Question

Regular practice of Yoga can help in maintaining good health and even

in the prevention of so many ailments. Write a speech to be delivered in the

morning assembly on the usefulness of Yoga.

Answer 1

Yoga is an art of discipline that originated in India 6000 Years. Yoga is a type of exercise that anyone can practice for physical and mental empowerment. Yoga is an art that consists of many “Asanas” (Postures or Positions). Each posture when followed as described will give us corresponding physical benefits. Yoga is also called as “Pranayama” which means breathing exercises. It is a great belief that one who practices Yoga regularly with full dedication can lead a youthful life. Yoga also leads to a stress free life for people who are suffering with heavy works in daily life. Yoga and meditation are two arts that go hand in hand.Yoga is a versatile structure of breathing exercises which in today’s trend is considered a Complementary Therapy/ Alternative Therapy. It is important to increase the awareness on the great art of discipline to people all over the world. As a part of creating awareness to people about Yoga and its benefits, June 21 is declared as International Yoga Day every year

Answer 2

Many of us perform Yoga on a daily basis, but how many actually know about what this art form entails and why it is performed. So it’s basically a method to achieve balance in our bodies, i.e. gaining strength, increasing flexibility and attaining spirituality. Yoga also endorses a non-materialistic way of living. Yoga is more precisely described through the use of the Sanskrit word called “asana” which means the practicing of different types of physical postures or asanas. The yoga postures are an indispensable part of the yoga. Usually, the class begins with normal breathing exercises and then goes on to incorporate gentle asanas followed by more tough ones. The yoga asanas are performed keeping in mind all the body parts as well as combine breathing practices, including guided mediation.

There are different poses for which the instructor guides you throughout; these poses include standing, sitting, back bending, forward bends, upside-down asanas as well as twisting postures. Besides these, there are other different types of yoga which are especially tailored to suit the different needs of people. For instance, there is Hatha Yoga, which is the most practiced form and deals with the breathing exercises and bodily postures. Then there are two other types of yoga, i.e. Karma and Bhakti Yoga, which are advised to people who are looking to gain spiritual experience in life.

This is an art form known to humanity from thousands of years whose history can be traced back to 3,000 BC. Since then, it is being practiced by various spiritual gurus and in the contemporary times, yoga is being looked up as a disciplinary form itself to be taught in various schools and colleges. The definitive aim of yoga is to help a person rise above the self and gain a sublime experience. Even in Bhagavad-Gita, it is written, “A person is said to have achieved yoga, the union with the Self, when the perfectly disciplined mind gets freedom from all desires, and becomes absorbed in the Self alone.”  Though it’s not a religion, but it is certainly a mode of living life that works towards attaining a sound mind as well as a healthy body.