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BSEB Inter Yoga & PE study materials
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BSEB Inter Yoga & PE practice questions

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Question 1Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

According to the classical definition, the word 'yoga' is derived from the Sanskrit root 'yuj', which carries which primary meaning?

  1. To renounce the world
  2. To breathe deeply
  3. To sit cross-legged
  4. To join or unite Correct answer.

Explanation

The root 'yuj' means to yoke, join or unite, and classical texts interpret yoga as the union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness. This etymological meaning underlies later definitions such as Patanjali's 'chitta vritti nirodha'.

Question 2Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, yoga is defined as 'chitta vritti nirodha'. Which rendering best captures this definition?

  1. Mastery over the breath and bodily locks
  2. Performance of prescribed ritual duties
  3. Union of the individual soul with nature
  4. Cessation of the modifications of the mind Correct answer.

Explanation

'Chitta' refers to mind-stuff, 'vritti' to its modifications or fluctuations, and 'nirodha' to restraint or cessation. Patanjali's definition therefore concerns stilling the fluctuations of the mind rather than physical or ritual practice.

Question 3Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

The Yoga Sutras are traditionally arranged in four chapters (padas). Which chapter deals with the powers (vibhuti) that may arise from sustained practice?

  1. Samadhi Pada
  2. Sadhana Pada
  3. Kaivalya Pada
  4. Vibhuti Pada Correct answer.

Explanation

The third chapter, Vibhuti Pada, describes the extraordinary powers or siddhis that can arise from deep samyama practice. The text cautions that these attainments are obstacles to final liberation if pursued for their own sake.

Question 4Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

A student asks which of the four classical Yoga Sutra chapters introduces the eight limbs (ashtanga). The correct chapter is:

  1. Kaivalya Pada
  2. Samadhi Pada
  3. Sadhana Pada Correct answer.
  4. Vibhuti Pada

Explanation

The eight limbs are presented in Sadhana Pada, the chapter on practice, beginning with the yamas and niyamas. This chapter is the practical core of Patanjali's system.

Question 5Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

Which pair correctly names the first two limbs of Patanjali's ashtanga yoga, in order?

  1. Asana and Pranayama
  2. Dhyana and Samadhi
  3. Yama and Niyama Correct answer.
  4. Pratyahara and Dharana

Explanation

The eight limbs begin with the five yamas (ethical restraints) and the five niyamas (observances). Asana and pranayama come third and fourth, followed by pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi.

Question 6Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

The four main classical schools (paths) of yoga commonly taught in Indian tradition are Karma, Bhakti, Jnana and which fourth?

  1. Laya Yoga
  2. Mantra Yoga
  3. Hatha Yoga
  4. Raja Yoga Correct answer.

Explanation

The four classical paths are Karma (action), Bhakti (devotion), Jnana (knowledge) and Raja (meditation and mind control). Hatha, mantra and laya are later or subsidiary systems rather than one of these four main paths.

Question 7Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

A practitioner who serves others selflessly, offering the fruits of action to the Divine without attachment to results, is following which path?

  1. Bhakti Yoga
  2. Jnana Yoga
  3. Raja Yoga
  4. Karma Yoga Correct answer.

Explanation

Karma Yoga is the path of selfless action, described in the Bhagavad Gita as acting without attachment to the fruits of one's deeds. It transforms ordinary work into a spiritual discipline.

Question 8Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

Which text is the principal classical source for Bhakti Yoga's teaching of loving devotion as a path to liberation?

  1. Hatha Yoga Pradipika
  2. Gheranda Samhita
  3. Bhagavad Gita Correct answer.
  4. Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

Explanation

The Bhagavad Gita presents bhakti as a complete path, especially in its later chapters, alongside karma and jnana. It is the most widely cited classical source for devotional yoga.

Question 9Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

Jnana Yoga is best characterised by which method?

  1. Purifying the body with six cleansing actions
  2. Regulating breath to suspend mental activity
  3. Chanting divine names with feeling
  4. Discriminating the real from the unreal through inquiry Correct answer.

Explanation

Jnana Yoga uses viveka (discrimination) and sustained self-inquiry to distinguish the eternal self from the transient body and mind. Its aim is direct knowledge of one's true nature.

Question 10Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

The sage traditionally credited with compiling the Yoga Sutras is:

  1. Gheranda
  2. Patanjali Correct answer.
  3. Vyasa
  4. Svatmarama

Explanation

Patanjali is traditionally regarded as the compiler of the Yoga Sutras and is also associated with classical Ayurvedic and grammatical works. Vyasa later wrote the most famous commentary on the sutras.

Question 11Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika, a key source text of hatha yoga, was composed by:

  1. Patanjali
  2. Vivekananda
  3. Svatmarama Correct answer.
  4. Gorakshanath

Explanation

Svatmarama is credited with the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, which describes asanas, pranayama, mudras and samadhi in a hatha framework. It is one of the three classic hatha manuals alongside the Gheranda Samhita and Shiva Samhita.

Question 12Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

Aims of yoga in classical tradition include all of the following except which one?

  1. Attainment of inner peace and mental clarity
  2. Liberation from suffering and rebirth
  3. Cultivation of physical strength for competitive sport Correct answer.
  4. Union of the individual self with the universal

Explanation

Classical yoga aims at mental stillness, union and liberation, not athletic competition. Physical health may be a by-product, but sport performance is not a traditional aim.

Question 13Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

The term 'Raja Yoga' is often used synonymously with which system?

  1. Hatha Yoga
  2. Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali Correct answer.
  3. Mantra Yoga
  4. Karma Yoga

Explanation

Raja Yoga, the 'royal yoga', is identified with Patanjali's eight-limbed system, emphasising meditation and mind mastery. Vivekananda popularised the term in this sense.

Question 14Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna describes four types of devotees who approach the Divine. Which group is praised as most dear?

  1. The distressed seeking relief
  2. The seeker of wealth
  3. The inquisitive seeker of knowledge
  4. The wise one established in knowledge Correct answer.

Explanation

The Gita names the distressed, the seeker of wealth, the inquisitive and the wise, and praises the wise devotee established in knowledge as dearest. This reflects the superiority of knowledge joined with devotion.

Question 15Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

Which concept from Samkhya philosophy pairs with yoga as one of the two classical allied darshanas?

  1. Purusha and Prakriti dualism Correct answer.
  2. Advaita non-dualism
  3. Nyaya logic
  4. Vaisheshika atomism

Explanation

Samkhya and Yoga form a classical pair, with Samkhya providing the metaphysics of Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (nature). Yoga adds practical discipline to this dualistic framework.

Question 16Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

The yamas, the first limb of ashtanga yoga, include ahimsa, satya, asteya, aparigraha and which fifth restraint?

  1. Santosha
  2. Brahmacharya Correct answer.
  3. Tapas
  4. Svadhyaya

Explanation

The five yamas are ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya and aparigraha. The other options are niyamas, which form the second limb.

Question 17Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

A teacher explains that 'pranayama' literally refers to the regulation of prana. In Patanjali's system, pranayama is which limb of the eight?

  1. Fourth Correct answer.
  2. Second
  3. Fifth
  4. Third

Explanation

Pranayama is the fourth limb, following asana and preceded by the yamas and niyamas. It involves regulating the breath and thereby the vital energy.

Question 18Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

The modern revival of yoga in the late 19th and early 20th centuries is most closely associated with which figure, who addressed the Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893?

  1. Sri Aurobindo
  2. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
  3. Swami Vivekananda Correct answer.
  4. B.K.S. Iyengar

Explanation

Swami Vivekananda introduced yoga and Vedanta to Western audiences, notably at the 1893 Parliament of Religions, and wrote 'Raja Yoga'. His work helped initiate the global spread of yoga.

Question 19Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

Which of these is the best description of the aim of hatha yoga as presented in its classical manuals?

  1. Purifying and strengthening the body to support higher meditation and kundalini awakening Correct answer.
  2. Achieving union through devotion alone
  3. Studying scriptures to gain intellectual knowledge
  4. Performing social service without attachment

Explanation

Hatha manuals present body purification, asana, pranayama and mudras as preparation for raising kundalini and attaining samadhi. The body is trained as a vehicle for higher states.

Question 20Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

In the Samkhya-Yoga framework, liberation occurs when Purusha is recognised as distinct from Prakriti. Which statement best explains this?

  1. Prakriti permanently ceases to exist
  2. Pure consciousness is recognised as untouched by the fluctuations of nature Correct answer.
  3. The self is identified with the body and its experiences
  4. The mind is destroyed through physical mortification

Explanation

Liberation (kaivalya) arises through viveka, the discernment that Purusha is pure witnessing consciousness distinct from Prakriti's changing phenomena. The self is never really bound; only misidentification causes suffering.

Question 21Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

Which classical text is structured as a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra?

  1. Ramayana
  2. Mahabharata's Sabha Parva
  3. Bhagavad Gita Correct answer.
  4. Yoga Sutras

Explanation

The Bhagavad Gita is a dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna set within the Mahabharata, addressing duty, action, devotion and knowledge. It is a foundational source for several yoga paths.

Question 22Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

A yoga aspirant wants to reduce mental distractions by withdrawing the senses from external objects before attempting concentration. Which limb corresponds to this practice?

  1. Dharana
  2. Pratyahara Correct answer.
  3. Dhyana
  4. Samadhi

Explanation

Pratyahara is the withdrawal of the senses from their objects, acting as a bridge between external practices and inner concentration. It prepares the mind for dharana, dhyana and samadhi.

Question 23Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

The Yoga Sutras describe five kleshas (afflictions) that cause suffering. Which is listed as the root affliction?

  1. Raga (attachment)
  2. Asmita (egoism)
  3. Avidya (ignorance) Correct answer.
  4. Abhinivesha (fear of death)

Explanation

Avidya, or ignorance of the true nature of the self, is the root of the other four kleshas: asmita, raga, dvesha and abhinivesha. Removing ignorance therefore removes the basis of suffering.

Question 24Foundations of Yoga: meaning, history, aims and schools

Which statement correctly distinguishes the four classical paths of yoga?

  1. Bhakti Yoga uses logic, while Jnana Yoga uses chanting
  2. Jnana Yoga uses knowledge, while Bhakti Yoga uses devotion Correct answer.
  3. Raja Yoga uses ritual, while Karma Yoga uses meditation
  4. Karma Yoga uses devotion, while Bhakti Yoga uses action

Explanation

Jnana Yoga is the path of discriminative knowledge, while Bhakti Yoga is the path of loving devotion. Each path suits different temperaments but all aim at liberation.

Question 25Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, the second sutra defines yoga as chitta-vritti-nirodhah. What does this phrase most directly mean?

  1. The cultivation of devotion to a personal deity
  2. The analytical study of the elements of matter
  3. The disciplined practice of physical postures for health
  4. The complete stilling of the modifications of the mind Correct answer.

Explanation

Yoga Sutra 1.2 states 'yogash chitta-vritti-nirodhah', where chitta is the mind-stuff, vritti are its modifications or fluctuations, and nirodhah is restraint or stilling. The definition concerns mental cessation rather than physical exercise or doctrinal study.

Question 26Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

According to Patanjali, which five kinds of mental modifications (vrittis) are listed?

  1. Pramana, viparyaya, vikalpa, nidra, smriti Correct answer.
  2. Raga, dvesha, abhinivesha, asmita, avidya
  3. Yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara
  4. Asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, samadhi

Explanation

Sutra 1.6 enumerates the five vrittis as pramana (valid knowledge), viparyaya (misconception), vikalpa (verbal delusion), nidra (sleep), and smriti (memory). The other lists given in the options belong to the eight limbs or to the five kleshas.

Question 27Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna describes the mind as unsteady and difficult to control. Which practice does he recommend for restraining it?

  1. Abhyasa and vairagya, repeated practice joined with detachment Correct answer.
  2. Severe fasting and self-mortification
  3. Ritual sacrifice performed only by priests
  4. Continuous study of grammar and logic

Explanation

In chapter 6 the Gita pairs abhyasa (sustained practice) with vairagya (dispassion) as the twin means of stilling the restless mind. This mirrors Patanjali's treatment of the same two principles in the Yoga Sutras.

Question 28Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

Which text is the foundational scripture of classical Hatha Yoga, traditionally attributed to Svatmarama?

  1. Samkhya Karika
  2. Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
  3. Vivekachudamani
  4. Hatha Yoga Pradipika Correct answer.

Explanation

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is the classical manual of Hatha Yoga attributed to Svatmarama, describing asana, pranayama, mudra, and nadanusandhana. The other works belong to different traditions and purposes.

Question 29Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika declares that of all the asanas, one is the foremost, in which the practitioner sits steady and at ease. Which asana is named?

  1. Kukkutasana
  2. Siddhasana Correct answer.
  3. Mayurasana
  4. Matsyasana

Explanation

The Pradipika praises siddhasana above all other postures, calling it the chief asana and describing it as opening the door to liberation. It recommends the posture for meditation because it steadies the body and mind.

Question 30Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna instructs Arjuna to perform action without attachment to its fruits. What is this teaching called?

  1. Sakama karma
  2. Karma sannyasa
  3. Jnana marga
  4. Nishkama karma Correct answer.

Explanation

Nishkama karma means action performed without desire for personal reward, the central ethical teaching of the Gita's karma yoga. Krishna advises Arjuna to act for duty's sake while renouncing attachment to outcomes.

Question 31Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

Patanjali's eight limbs (ashtanga) begin with yama. Which set correctly describes the five yamas?

  1. Ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, aparigraha Correct answer.
  2. Saucha, santosha, tapas, svadhyaya, ishvarapranidhana
  3. Ahimsa, santosha, tapas, dhyana, samadhi
  4. Asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana

Explanation

Sutra 2.30 lists the yamas as ahimsa (non-harming), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (continence), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness). These are restraints governing ethical conduct toward others and oneself.

Question 32Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

The five niyamas in Patanjali's system include saucha, santosha, tapas, svadhyaya, and one more. Which practice completes the list?

  1. Vikalpa
  2. Ishvarapranidhana Correct answer.
  3. Dharana
  4. Pratyahara

Explanation

Sutra 2.32 gives the niyamas as saucha, santosha, tapas, svadhyaya, and ishvarapranidhana, meaning surrender to or devotion toward Ishvara. The remaining options belong to the eight limbs or to the vrittis.

Question 33Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika describes kumbhaka, the retention of breath, as central to pranayama. Which statement best reflects the text's attitude toward it?

  1. Breath retention should be mastered gradually under proper guidance, as it steadies the mind Correct answer.
  2. Breath retention is useful only for physical strength, not for meditation
  3. Breath retention is harmful and should be avoided entirely
  4. Breath retention should be practised forcefully from the very first day

Explanation

The Pradipika treats kumbhaka as a powerful practice that must be developed slowly with correct diet and guidance, warning against strain. It links controlled retention to steadiness of mind and the awakening of inner energy.

Question 34Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

In the Yoga Sutras, what is the meaning of the term ishvarapranidhana?

  1. The rejection of scriptural authority
  2. The performance of elaborate fire rituals
  3. The attainment of miraculous powers
  4. Surrender or dedication of all actions to Ishvara Correct answer.

Explanation

Ishvarapranidhana, a niyama in sutra 2.32, means offering or surrendering one's actions and their fruits to Ishvara. Patanjali also names it as a direct approach to samadhi in sutra 1.23.

Question 35Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

Patanjali describes the three components of kriya yoga in sutra 2.1. Which triple is correct?

  1. Tapas, svadhyaya, ishvarapranidhana Correct answer.
  2. Yama, niyama, asana
  3. Dharana, dhyana, samadhi
  4. Asana, pranayama, pratyahara

Explanation

Sutra 2.1 defines kriya yoga as tapas (austerity), svadhyaya (self-study), and ishvarapranidhana (surrender to Ishvara). These three overlap with the niyamas and prepare the practitioner for deeper concentration.

Question 36Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

The Yoga Sutras define abhyasa as sustained effort toward attaining steadiness of mind. Which description best captures the quality of effort the text requires?

  1. Practised intensely for a single day each year
  2. Performed mechanically without attention to the goal
  3. Undertaken only when one feels inspired to do so
  4. Practised for a long time, without interruption, and with sincere devotion Correct answer.

Explanation

Sutra 1.14 states that practice becomes firmly grounded when continued for a long time, without interruption, and with earnest devotion. This combination of duration, continuity, and sincerity is what stabilises the mind.

Question 37Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna praises the one who works without attachment. Which image does he use to describe such a person acting in the world?

  1. Like a fire that consumes everything it touches
  2. Like a lotus leaf untouched by the water on which it rests Correct answer.
  3. Like a stone sinking to the bottom of a river
  4. Like a cloud driven by the wind

Explanation

The Gita uses the image of the lotus leaf, which rests on water yet remains unsoaked, to describe action performed without attachment. The devotee acts fully in the world while remaining inwardly free of its taint.

Question 38Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

Patanjali's sutra on ahimsa (2.35) states that when non-violence is established, what follows in the practitioner's presence?

  1. The abandonment of hostility by others Correct answer.
  2. The acquisition of great wealth
  3. The memory of previous births
  4. The power to command the elements

Explanation

Sutra 2.35 states that when ahimsa is firmly established, hostility ceases in the practitioner's presence. Non-violence is presented as producing an atmosphere of reconciliation rather than material or magical gain.

Question 39Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

The Yoga Sutras describe the obstacles (antarayas) that distract the mind. Which of the following is listed among them?

  1. Doubt (samshaya) Correct answer.
  2. Concentration (dharana)
  3. Knowledge (pramana)
  4. Joy (sukha)

Explanation

Sutra 1.30 lists nine obstacles to progress, including doubt, illness, dullness, carelessness, laziness, and false perception. Doubt is regarded as a distraction because it divides the mind and weakens practice.

Question 40Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

In the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the practice of mudras and bandhas is closely associated with awakening which inner energy?

  1. Yama
  2. Kundalini Correct answer.
  3. Chitta
  4. Prana vayu only

Explanation

Hatha texts describe mudras and bandhas as methods for rousing kundalini, the coiled energy at the base of the spine, and guiding it upward. The practices are said to unite prana and apana and dissolve blockages.

Question 41Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna describes three gunas that shape human nature and action. Which set correctly names them?

  1. Sattva, rajas, tamas Correct answer.
  2. Dharma, artha, kama
  3. Prana, apana, vyana
  4. Jnana, bhakti, karma

Explanation

The Gita, especially in chapters 14 and 17, describes sattva (clarity), rajas (activity and desire), and tamas (inertia and ignorance) as the three gunas. These qualities colour knowledge, action, and the personality.

Question 42Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

Patanjali defines the five kleshas as the root afflictions of the mind. Which of the following is the first and most fundamental klesha?

  1. Dvesha (aversion)
  2. Avidya (ignorance) Correct answer.
  3. Raga (attachment)
  4. Asmita (egoism)

Explanation

Sutra 2.4 identifies avidya, or spiritual ignorance, as the field from which the other kleshas arise. Asmita, raga, dvesha, and abhinivesha are treated as its offshoots, so ignorance is the root affliction.

Question 43Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

The Yoga Sutras describe the last three limbs as dharana, dhyana, and samadhi. What name is given to these three taken together?

  1. Kriya yoga
  2. Pratyahara
  3. Samyama Correct answer.
  4. Ashtanga

Explanation

Sutra 3.4 gives the collective term samyama for dharana, dhyana, and samadhi when practised together on a single object. Samyama is the instrument through which the yogi gains direct knowledge of that object.

Question 44Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says the yogi should establish a firm seat for meditation and hold the body, head, and neck steady. Which further instruction does he give about the practice?

  1. Looking upward toward the sun throughout the practice
  2. Gazing steadily at the tip of the nose without letting the gaze wander Correct answer.
  3. Turning the gaze to the four directions in succession
  4. Keeping the eyes closed and the mind fixed on the breath alone

Explanation

In chapter 6 Krishna directs the meditator to sit steady and direct the gaze at the tip of the nose, unagitated. This instruction is part of the description of the seated meditation he recommends to Arjuna.

Question 45Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika recommends the four-limbed pranayama, in which retention is measured by the number of matras. Which order does the text describe?

  1. Exhalation, retention, inhalation, and a final inhalation
  2. Retention, exhalation, inhalation, and a final exhalation
  3. Inhalation, retention, exhalation, and a final retention Correct answer.
  4. Inhalation, exhalation, retention, and a final exhalation

Explanation

The Pradipika describes the four-limbed pranayama as puraka (inhalation), kumbhaka (retention), rechaka (exhalation), and a further retention. The text prescribes measured counts (matras) for each phase.

Question 46Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, what does the term pratyahara refer to?

  1. The steady holding of attention on one point
  2. The complete absorption into the object of meditation
  3. The practice of fixed bodily postures
  4. The withdrawal of the senses from their objects Correct answer.

Explanation

Pratyahara, the fifth limb, is defined in sutra 2.54 as the disengagement of the senses from their respective objects. It is described as a turning inward that prepares the mind for concentration.

Question 47Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

The Yoga Sutras describe two kinds of samadhi. Which pair correctly names them?

  1. Raga and dvesha
  2. Samprajnata and asamprajnata Correct answer.
  3. Savitarka and savichara
  4. Dhyana and dharana

Explanation

Sutra 1.17 describes samprajnata samadhi, which involves an object of awareness, and sutra 1.18 describes asamprajnata samadhi, beyond cognitive support. Savitarka and savichara are subtypes of the first kind.

Question 48Yogic texts and philosophy (Patanjali, Hatha Yoga, Bhagavad Gita)

The Bhagavad Gita's second chapter is titled Sankhya Yoga. In that chapter Krishna advises Arjuna to act with equanimity, calling this attitude yoga. Which term does he use for the equanimity of mind?

  1. Samatvam Correct answer.
  2. Moksha
  3. Ahimsa
  4. Tapas

Explanation

In chapter 2 Krishna says 'samatvam yoga uchyate', meaning equanimity is called yoga. The teaching links even-mindedness in success and failure to the discipline of action.

Question 49Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha and Kriya: techniques and benefits

In classical Hatha yoga, which text is the principal source for the description of the ten major mudras, including Mahamudra and Viparitakarani?

  1. Hatha Yoga Pradipika Correct answer.
  2. Bhagavad Gita
  3. Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
  4. Samkhya Karika

Explanation

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika, compiled by Svatmarama, devotes its third chapter (Mudra and Bandha) to the great mudras such as Mahamudra, Mahabandha, Mahavedha, Khechari and Viparitakarani. The Yoga Sutras deal with the eight limbs in aphoristic form and do not describe these techniques.

Question 50Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha and Kriya: techniques and benefits

In Jalandhara Bandha, the chin is pressed firmly against which part of the body?

  1. The upper chest between the collarbones
  2. The hollow of the throat
  3. The root of the palate
  4. The notch above the sternum Correct answer.

Explanation

Jalandhara Bandha is performed by contracting the throat and pressing the chin down into the notch above the sternum, which seals the air passage at the throat. The palms rest on the knees and the shoulders are slightly raised during retention.