Yoga- A Way of Life Textbook Questions (NCERT Solutions)
Let us do these activities before we read.
- What do you know about yoga? Discuss in pairs and share with the whole class.
- What is 21st June known for? What do we do on this day?
- List as many words you know related to yoga. Share them with your classmates.
Ans.
- Yoga is a way of life promoted by ancient saints. It promotes low living which enhances physical and mental well-being.
- World Yoga day is observed on 21st June every year. Yoga enthusiasts all over the world gather and practise yoga to lend support to the cause.
- Words related to yoga are – Pranayam, asana, sarvangasan, chakrasana, pawanmukt asana, naukaasana, sheeshasana, shavasana.
Let us discuss
1. Read the passage again and fill in the blanks with words from the box.
| sleep lifestyle health strength calm stress balance |
Yoga is a practice that not only improves physical flexibility but also improves mental (i) ______________ and leads to a healthier (ii) ______________. It involves a series of asanas, which increase muscular (iii) ______________. Practicing yoga also leads to a better body and mind (iv) ______________ and reduces body pain such as the lower back. Moreover, the focus on breathing techniques and meditation makes the mind (v) ______________, lessens (vi) ______________, and improves the quality of (vii) ______________. This helps to adopt a more positive lifestyle.
Ans-
(i) health
(ii) lifestyle
(iii) strength
(iv) balance
(v) calm
(vi) stress
(vii) sleep
Let us think and reflect
1. What is the aim of yoga?
2. Explain the idea of unity in yoga.
3. What does the launch of the WHO mYoga app tell us about the importance of yoga?
4. Describe one long-term effect that the practice of yoga can have on a person’s qualities.
Ans.
1. Yoga aims to enhance the quality of out life. It comprises of various aspects like eating satvik food, practising yogasanas and leading a simple life. Yoga helps us to enhance our physical and mental well-being.
2. The word ‘Yoga’ comes from the Sanskrit root word ‘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.
3. The World Health Organisation (WHO) on 20th 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.
4. 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.
2. Make as many words as you can using the letters shown. Use the letter ‘A’ in all the words that you make.
Ans.
Ran
Ear
Ray
Rag
Nag
Ago
Yoga
Yarn
Yard
Earn
Groan
Yearn
Let us write
Write a short paragraph on ‘The Benefits of Yoga’. You may use the following sentence starters along with your own ideas to create the paragraph.
| Opening line | Yoga is important because … |
| Supporting ideas | One benefit of yoga that interests me is …Practicing yoga can help people …A popular yoga pose is _____ because … Yoga is not just physical exercise; it also … |
| Concluding line | Finally, yoga can be a great way to … |
Ans.
The Benefits of Yoga
Yoga is not just physical exercise; it also benefits us mentally and spiritually. Yogasana, meditation and satvik food habits together form a circle of well being around us. Practising yoga can help people get rid of depression, reduce weight, regulate boold pressure, blood sugar, etc. A popular yoga pose is Suryanamaskar because it is a combination of twelve different poses. It is a complete exercise and should be practised daily to get benefit. One benefit of yoga that interests me is that pranayam exercises or mindful breathing aids weight loss. Finally, yoga can be a great way to a healthy lifestyle.