Kavita, a 45-year-old teacher in Bengaluru, has had repeated episodes of depression. Along with her medicines, her doctor suggests a yoga centre. There she learns a rapid breathing technique that induces hyperventilation. She also practises a meditation in which she holds no fixed object or thought; she passively observes the bodily sensations and thoughts passing through her awareness. Her cousin Arjun has obsessive-compulsive disorder and is advised a form of yoga taught in the USA that research has found effective for his disorder. Another relative, Sunil, has schizophrenia. Medicines have reduced his hallucinations, but he still shows disinterest and lack of motivation to work or to meet people.
Which of the following is correct about the yoga advised to Arjun?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → It is Kundalini Yoga, which combines pranayama with chanting of mantras.
Option (1) It is Sudarshana Kriya Yoga, which uses rapid breathing to induce hyperventilation. — Incorrect. SKY does use rapid breathing, but it is linked to stress, anxiety, PTSD and depression. The yoga found effective for obsessive-compulsive disorder is a different one.
Option (2) It is Kundalini Yoga, which combines pranayama with chanting of mantras. — Correct. Arjun has obsessive-compulsive disorder, and the yoga taught in the USA found effective for it is Kundalini Yoga. It combines pranayama with chanting of mantras.
Option (3) It is Vipasana, in which the person passively observes sensations and thoughts. — Incorrect. Vipasana is mindfulness meditation, linked to preventing repeated episodes of depression.
Option (4) It is Kundalini Yoga, which uses rapid breathing to induce hyperventilation. — Incorrect. The yoga is named right, but its feature is wrong. Rapid breathing to induce hyperventilation belongs to SKY; Kundalini Yoga uses breathing with chanting of mantras.
NCERT (2026-27): “Alternative Therapies … |