Hinglish

Read: Yoga—A Way of Life

Class 6 English · Chapter 12: Yoga—A Way of Life · NCERT Poorvi section pp. 122–124

Learn

Before you read: what do you know about yoga? What is 21 June known for? List words related to yoga (asana, breath, meditation, stretch, balance…). Play word antakshari: start with "yoga"; the next word must begin with "a" (asana), then "a" again (arm)…

What yoga is (in our words): yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice that began in ancient India. The word comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning to join or unite: it stands for the unity of mind and body, thought and action, and harmony between people and nature. It is a holistic (whole-person) approach to health.

Sage Patanjali presented yoga systematically in the Yoga Sutras, describing it as a way to make the mind quiet and free from distractions. Benefits: asanas (postures) stretch and strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, endurance and balance, and can ease body pains like lower back pain; breathing techniques and meditation calm the mind, reduce stress and anxiety (worry), and improve sleep and concentration; yoga may also support heart health and the immune system.

Yoga's benefits are recognised worldwide: on 20 June 2021 the WHO launched a free app, WHO mYoga, with videos and audio to help people practise. Remember: in asanas we don't just stretch the body; the mind must be with the body. When each stretch is coordinated with breath and awareness, without distractions, the practice becomes truly yogic.

Explore: body or mind?

  1. Sort each benefit.

Remember

  • Yoga, from Sanskrit "yuj" (to unite), is an ancient Indian practice for body, mind and spirit.
  • Asanas build strength and balance; breathing and meditation calm the mind; the mind must be with the body.

Quick check

What does the Sanskrit root "yuj" mean?

  1. To join or unite
  2. To run
  3. To sleep
  4. To win
Answer

To join or unite. Yoga unites mind and body.

Think about it

Why do you think the WHO made a free yoga app for people around the world?

One answer

Because yoga's health benefits are widely recognised, and a free, easy app lets anyone, anywhere, start practising safely without needing a class.

Practice

Practise with fresh questions at three levels (easy, medium, hard), some answered hands-on, with hints and worked answers. Get 4 of your last 5 right to finish the topic.