Read the following passage and answer the questions based on the passage :
India's legacy of healing practices—embodied in disciplines such as Yoga, Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani—presents a complex synthesis of philosophy, biology, and metaphysics. Far from being static relics of the past, these systems have exhibited an evolving dynamism, continuously negotiating their space within both indigenous frameworks and global health discourses. At the heart of this healing ethos lies the idea that the human body is not an isolated physiological entity but a site of interconnected energies and rhythms. Yoga, as codified in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, is not merely a physical regimen but a holistic path aimed at harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit. In the modern era, however, it has undergone commodification, particularly in the West, where its philosophical moorings are often diluted into mere physical exercise or stress-reduction techniques. This recontextualization, while facilitating global popularity, raises questions about cultural appropriation and epistemic erosion. Traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda view disease as an imbalance in the tridosha—vata, pitta, and kapha—principles that regulate bodily function. These systems emphasize prakriti (constitution), ahara (diet), and dinacharya (daily routine) as central to preventive healthcare. Unlike allopathy's symptom-targeting approach, traditional Indian medicine is premised on restoring equilibrium in the body's internal ecology. This integrative vision aligns with contemporary calls for personalized and preventive medicine, though methodological differences continue to stoke skepticism in the biomedical community. State patronage of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) underlines a renewed institutional interest in traditional systems. However, critics caution against uncritical endorsement, citing the lack of standardized clinical trials, variability in diagnostic models, and challenges in evidence-based validation. Furthermore, pharmaceutical commercialization of Ayurvedic formulations often sidelines traditional knowledge holders, reducing centuries-old practices to marketable commodities. The interface between Yoga and traditional medicine with modern healthcare is therefore both promising and fraught. While integrative models are being explored—especially in palliative care, mental health, and chronic disease management—they require epistemic humility and regulatory rigor. The danger lies in either romanticizing these systems as panaceas or discarding them as pre-scientific relics. Ultimately, the relevance of Yoga and traditional medicine in contemporary India will depend on the country's ability to safeguard their philosophical depth while subjecting them to transparent, rigorous scrutiny. Neither dogmatic revivalism nor dismissive scientism will suffice. What is needed is a dialogical framework where tradition and modernity coevolve—not in opposition, but in mutual enrichment
What tension does the passage highlight regarding the global adoption of Yoga?
- AOption (a)
Lack of flexibility
- BOption (b)
Loss of its philosophical essence
- COption (c)
Shortage of teachers
- DOption (d)
Over-regulation by India
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Correct answer
Loss of its philosophical essence
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is Option 2: Loss of its philosophical essence.
Key Points
- The passage emphasizes that the global adoption of Yoga has led to a loss of its philosophical essence in some contexts.
- Yoga, traditionally rooted in spiritual and philosophical teachings, is often reduced to mere physical exercise in its globalized form.
- The commercialization and adaptation of Yoga for modern practices have diluted its original principles and deeper meanings.
- This shift highlights the tension between preserving Yoga's cultural heritage and adapting it to contemporary lifestyles.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.
Correct Explanation: "Yoga, traditionally a holistic discipline integrating physical, mental, and spiritual practices, has often seen its philosophical roots overshadowed by its emphasis on physical postures in its global adaptation."
Additional Information
- Option 1: Lack of flexibility – While flexibility is associated with Yoga, the primary concern highlighted in the passage is not physical flexibility but the loss of its philosophical essence.
- Option 3: Shortage of teachers – The passage does not discuss the availability or shortage of Yoga instructors.
- Option 4: Over-regulation by India – There is no mention of regulation or over-regulation by India in the passage.