Introduction

Yoga is one of the oldest disciplines to have grown out of Indian civilisation. The word itself comes from the Sanskrit root "yuj", meaning to join or to unite, and that idea of union runs through everything Yoga is — the joining of body with mind, of the individual spirit with a larger consciousness, and of a person's outward conduct with their inner life. Far from being only a set of physical exercises, Yoga is a complete way of living that keeps the body fit, the mind steady and the character balanced. Since 2015 its value has been recognised the world over through the International Day of Yoga, observed every year on 21 June.

What this unit covers

This unit of the CBSE Class-11 Physical Education course follows the real textbook's order and introduces Yoga topic by topic. You will study, in turn:

• The meaning and importance of Yoga — where the word comes from, how the classical texts define it, and why it matters for physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.
• Ashtanga Yoga — the eightfold path set out by the sage Patanjali: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi, together with the benefits of practising the Yamas and Niyamas.
• The yogic cleansing kriyas (Shat Karma) — the six purification practices (Kapalabhati, Trataka, Neti, Dhauti, Nauli and Basti) that keep the body's internal systems clean.
• Pranayama and its types — the science of regulating the breath, and the main techniques: Anulom-Vilom (Nadi Shodhana), Surya Bhedhana, Ujjayi, Bhramari, Sheetkari and Sheetali.
• Active lifestyle and stress management through Yoga — how asanas, pranayama, the general guidelines of practice and relaxation techniques such as Yoga Nidra keep a person active and free of stress.

Why Yoga matters to a student of Physical Education

Physical Education aims at the all-round development of a person through activity — not only fitness of the body but also balance of the mind and steadiness of character. Yoga serves this aim directly: it builds flexibility, strength and good posture without any equipment, and at the same time trains concentration, emotional balance and calmness. For anyone who will teach, coach or simply lead an active life, Yoga is a low-cost, lifelong tool for staying healthy, focusing the mind and coping with the pressures of study and competition.