Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow 
The literal meaning of the Sanskrit word Yoga/ Yuj is 'Yoke' which is joining of individual's soul energy with that of God (Supreme Soul). Yoga allows us to look inward to nurture spirit and stay healthy in all spheres, as well as actively enjoy the life by balancing emotions. Commonly perceived benefits include reduction of stress, weight management, resolving psychosomatic diseases, strengthen immune system, etc. 
Interestingly, Yoga is universal with no relation with caste, sex, religion, region, etc. Its daily practice is essential to understand the ongoing linkages in body and mind, as Yoga is evolutionary process to reach higher consciousness. 
But the success is still limited. Only few educational institutes have promoted this as daily activity. People indulge in Yoga only when they suffer some ailments. Limited set of people are doing it from childhood in schools or as part of family tradition. Its actual benefits at the deeper levels in the form of attaining peace and everlasting happiness remain largely untouched. 

Traditional Yoga techniques are being modified to suit modern lifestyles. Even medical practitioners advise their patients to opt for Yoga in their routine along with medicines. Now due to rising risks of diabetes, heart diseases, cancer, etc., number of Yoga Ashramas and studios are opening all around. Stress makes our bodyparts stiff and even teenagers find difficulty in bending and picking up things, touching toes, etc. 

Health benefits of doing Yoga are immense for our physical body. For instance, this gradually loosens up our tight hamstrings, hips, etc., and makes them flexible enough. This improves our postures and prevents us from issues of alignment and pain in legs, back, and other parts. Yoga is the most reliable and cheapest source to strengthen our muscles and bones which averts chances of continuous injuries, arthritis, neck pains, etc. In fact, this supports our joints by maintaining cartilage. Face wrinkles also fade away with regular practice making us more young and attractive. Our body remains in shape. 

We know that spinal discs are our survival kit, but cannot stay in perfect shape without movement. Many backward, forward and twist Asanas such as Dhanurasana (Bow Pose), Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose), Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose), respectively, are blessings to lengthen and strengthen spine. Yoga particularly improves body's blood circulation which further assists in normalizing blood pressure and hypertension. In effect, levels of stress hormone called cortisol are drastically reduced. Good hormones namely dopamine, serotonin, etc., then flow in abundance which are essential to absorb food nutrients (vitamins, iron, calcium, etc.). 

Q. (i) What are the implications of the word Yoga?

Q. (ii) How is Yoga' an evolutionary process? 

Q. (iii) What are the health benefits of Yoga? 

By: Abhipedia