Gauhati University 2nd Semester Yoga and Wellness Solved Question Paper 2024
2024
VALUE ADDED COURSE
Paper Code: VAC0200902
(Yoga and Wellness)
Full Marks: 30, Time: 1½ hours
The figures in the margin indicate full marks for the questions.
1. Answer the following questions: (1×5=5)
(a) Fill in the blank: Chitta is constituted of mind (Manas), intellect (Buddhi), and ego (Ahamkara).
Answer: Ego (Ahamkara)
(b) Choose the correct answer:
Dhyan Asanas are:
sitting
standing
sleeping postures
Answer: Sitting
(c) Which part of the body is raised from the floor in Bhujangasana?
Answer: The upper part of the body (chest and head) is raised from the floor.
(d) Write the first Sutra of the Yogasutra of Patanjali.
Answer: Atha Yoga Anushasanam — Now, the discipline of Yoga begins.
(e) What is meant by 'Kumbhaka' in Pranayama?
Answer: Kumbhaka means holding the breath during Pranayama.
2. Answer any five of the following questions: (2×5=10)
(a) Write the definition of 'health' given by the World Health Organization.
Answer: Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not just the absence of disease.
(b) Write the names of the eight limbs of 'Astanga-Yoga.'
Answer: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.
(c) Write two important benefits derived from practising Pranayama.
Answer:
It helps to calm the mind.
It improves breathing and keeps the lungs healthy.
(d) Write what are the 'Yamas' according to Patanjali.
Answer: Yamas are moral rules like non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), self-control (Brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (Aparigraha).
(e) Write the Niyamas mentioned in the Yogasutra.
Answer: The Niyamas are cleanliness (Shaucha), contentment (Santosha), discipline (Tapas), self-study (Svadhyaya), and surrender to God (Ishvarapranidhana).
(f) Write two differences between 'Asana' and 'physical exercise.'
Answer:
Asana focuses on mental peace and body balance; exercise focuses on building strength.
Asanas are done slowly; physical exercises are usually done fast.
(g) Write what is 'Pratyahara.'
Answer: Pratyahara means withdrawing the senses from the outside world to focus inward.
(h) What is the difference between concentration (Dharana) and meditation (Dhyana)?
Answer: Dharana is focusing the mind on one thing; Dhyana is a deeper, continuous flow of that focus.
(i) Write what is meant by 'Samadhi.'
Answer: Samadhi is the final stage of Yoga where the mind becomes completely still and united with the soul.
(j) What is Dhyanasana? Write the name of two Dhyanasanas.
Answer: Dhyanasana is a sitting pose for meditation. Two Dhyanasanas are Padmasana and Sukhasana.
3. Answer any three of the following questions: (5×3=15)
(a) Write, in short, how yogic practices help in bringing physical and mental well-being.
Answer: Yogic practices include Asanas (postures), Pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation, and ethical practices like Yamas and Niyamas. These practices together help maintain good health. Physically, Yoga improves flexibility, strengthens muscles, increases energy, and boosts immunity. It helps in proper functioning of organs and reduces problems like obesity, diabetes, and back pain.
Mentally, Yoga calms the mind, reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. Regular practice increases concentration, self-awareness, and emotional balance. It helps one feel more peaceful and positive. Yoga brings harmony between the body and mind, promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
(b) Describe the different stages of Surya Namaskar.
Answer: Surya Namaskar, also known as Sun Salutation, is a series of 12 steps or positions performed in a sequence. Each stage is linked with breathing and helps warm up the body.
Pranamasana (Prayer Pose): Stand straight with hands in prayer position. Inhale and exhale.
Hasta Uttanasana (Raised Arms Pose): Stretch arms up and bend backward. Inhale.
Padahastasana (Hand to Foot Pose): Bend forward and touch the toes. Exhale.
Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose): Right leg back, left knee bent. Inhale.
Dandasana (Plank Pose): Take left leg back, body in a straight line. Hold breath.
Ashtanga Namaskara (Salute with Eight Parts): Touch knees, chest, chin to floor. Exhale.
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): Raise chest, stretch back. Inhale.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Mountain Pose): Raise hips, form an inverted V. Exhale.
Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose): Right foot forward. Inhale.
Padahastasana (Hand to Foot Pose): Bring left foot forward. Exhale.
Hasta Uttanasana (Raised Arms Pose): Stretch back and up. Inhale.
Pranamasana (Prayer Pose): Return to starting position. Exhale.
These steps are often repeated in reverse for balance.
(c) Describe the benefits of practising Sirshasana.
Answer: Sirshasana is known as the "king of asanas" because of its many benefits. It is a headstand posture where the body is balanced upside down on the head and arms.
Benefits of Sirshasana:
Improves blood circulation to the brain: Being inverted, blood flows more easily to the brain, improving memory, focus, and mental clarity.
Relieves stress and anxiety: It calms the nervous system and helps relax the mind.
Strengthens the upper body: Arms, shoulders, and back become stronger as they support the body.
Improves digestion: The position stimulates the digestive organs and helps in relieving constipation.
Balances hormones: It improves function of endocrine glands like the thyroid and pituitary, leading to better hormonal balance.
Note: Sirshasana should be practiced with guidance and on an empty stomach.
(d) Write a short note describing the Chitta-Vrittis.
Answer: In Yogic philosophy, Chitta means the mind or consciousness, and Vrittis are the different forms or movements of the mind. According to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, there are five Chitta-Vrittis:
Pramana (Right Knowledge) – Based on direct perception, inference, and scriptures.
Viparyaya (Wrong Knowledge) – Misunderstanding or false knowledge.
Vikalpa (Imagination) – Knowledge based on words but without actual objects.
Nidra (Sleep) – A state of mind where there is no awareness, but the mind still functions.
Smriti (Memory) – Holding on to past experiences.
Yoga aims to calm and control these vrittis through regular practice of Asanas, Pranayama, and meditation. When the vrittis are stilled, the mind becomes clear, leading to inner peace and self-realization.
(e) Write a short essay describing the importance of the eight limbs in yogic practice.
Answer: The eight limbs of yoga, known as Ashtanga Yoga, are explained in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. They provide a complete path for self-discipline, spiritual growth, and healthy living.
Yama (Social Discipline): Moral rules like non-violence, truth, and non-stealing help in building harmony with society.
Niyama (Personal Discipline): Habits like cleanliness, contentment, and self-study help improve personal character.
Asana (Postures): Physical exercises make the body healthy, strong, and ready for meditation.
Pranayama (Breath Control): Regulating breath improves energy flow and mental focus.
Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses): Turning attention inward, away from distractions, is key for deep concentration.
Dharana (Concentration): Helps focus the mind on a single object or thought.
Dhyana (Meditation): A continuous flow of attention that calms the mind.
Samadhi (Union): The final stage of yoga where the mind is completely absorbed in peace and spiritual joy.
Together, these eight limbs lead to a balanced life. They help in achieving not only physical fitness but also emotional and spiritual well-being.
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