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 describes the meditation Kavita practises?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Vipasana, also known as mindfulness-based meditation
Option (1) Vipasana, also known as mindfulness-based meditation — Correct. In Vipasana, or mindfulness-based meditation, there is no fixed object or thought to hold attention. The person passively watches sensations and thoughts as they pass, which is what Kavita does.
Option (2) Sudarshana Kriya Yoga, also known as SKY — Incorrect. Sudarshana Kriya Yoga (SKY) uses a rapid breathing technique to induce hyperventilation, the breathing practice Kavita learns. It is not the meditation of passively observing sensations and thoughts.
Option (3) Kundalini Yoga, as taught in the USA — Incorrect. Kundalini Yoga, as taught in the USA, is the form found effective for mental disorders such as Arjun's. Kavita's practice holds no fixed object or thought, which is Vipasana.
Option (4) Pranayama, from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras — Incorrect. Pranayama is the breathing practices component of yoga detailed in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. In Kavita's meditation there is no fixed object or thought; she passively observes, which is Vipasana.
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