NCERT Class 8 Physical Education and Well Being Khel Yatra: Chapter 6 — Yoga for Daily Life
This chapter, 'Yoga for Daily Life' from the NCERT Class 8 Physical Education and Well Being book 'Khel Yatra', introduces yoga as a holistic practice for self-discovery, balancing body, mind, and inner self. It emphasizes yoga's role in nurturing physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well-being, cultivating determination, inner strength, and courage. The chapter defines yoga as a state of balance, drawing from the Bhagavad Gita, and highlights the importance of focusing on the present moment to reduce stress and foster kindness. It revisits previously learned poses and breathing techniques from Grade 7, such as Marjariāsana, Sūrya Namaskāra, Utkatāsana, Sarvāgāsana, Danurāsana, Matsyāsana, Bhastrika Prāṇāyāma, and Hasta Mudrā. New concepts introduced for Grade 8 include Yama, Niyama, Sūkṣhma Vyāyāma, Sthula Vyāyāma, and further exploration of āsana. The chapter aims to help students manage emotions and navigate changes, promoting a journey towards becoming healthy, happy, and peaceful individuals.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Physical Education and Well Being |
| Book | Khel Yatra |
| Chapter | Chapter 6 — Yoga for Daily Life |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 414 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand yoga as a practice for self-discovery and holistic well-being.
- Recognize yoga's role in balancing body, mind, and emotions.
- Learn the philosophical roots and modern relevance of yoga.
- Explore and practice various yoga techniques including Yama, Niyama, and Asanas.
- Apply yoga principles to manage emotions and navigate life changes.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Holistic | Characterized by the belief in the importance of the whole and the interdependence of its parts. |
| Nurtures | To care for and encourage the growth or development of. |
| Cultivates | To try to acquire or develop a quality or skill. |
| Harmonious | Forming a pleasing or consistent relationship; free from disagreement. |
| Bhagavad Gita | A 700-verse Sanskrit scripture that is part of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. |
| Samatvam | Equanimity or evenness of mind; balance. |
| Dwelling | To live in or at a specified place. |
| Mindfully | With full conscious awareness. |
| Compassionate | Feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others. |
| Pancha Kośha | The five sheaths or layers of the self in Vedanta philosophy. |
| Yama | Ethical restraints or disciplines in yoga. |
| Niyama | Observances or disciplines in yoga. |
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Practice questions
- According to the Bhagavad Gita, what is yoga defined as? Answer: Yoga for Daily Life is defined as a state of balance (samatvam yoga uchyate).
- What are the benefits of focusing on the present moment in yoga practice? Answer: It reduces stress, brings freedom from desires, and helps in mindfully connecting with the world.
- Name two yoga poses mentioned from Grade 7. Answer: Marjariāsana and Sūrya Namaskāra are two yoga poses mentioned from Grade 7.
- What new concepts will be explored in Grade 8 related to yoga ethics? Answer: In Grade 8, Yama and Niyama will be explored.
- What does yoga help to balance within an individual? Answer: Yoga for Daily Life helps to balance our body, mind, and inner self.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main goal of yoga as described in the chapter?
The main goal is self-discovery, balancing body, mind, and inner self to achieve physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well-being.
How does yoga help in managing stress?
By focusing on the present moment and reducing dwelling on the past or future, yoga naturally reduces stress.
What does the Bhagavad Gita say about yoga?
The Bhagavad Gita defines yoga as 'samatvam yoga uchyate', meaning 'Yoga for Daily Life is a state of balance'.
What are some yoga practices that will be explored in Grade 8?
Grade 8 will explore Yama, Niyama, Sūkṣhma Vyāyāma, Sthula Vyāyāma, and further āsana practices.
Besides physical benefits, what other aspects of well-being does yoga nurture?
Yoga for Daily Life nurtures mental, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well-being.
What is the significance of focusing on the present moment in yoga?
It helps cultivate inner harmony, reduces stress, brings freedom from desires, and fosters kindness and compassion.
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NCERT Class 8 Physical Education and Well Being — Khel Yatra — Chapter 6 — Yoga for Daily Life. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.