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HomeSpotlightInsight into the Beautiful & Ancient Science of Yoga: Interview with Neelanjana Bharadwaj

Insight into the Beautiful & Ancient Science of Yoga: Interview with Neelanjana Bharadwaj

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Neelanjana Bharadwaj needs no introduction for the readers of Bahrain This Week. She has inspired many readers with her weekly column “The Yoga Buzz” for five years. Recently, she has released her first book “The Yoga Handbook” compiling her immense knowledge of the aspects of yoga as a science.

Neelanjana Bharadwaj shares her vision that she tries to bring forth through “The Yoga Handbook”.

How did you decide to write the yoga column for Bahrain this week?

I was new to Bahrain and came across Bahrain this week on Facebook and followed the page. I found the informative news giving an overview of the happenings in Bahrain. Have always loved sharing the knowledge of yoga that I have gained over the years, through my sessions and workshops. I also enjoy reading and writing so just thought of approaching BTW to suggest a column on yoga. To my surprise, I got a reply and they were ready to give it a try to see the response. Thus, The Yoga Buzz was initiated and what started as a one-off column has remained active for over 5 years! Over the years, I have covered almost all aspects of yoga as a science. 

Can you give a detailed insight into the Yoga Handbook?

The Yoga Handbook is literally a handbook on Yoga, as the name suggests. Apart from the philosophy and history of Yoga, it covers about 60 cultural asanas or postures, under seven major categories, the essential breathing and cleansing techniques with an introduction to mudras, bandhas, chakras, meditation and the role of a yogic diet and its importance on one’s physical and mental health, the book gives an overview of Ashtanga Yoga as a system for physical and mental wellbeing. The book is designed as ‘an easy read’ giving relevant yet compact knowledge of Yoga. 

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Who must have The Yoga Handbook?

The Yoga Handbook is designed such that it can be accessible to absolute beginners, who wish to know about the basics of Yoga. It can be a very useful resource for practicing yogis, aspiring teachers, and even seasoned teachers and practitioners as a quick reference aid. So, I would say that The Yoga Handbook is for almost anyone who wishes to enhance their knowledge on Yoga. Since it is aesthetically designed with a lot of pictorial references it can even work as a coffee table book, which gives one an overview of Yoga as a science.

How can one use The Yoga Handbook?

Beginners or aspiring yogis can understand the basics by reading the book. Seasoned practitioners can use it as quick reference material as I have covered most yogic techniques and several asanas in detail.

 There is no replacement for getting guidance from a competent teacher as one gets initiated into Yogic practices. The manuscript provides general information and techniques for expanding one’s knowledge and evolution for personal growth.

Which stream of Yoga teaching have you followed in The Yoga Handbook?

The Yoga Handbook covers the basics of Ashtanga Yoga as propagated by Sage Patanjali, who is also known as the father of Yoga. There is an overview of all the 8 limbs of Ashtanga Yoga with a large section detailing about 60 postures, under 7 categories, under the third limb i.e., asanas. 

What’s your advice to the readers of The Yoga Handbook?

I recommend the readers of The Yoga Handbook to take out time and go through the book in a relaxed way, perhaps a page or two in a day, almost like thoughts for the day to truly get an insight into this beautiful, ancient science. I hope they bring this practice into their lives in an authentic manner instead of following the various fads that are out there now, in the name of Yoga! 

Understanding the real science as it was meant to be i.e., a wholistic practice where one transcends the body and mind through cleansing, physical, breathwork, and mediation practices to find equilibrium within oneself and the world around. 

What’s next for you?

Well, it has been my eternal endeavor to reach out to more people about the holistic benefits of Yoga as a science.  I have been doing so through my sessions, workshops, talks, and writings. Since, in the current times, the internet is a powerful medium through which one can expand one’s reach I wish to create an app. I would like to include even a section on yogic diet as propounded by Ayurveda, which is a sister science to yoga. I am in the process of expanding my knowledge of Ayurveda through a couple of comprehensive courses and already been using its principles in my life to see the firsthand benefits of these two sciences practiced together. The whole idea is to create a presence and awareness of yoga and Ayurveda for healthy, stress-free living by following it simply yet effectively through the designed courses on the app. 

The link to The Yoga Handbook: www.handbook-yoga.com

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