Question

Match List-I with List-II

List-I (Niyama/ Observations)	List-II (Description)
(A) Śauca	(I) Purity of body, mind, thought
(B) Santoṣa	(II) Positive Contentment
(C) Tapas	(III) Self-study, introspection
(D) Svādhyāya	(IV) Austerity

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• (A) - (I), (B) - (II), (C) - (III), (D) - (IV)
• (A) - (I), (B) - (II), (C) - (IV), (D) - (III)
• (A) - (II), (B) - (III), (C) - (IV), (D) - (I)
• (A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

Hint:

Memorizing the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga (Yamas, Niyamas, Asana, etc.) and the components of each limb is essential for questions on Indian philosophy and yoga. Create flashcards or mnemonics to remember the terms and their meanings.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Conceptual Understanding:
The objective is to align the Niyamas, the second of the eight limbs of yoga as per Patañjali's Yoga Sūtras, with their corresponding English definitions.
Step 2: Detailed Analysis:
Each Niyama from List-I will be defined and matched with its description in List-II.
(A) Śauca: Encompasses purity and cleanliness, both external (physical) and internal (mental, verbal, and thought processes). This aligns directly with (I) Purity of body, mind, thought.
(B) Santoṣa: Signifies contentment. It involves accepting and appreciating one's current situation, avoiding desire for what is lacking. This corresponds perfectly to (II) Positive Contentment.
(C) Tapas: Refers to austerity, self-discipline, and the spiritual effort or "heat" that purifies the body and mind, fostering willpower. This matches precisely with (IV) Austerity.
(D) Svādhyāya: Means self-study or introspection, including the examination of sacred texts leading to self-realization. This aligns exactly with (III) Self-study, introspection.
Step 3: Conclusion:
The established pairings are as follows:

A - I
B - II
C - IV
D - III
This combination corresponds to option (2).