks · mcq
37. 37. When can we start practising yoga? (MCQ)
(a) Only on 21 June
(b) Only after joining a class
(c) At any given moment of time
(d) Only in old age
We can start practising yoga at any given moment of time. We must remember that when we practise yoga asanas (postures), we do not just stretch the body. The mind has to be with the body. This is the reason why it should be practised without distractions.
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(c) — We can start practising yoga at any given moment of time.
1 marks · mcq
38. 38. What happens when we practise yoga asanas? (MCQ)
(a) Only the body stretches
(b) The mind and body work together, so we do not just stretch the body
(c) Only the mind relaxes
(d) Nothing happens
Show answer
(b) — When we practise asanas, we do not just stretch the body; the mind has to be with the body.
1 marks · mcq
39. 39. Why should yoga be practised without distractions? (MCQ)
(a) Because the mind has to be with the body during practice
(b) Because noise damages the muscles
(c) Because asanas must be done in the dark
(d) Because yoga takes many hours
Show answer
(a) — Since the mind has to be with the body in every posture, yoga should be practised without distractions.
1 marks · mcq
40. 40. State whether the following is True or False: In yoga, only physical stretching matters. (True/False)
Show answer
False — When we practise asanas, we do not just stretch the body; the mind has to be with the body.
1 marks · direct
41. 41. Explain the statement "The mind has to be with the body." (Short answer)
Show answer
It means that while doing yoga postures, we must be fully attentive to what our body is doing, instead of letting the mind wander. Yoga unites body and mind, so both must work together during practice.
1 marks · direct
42. 42. Why do you think distractions harm the practice of yoga? (Short answer — inference)
Show answer
If the mind is distracted, it is not 'with' the body, and the stretch becomes mere physical exercise. The unity of mind and body — the very heart of yoga — is lost, so the practice no longer remains a true yogic practice.
1 marks · mcq
43. 43. What makes our practice a true yogic practice? (MCQ)
(a) Doing many asanas quickly
(b) Coordinating each stretch with the breath and awareness
(c) Practising only in a group
(d) Stretching as far as possible
This is the reason why it should be practised without distractions. If each stretch is coordinated with the breath and awareness, our practice will become a yogic practise.
Show answer
(b) — If each stretch is coordinated with the breath and awareness, the practice becomes a yogic practice.
1 marks · mcq
44. 44. According to the extract, yoga should be practised: (MCQ)
(a) with friends nearby
(b) without distractions
(c) only in the morning
(d) with music playing
Show answer
(b) — Because the mind has to be with the body, yoga should be practised without distractions.
1 marks · mcq
45. 45. In the extract, the word 'coordinated' means: (MCQ)
(a) separated
(b) matched or brought into harmony
(c) rushed
(d) repeated
Show answer
(b) — 'Coordinated' means matched or brought into harmony — the stretch, the breath and the awareness work together.
1 marks · direct
46. 46. Fill in the blank: If each stretch is coordinated with the ______ and awareness, our practice will become a yogic practise. (Fill in the blank)
Show answer
breath
1 marks · direct
47. 47. How is awareness important in yoga, according to the extract? (Short answer)
Show answer
Awareness makes every stretch mindful. When each stretch is performed with awareness of the body and coordination with the breath, the practice becomes a true yogic practice rather than mere exercise.
1 marks · direct
48. 48. What can you do to make sure your surroundings do not distract you during yoga practice? (Short answer — personal response)
Show answer
I can choose a quiet corner or room, keep away mobile phones and switch off the television. Practising at a calm time of the day, such as early morning, also helps me stay free of distractions. (Any sensible answer is acceptable.)
2 marks · short
49. 1. What is yoga, and where did it originate?
Show answer
Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice. It originated in ancient India.
2 marks · short
50. 2. From which word does 'Yoga' come, and what does that word mean?
Show answer
The word 'Yoga' comes from the Sanskrit root 'yuj'. 'Yuj' means 'to join' or 'to unite'.
2 marks · short
51. 3. What does yoga symbolise?
Show answer
Yoga symbolises the unity of mind and body, and of thought and action. It also stands for harmony between human beings and nature.
2 marks · short
52. 4. What is Sage Patanjali's contribution to yoga?
Show answer
Sage Patanjali presented the ancient tradition of yoga in a systematic way in the 'Yoga Sutras of Patanjali'. He described yoga as the means to make the mind quiet and free from all distractions.
2 marks · short
53. 5. How do yoga postures (asanas) help the body?
Show answer
Asanas help to stretch and strengthen the muscles. They increase flexibility, endurance and balance, improve overall physical fitness and can reduce body pains such as lower back pain.
2 marks · short
54. 6. How do breathing techniques and meditation help the mind?
Show answer
Breathing techniques and meditation help to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety. They relax the mind, improve the quality of sleep and increase concentration.
2 marks · short
55. 7. How does yoga improve heart health?
Show answer
Yoga improves heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving circulation. In this way it keeps the heart working well.
2 marks · short
56. 8. How can yoga help a person who wants to lose weight?
Show answer
Yoga can aid in weight loss by burning calories. Along with its other benefits, it helps in maintaining overall health.
2 marks · short
57. 9. Why has yoga become popular around the world?
Show answer
Yoga has become increasingly popular around the world due to its many health benefits. It makes the body fit and the mind calm and stress-free.
2 marks · short
58. 10. What is the WHO mYoga app, and what does it contain?
Show answer
The WHO mYoga app is an app launched by the World Health Organisation on 20 June 2021. It contains a collection of videos and audio files to teach and support yoga practice.
2 marks · short
59. 11. What was the aim of launching the WHO mYoga app?
Show answer
The aim was to have an easy-to-use and free tool for people across the world. It was meant to encourage people everywhere to practise yoga.
2 marks · short
60. 12. What does the word 'holistic' mean in the phrase 'a holistic approach to health and well-being'?
Show answer
'Holistic' means dealing with the whole rather than parts. Yoga takes care of the body, mind and spirit together for complete health and well-being.
2 marks · short
61. 13. What is meant by 'endurance', and how does yoga build it?
Show answer
'Endurance' is the capacity to continue an activity without giving up. Yoga postures stretch and strengthen the muscles over time, which increases endurance.
2 marks · short
62. 14. What are 'distractions', according to the passage?
Show answer
Distractions are disturbances that pull the mind away from the body. Since the mind has to be with the body during asanas, yoga should be practised without distractions.
2 marks · short
63. 15. When can a person start practising yoga?
Show answer
We can start practising yoga at any given moment of time. There is no fixed age or special occasion needed to begin.
2 marks · short
64. 16. Why should yoga be practised without distractions?
Show answer
When we practise asanas, we do not just stretch the body — the mind has to be with the body. Distractions break this mind-body unity, so yoga should be practised without them.
2 marks · short
65. 17. When does our practice become a yogic practice?
Show answer
Our practice becomes a yogic practice when each stretch is coordinated with the breath and awareness. Then body, breath and mind act as one.
2 marks · short
66. 18. What is '21 June' known as, and when was this proposal accepted by the United Nations?
Show answer
21 June is celebrated as International Yoga Day. The United Nations General Assembly, with 193 members, accepted the proposal on 11 December 2014.
2 marks · short
67. 19. How can yoga specifically help school students?
Show answer
Yoga increases concentration, which helps students study better. It also reduces stress and anxiety, and improves the quality of sleep, keeping students fresh and calm.
2 marks · short
68. 20. What does the popularity of yoga across the world tell us about ancient Indian wisdom?
Show answer
It tells us that the ancient Indian practice of yoga has timeless value. Its benefits are internationally recognised — so much so that the WHO launched a free app to encourage the whole world to practise it.
3 marks · short
69. 1. What is the aim of yoga, according to Sage Patanjali?
Show answer
According to Sage Patanjali, yoga is the means to make the mind quiet and free from all distractions. The very word 'yoga' comes from 'yuj', meaning 'to join' or 'to unite'. Thus the aim of yoga is to unite the mind and body, bring harmony between thought and action, and lead a person towards overall health and well-being. It is not merely a set of exercises but a way of calming and focusing the whole self.
3 marks · short
70. 2. Explain the idea of unity in yoga.
Show answer
Unity is the heart of yoga. The word 'yoga' itself comes from the Sanskrit root 'yuj', which means 'to join' or 'to unite'. This joining happens at many levels — the unity of mind and body, where the mind stays with the body in every posture, and the unity of thought and action, where what we think and what we do become one. Yoga also speaks of harmony between human beings and nature. In practice, this unity is achieved when each stretch is coordinated with the breath and awareness, making the practice a true yogic one.
3 marks · short
71. 3. Describe the physical benefits of yoga.
Show answer
Yoga offers many physical benefits. Yoga postures, or asanas, help to stretch and strengthen the muscles. They increase flexibility, endurance and balance, which improves overall physical fitness. Regular practice can also reduce body pains, such as lower back pain. In addition, yoga boosts the immune system, improves heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving circulation, and can even aid in weight loss by burning calories. Together, these benefits help in maintaining health and promoting a sense of overall well-being.
3 marks · short
72. 4. Describe the mental and emotional benefits of yoga.
Show answer
Yoga is as good for the mind as for the body. It involves breathing techniques and meditation, which calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety. The mind becomes relaxed, and the quality of sleep improves, so a person feels fresh and rested. Yoga also increases concentration, which helps in studies and work. Sage Patanjali described yoga as the means to make the mind quiet and free from all distractions. Thus yoga brings peace, focus and emotional balance.
3 marks · short
73. 5. What does the launch of the WHO mYoga app tell us about the importance of yoga?
Show answer
The launch of the WHO mYoga app shows that the benefits of practising yoga are internationally recognised. The World Health Organisation, a global body for health, launched this app on 20 June 2021 to teach and support yoga practice through videos and audio files. The aim was to create an easy-to-use and free tool for people across the world to encourage them to practise yoga. When an organisation of this standing promotes yoga, it proves that yoga is not just an Indian tradition but a valuable health practice for all of humanity.
3 marks · short
74. 6. Explain in your own words: "The mind has to be with the body."
Show answer
This statement means that yoga is not just physical exercise. When we practise asanas, we do not merely stretch the body; the mind must be fully present in every movement. If the body is in a posture but the mind is wandering elsewhere, the practice loses its meaning. This is why yoga should be practised without distractions. When each stretch is coordinated with the breath and awareness, the body and mind act together, and the practice becomes a true yogic practice. This is the unity of mind and body that yoga stands for.
3 marks · short
75. 7. Why is yoga called 'a holistic approach to health and well-being'?
Show answer
Yoga is called holistic because it cares for the whole person rather than a single part. It is a physical practice, since asanas stretch and strengthen the muscles; a mental practice, since breathing techniques and meditation calm the mind and improve concentration; and a spiritual practice, since it unites the mind and body and brings harmony between humans and nature. It helps physical fitness, sleep, immunity, heart health and weight, all at once. Because it treats body, mind and spirit together, yoga is truly a holistic approach to health and well-being.
3 marks · short
76. 8. Why is the title 'Yoga — A Way of Life' suitable for this chapter?
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The title is suitable because the chapter presents yoga as much more than an exercise routine. Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice that can be started at any given moment of time and continued lifelong. It unites the mind and body, calms the mind, improves sleep and concentration, keeps the heart healthy and boosts immunity — touching every part of daily living. Even the way it is done, with awareness and breath coordinated with each stretch, turns every moment of practice into a way of living mindfully. Yoga is not something we do for an hour; it is a habit that shapes our whole life.
3 marks · short
77. 9. According to the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, why should asana be practised?
Show answer
According to the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, asana is the first accessory of Haṭha Yoga, which is why it is described first. The shloka says that asana should be practised for gaining steady posture, health and lightness of the body. This means regular practice of asanas makes the body stable and healthy, and makes it feel light and free. This ancient teaching matches the chapter's message that asanas stretch and strengthen the muscles and improve physical fitness.
3 marks · short
78. 10. Describe one long-term effect that the regular practice of yoga can have on a person's qualities.
Show answer
One long-term effect of regular yoga practice is a calm and disciplined mind. Since yoga is the means to make the mind quiet and free from all distractions, a person who practises it over the years learns to control stress and worry instead of being controlled by them. Improved concentration makes the person focused in whatever he or she does, and better sleep keeps the mind fresh and positive. Along with this, the body stays strong, flexible and healthy, which builds energy and confidence. In this way, yoga slowly shapes a person into a calmer, healthier and more balanced human being.
5 marks · broad
79. 1. Trace the journey of yoga from ancient India to the modern world.
Show answer
Yoga began as a physical, mental and spiritual practice in ancient India. Seals of the Sindhu-Sarasvati Civilisation, dating back to 2700 BC, indicate that yoga was prevalent in ancient India, and many people contributed to its development. Sage Patanjali later presented this ancient tradition in a systematic way in the 'Yoga Sutras of Patanjali', describing yoga as the means to make the mind quiet and free from all distractions. Over the centuries, yoga has now spread all over the world and has become increasingly popular due to its many health benefits. Its benefits are internationally recognised — the World Health Organisation launched a free app called WHO mYoga on 20 June 2021 to teach and support yoga practice across the world. Earlier, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly, with 193 members, had accepted the proposal to celebrate 21 June as International Yoga Day. Thus, an ancient Indian practice has become a global way of life.
5 marks · broad
80. 2. Describe the health benefits of yoga in detail, as given in the chapter.
Show answer
The chapter lists an impressive range of health benefits that touch the whole person. On the physical side, yoga postures or asanas help to stretch and strengthen the muscles and increase flexibility, endurance and balance. This improves overall physical fitness and can even reduce body pains, such as lower back pain. Yoga has also been shown to boost the immune system, which helps the body fight illness. It improves heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving circulation. In addition, yoga can aid in weight loss by burning calories and helps in maintaining health. On the mental side, yoga involves breathing techniques and meditation, which calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety. The mind gets relaxed, the quality of sleep improves, and concentration increases. Above all, yoga promotes a sense of overall well-being — a complete package of body, mind and spirit — which is why its benefits are internationally recognised.
5 marks · broad
81. 3. Who was Sage Patanjali, and what is his importance in the history of yoga?
Show answer
Sage Patanjali is the ancient sage who gave yoga its systematic form. The chapter tells us that he presented the ancient tradition of yoga in a systematic way in his work, the 'Yoga Sutras of Patanjali'. Before him, yoga was an ancient tradition practised in India — as old as the seals of the Sindhu-Sarasvati Civilisation of 2700 BC suggest — but Patanjali organised this knowledge into a clear, structured path. He described yoga as the means to make the mind quiet and free from all distractions, giving yoga its deep purpose: not merely physical fitness, but the calming and uniting of the mind. His description matches the very meaning of the word 'yoga', from the Sanskrit root 'yuj', meaning 'to join' or 'to unite'. Thanks to his systematic presentation, yoga could be learnt and handed down through generations, and today it has spread all over the world. Every modern student of yoga, anywhere on earth, is following the path that Patanjali set out.
5 marks · broad
82. 4. "Yoga is not just physical exercise; it is a way of life." Justify this statement with evidence from the chapter.
Show answer
The chapter gives ample proof that yoga is a complete way of life rather than a mere workout. First, yoga is described as a physical, mental and spiritual practice — it looks after the whole person at once, a truly holistic approach to health and well-being. Second, its very name, from the Sanskrit root 'yuj', means 'to join' or 'to unite': the unity of mind and body, thought and action, and harmony between humans and nature. Third, the chapter reminds us that when we practise asanas, we do not just stretch the body — the mind has to be with the body, and each stretch must be coordinated with the breath and awareness. This mindfulness is meant to spread from the yoga mat into daily life, keeping us calm and focused everywhere. Fourth, yoga can be started at any given moment of time and practised lifelong, whatever one's age. Finally, its worldwide adoption — the WHO mYoga app and International Yoga Day on 21 June — shows whole communities, not just individuals, living around yoga. All this makes yoga truly a way of life.
5 marks · broad
83. 5. What values and habits can students learn from the practice of yoga? How can the idea of 'the mind with the body' help you in your studies?
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Yoga teaches students values and habits that last a lifetime. It builds discipline, because yoga asks to be practised regularly and without distractions, with awareness in every stretch. It teaches patience and self-care, since flexibility, endurance and balance grow slowly with daily effort. It encourages harmony with nature and respect for one's own body. The habit of breathing techniques and meditation gives students a tool to calm the mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and sleep better — habits that keep both body and mind healthy. The idea of 'the mind with the body' is a golden rule for studies too. When we study with full attention — the mind present with the book, just as it is present with the body in yoga — our concentration increases and we learn faster. Deep, aware breathing before an examination can steady a nervous mind. Even in sports and schoolwork, the yoga lesson of uniting thought and action means we do one thing at a time, with the whole mind. In short, yoga trains a student to be calm, focused and disciplined in every part of life.
5 marks · broad
84. 6. How can you make yoga a part of your daily life? Design a simple routine for yourself.
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The chapter says that we can start practising yoga at any given moment of time, and I can begin today. A simple routine I can follow is this: I will wake up early and find a quiet corner of my room or the courtyard, away from mobile phones and television, because yoga should be practised without distractions. I will begin with five minutes of breathing exercises to calm and wake up my mind. Then I will practise a few simple asanas for about fifteen minutes, remembering the chapter's rule that the mind has to be with the body — I will coordinate each stretch with my breath and awareness so the practice becomes a yogic practice. At the start and end of the session, I will sit quietly for two minutes of meditation, which the chapter says relaxes the mind and increases concentration. I can use the free WHO mYoga app, with its videos and audio files, to learn the postures correctly. On busy days, even ten minutes of stretching and breathing before bed will improve my sleep. Kept up daily, this routine will make me stronger, calmer and more focused — a small habit with lifelong benefits.
5 marks · broad
85. 7. Imagine your school is celebrating International Yoga Day on 21 June, and you are the school captain. Describe how you would organise the celebration and what you would tell your schoolmates about yoga.
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As school captain, I would make International Yoga Day a memorable whole-school event. I would begin with a short morning assembly speech telling everyone that 21 June was declared International Yoga Day by the United Nations General Assembly on 11 December 2014, with all 193 member countries supporting it — a proud moment for India, where yoga was born. Then we would all gather on the school ground, where yoga teachers, or students who practise yoga, would lead simple asanas for everyone. I would remind my schoolmates of two golden rules from our lesson: the mind has to be with the body, and each stretch should be coordinated with the breath and awareness — so we would do every posture slowly, silently and without distractions. We would also practise a few minutes of breathing exercises and meditation together, which calm the mind and reduce stress. I would tell my schoolmates that yoga stretches and strengthens the muscles, increases flexibility, endurance and balance, improves sleep and concentration, and even keeps the heart healthy — and that we can start at any moment, free of cost, using the WHO mYoga app. I would close by announcing a weekly yoga club, so that this ancient gift of India becomes our school's daily habit, not just a one-day celebration.
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