Professional Book Reviews of "Yoga & U In Your Daily Life"
Dr. O.P.Yadava
…. Just a beakful from the Ocean
It all started a couple of weeks back. I had gone to Mumbai to partake of the proceedings of a Cardiology Conference and look what I found – a gem, Dr.Bharat B Vibhakar. Whom do I thank for this serendipity - who else, but providence! And here I am writing a review of this, rather masterly crafted, predigested, evidence based scientific review of Yoga – a product of 15 years of industry and reflection. My only hesitation in writing this review is in my own credentials to be a reviewer for this document, which incidentally defies classification – a literary piece, a scientific document, a monograph or a ready reckoner – but certainly reads like a fable and makes for a compulsive read.
This is a pragmatic and practical way of amalgamating Yoga in our day to day life. It clears myths, removes dogmas and lays out a very simple and clear path to follow and is easily understandable, even by the bourgeoisie. Dr.Vibhakar, though a devout yogi, is not fanatic and very rightly advocates holistic combining of modern medicine with the traditional Yoga, for neither alone is the panacea for all ills and both are in fact complementary and synergistic. The common pitfalls in getting the desired results from Yoga and the need for inculcating the triad of ‘Shradha’, Shanti and ‘Saburi’ are very prominently highlighted. The current bane of modern-day corporatization, the so called burn out syndrome, has been stressed. The allegory that the author derives between Yoga and art forms, specially music, makes it easily understandable even to the uninitiated.
The book in fact begins with a rundown of what ails modern India and the apathy and intransigence of all the stake holders, including the suffering society and the providing authorities. Dr.Vibhakhar’s heart bleeds for the ultimate wealth, the children, and doesn’t miss to spare a thought for the flora and fauna whose welfare and well being is integrally linked and attendant to the well being of the humanity. His love for nature is amply exhibited by his appreciation of its minor subtleties - ‘I have not discovered a better fragrance anywhere than from hot soil when cooled with the very first monsoon showers’. He teaches us the wholesome way of life and impresses on the role of not just Yoga, but of being in harmony with one’s own self and with the nature, of having self belief, self confidence and the most important – patience and perseverance. His musings and implorings are now beginning to seek action through the ‘Swach Soch’ and ‘Swach Bharat’ programmes of Government of India. He challenges the fanaticism and opportunism of those who use religion for personal ends. The guru mantra and the raison-de-etre of blissful living is accepting the present with a positive tilt to improving upon it for the future. What Gandhi professed, Dr.Vibhakar inculcated in himself, ‘Be the change that you wish to see in the world’. He preaches what he practices and all illustrations, which so lucidly and impactfully convey the message, are his very own. Acceptance of self, as it is, typified in illustrations on pages 98 & 99, is a case in point.
The first chapter reviews the basic tenets of the Patanjali’s ‘Ashtangyoga’ and the need for integrating mind and body as a prerequisite for practice of Yoga. Duty to self and the ripple effect accountability and acceptance thereafter of the family and the society (‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’) is indeed a pragmatic way of preaching altruism. The ‘Avidya’ regarding the dualities of the world and the ‘Asmita’ (Ego) are the biggest banes which can only be dispelled by Yoga.
Dr.Vibhakar gives us a master class in the art of practice of medicine, stressing on the attributes of ‘Samarpan’, Caring, Sharing and Compassion. ‘Raga’ (attachment) and ‘Dvesa’ are equated to lava from a spewing volcano. The scourge of ‘Bhaya’ (fear) and the salubrious effects of ‘Maun’, which he calls ‘Wakeful Solitude’ are dwelled upon.
What I like most is that he gives an open minded look to Yoga, recognises its limitations, applies himself ‘tactfully and diligently’ to dispel the misconceptions and issues caveats in chapter two. He is critical of ‘hyper-ventilation in Yoga’ and lists its harmful effects which however remains a controversial opinion. Though Yoga’s repertoire extends from the womb to the tomb, he stresses on the need for customization and doing ‘Asanas’ within one’s self and advocates pragmatism with the goals and the expectations.
In chapters 4 to 6, Dr.Vibhakar convincingly demonstrates the scientific logic behind Yoga and its collaterals – ‘Ahar’, ‘Achar’, ‘Vichar’, ‘Vihar’ and ‘Aaram’ and their effects on the various sub-systems of the body. He introduces a new concept of ‘third-hand’ smoke as detrimental to health. In chapter 6, he presents the philosophy behind Yoga and the need to achieve ‘Ekagrata’ of mind through the means of ‘Gyan’, ‘Bhakti’, ‘Karma’ and ‘Hath Yoga’. Though each one of them is capable of bringing ‘Nirvana’, a right mix of all four is suggested for a common man. He is pragmatic in his enunciation of components of ‘Ashtangyoga’ and stresses on the mundane, for example, the art of listening and team work. Plagiarism and ‘Asteya’, generally perceived as not stealing materialistic things, is also advanced to not stealing some one’s time! Wasting food is equated to stealing, all of which are day to day ubiquitous events which have extreme relevance to the society.
Stretching as an energizer is presented in chapter 7 and in the era of Botox, the concept of natural face-lift brings refreshing freshness. In chapter 8, Dr.Vibhakar espouses the attainment of ‘Sukhanubhav’ and dispelling of ‘Bhaya’ through ‘Asanas’ and ‘Mudras’, all of which may be not only rejuvenating to the corporate world, but also reinvigorating to the ordinarily neglected house wives.
He goes an extra yard in chapter 10, candidly addressing issues normally handled in whispered tones, viz sex and sexuality. The art and science of ‘Kundalini’ arousing through ‘Chakras’ with a view to sublimation of ‘I’ with ‘Him’ is expounded in chapter 11. He deliberately places ‘Surya Namaskar’ after he has diligently dotted the ‘Is’ and crossed the ‘Ts’ of basic yogic principles.
Hygiene and both qualitative and quantitative aspects of diet and food bring up the rear. Even techniques of cooking, processing and storage, specially in plastics, has not escaped his critical gaze in this compendium. The 3Ds of oxidative stress viz dread, despair and depression, the very basis of devastating illnesses like cancer and heart attacks, find mention more than once in the book. He ends with his musings which are full of, not only knowledge, but wisdom on how to achieve ‘Kaivalya’ (liberation) through giving, universal bonding and by dissolving, and being in synchrony and one with the nature.
The language is simple and he gets his point across through personal anecdotes and quotes which make this book read like a bed time story. Yet it compels the reader to introspect and one evolves as one goes on. I feel that reading this book itself is a form of yoga – Gyan Yoga, and there is something for everyone, young to the very old. Practical tips to keep healthy and avoid injury do find more than just a mention. The DVD accompanying the book is a bonus and should form a feature of every home’s video library. Wit and humour are not given a go-by when Dr.Vibhakar reminds of the obloquy of his senior consultant regarding routine popping of vitamin pills, ‘…. you are certainly making rats in the gutter fat’.
However, all said & done, this is just a book and the author also acknowledges the role of teachers and gurus for guidance and mentoring. Learning Yoga through books, without a guru, is like riding a boat on an uncharted sea but not reading a book is like not going to the sea at all.
Its just appropriate that this book should appear in a year when even United Nations has adopted Yoga and declared 21st June as the International Yoga Day - probably an omen of divine intervention.
Epitomising, Yoga is not just boutique song and dance, a coutre, but is a culture – a eau-de-vie. And this synopsis of 15 years ‘Sadhna’ of Dr.Vibhakar, a sublime yogic recipe to achieve ‘Shataayu’ in a state of ‘Eudaemonia’ !’
Dr. B. S. SINGHAL
M.D. (BOM.), F.R.C.P. (LONDON), F.R.C.P. (EDIN), F.A.M.S.
‘Yoga and U in your daily life'
(A rare medico-spiritual concept & yoga in a book form)
An Appreciation
There are books and treatises on Yoga written by several Yogacharyas. This book is unique in a way that it is written by a cardiologist of over 40 years of clinical experience and 15 years of Yoga practice. There is a clear emphasis to combine both the medical and the Yogic way of life style to achieve and maintain 'The fountain of health.' This concept would have been difficult if Dr. Vibhakar has had no exposure to two diverse life styles as in USA and subsequently of India as an NRI.
When he made an attempt to embrace his motherland, he encountered major shortcomings and could not adjust not only to day to day living but in practicing cardiology as well. It was at this crucial juncture he got God sent divine exposure to Astangyoga of Maharshi Patanjali which helped him to see day light in the dark tunnel he was traversing.
Instead of running away from the tough life situations, he chose to stay back in India and step by step learned 2500 years old Yogic way of life in its most simple form. This helped him to steady his mind, be at peace with self, learned to accept reality and be content. Dr.Vibhakar emerged successfully out of all the lifestyle troubles and obstacles; became a humble and peaceful soul, got rid of problems of rapid resting heart beats, hypertension, obesity, agitation, nervousness, anger and frustrations.
He designed technique of 'The art of relaxation' with emphasis on breathing which he recommends strongly for a steady mind. With continuous, regular practice one gets less and less tense and agitated. Anger becomes the thing of the past, thus achieving unification of the mind, body and soul.
I, as a practicing neurologist, enjoyed reading this book mainly because of its simple, basic approach. It encourages even a common man to plunge into, who has otherwise shied away from Yoga, fearing its complexities and models showing Asanas literally turning their bodies in to knots. Dr.Vibhakar, instead in his book and DVD, has chosen himself as a model, who in spite of certain handicaps and limitations, performed basic Yoga and achieved all its benefits.
I strongly recommend this concise work of a doctor who has poured his heart out, paragraph by paragraph, to all who wish to achieve peaceful, happy and healthy way of living and reach higher level of consciousness step by step. Audiovisual presentation of 'The art of relaxation' will indeed help us to achieve this objective.
Mrs. Sujata Manohar
Former Judge, Supreme Court of India
Dr. Bharat B. Vibhakar has vividly described his journey through “Yogaland”. A Cardiologist trained in England and the USA. he returned to India after spending 15 years in the USA. He was at the prime of his career as a Cardiologist when, at the age of 47, he decided to return to India. He has described his struggle to adjust to the local environment despite his strong desire to live in the country of his birth. He describes his efforts to adjust to chaotic traffic, roads and pavements, the welter of cacophony, apathetic officials and mindless people without civic sense. How he overcame these and many other obstacles, achieved peace of mind and learnt to enjoy life, is a graphic narration worth reading. Yoga and the change of life style it generated have played a crucial role in this transformation. The story comes from the heart of the author and will affect all who read it.
Dr. Vibhakar calls himself a "preventative cardiologist" and an advocate of life-style modification through yoga. Relieving tensions, accepting and enjoying the environment, and peace of mind go a long way in preventing cardiological ailments. He considers understanding the behaviour of an individual and devising a customised programme to suit his needs, as a key to healthy living and avoiding medical problems. He also advocates acupuncture to alleviate musculo-skeletal pains.
He has explained in simple language the exercises that constitute "doable” Yoga, and their connection with the mind and the spirit. One need not be religious to appreciate the conclusions he draws about the links between the physical body, mind and spirit; or his understanding of a universal force that shapes the universe as well as all who inhabit it. The Yogic exercises are well illustrated and fully described. The “spiritual” attainments that are possible through Yoga are explained in simple language without any religious fanfare.
This is an altogether readable and do-able account of Yoga shaping one’s ordinary life, helping to stay free from medical problems, helping to attain happiness and contentment, and experience the joy of living.
Vispi Balaporia
FOREWORD
When I was asked to give my reactions to Dr Vibhakar's book on Yoga, I was a little apprehensive, as I am no expert on the subject. But when I read through it, I understood why Dr Vibhakar had approached me. Because this book acts as an initiation into a philosophy of life.
As I began reading, I was struck by the sincerity that came through in every line. The desire to share his own experience so that others could benefit was palpable from the initial pages. I found it all the more effective because of the honesty with which he has shared the frustration he experienced when he returned to India after several years in the U.S. The deteriorating conditions in Mumbai filled him with a sense of helplessness. To continue to live in Mumbai was made more intolerable because of the experience of having lived in the U.S. It was at this juncture of his life that he chanced upon Yoga and, slowly but surely, cynicism was replaced by altruism.
This introduction to the practice of Yoga is so much more convincing because Dr Vibhakar's faith in the benefits it can bring to others is the outcome of his own regeneration and rejuvenation, resulting in both mental and physical well-being. Also to be appreciated is the honesty of approach. He does not hesitate to accept its limitations, and warns that Yoga is not a magical solution to all ills.
Dr Vibhakar is a highly qualified medical professional. This brings an added positive dimension. He knows how the body works, and is aware of the innumerable things that can go wrong as a result of faulty diet and lifestyle. Despite admitting that it is a difficult task, he has shown us how we can learn to achieve silence in the midst of the noise and chaos of urban living. The supplementary DVD gives us another approach to achieve this objective. Extremely well executed, I was again impressed by the simplicity and clarity of its presentation.
In well laid out chapters Dr Vibhakar has shown us the path to right thinking and right action. And this is presented with lucidity and clarity of thought, made even clearer thanks to the visuals. We are encouraged to believe that 'Tapa' and 'Vishwas' can bring the desired results. What is needed is the will to embrace these ideals. Simple precepts, but not that simple to practise. Dr Vibhakar, with his sincere approach, can help the readers to achieve the goals he has spelt out. A meticulous reading will save us from the three negative D's: dread, despair, depression, and lead us to harmonious living.
Dr. Aron Wahrman
MD MBA FACS FCPP
Professor of Clinical Surgery
Division of Plastic Surgery
Temple University School of Medicine
Changing or bettering the world around us is a noble goal. However the concept seems somewhat empty without improving oneself, and rigorously training mind, body and soul for the tasks ahead.
For thousands of years, Yoga has provided a physical as well as spiritual guide to self knowledge and even self-love, which can then be writ large in positively affecting as well as respecting those around us and the planet we inhabit. As in my own specialty of plastic surgery, western advances in surgery from hundreds of years ago seem naïve and already antiquated when compared to the methods of their contemporary Indian counterparts; in fact many Indian methods of reconstruction from centuries ago are still applicable and in use. In the United States, Yoga started making cultural inroads well over 50 years ago with the works of such popular authors as Indra Devi (Yoga for Americans) and her celebrity disciples such as the actress Gloria Swanson and internationally known violinist Yehudi Menuhin.
Dr Vibhakar’s book obviously benefits from the temporal advances in media—the ability to lavishly illustrate and photograph, as well as provide video instruction with an accompanying DVD. But I must say, that this was at once a profound, substantive, instructive and yet delightful reading and viewing experience. Full disclosure—I am a novice at Yoga—but this book will change that. As a fellow physician (or any hard working son, husband, parent) I was immediately drawn in by the autobiographic context of this work. More than 25 years ago, Dr Vibhakar gave up the comfort and professional success of his life as a cardiologist in the States and decided to return to Mumbai to be closer to family. But the distractions of life in the US are matched by somewhat different yet equally compelling problems in Dr Vibhakar’s native land. Before setting out to change the world he is drawn to Yoga as a way to also change himself and complete his homage or “homecoming” to his marvelous heritage. The pleasures of this book is that it is not a mere “manual”—it is the seamless blend of autobiography, history and philosophy and an exhaustive, clearly photographed description of traditional Yoga classification and respective exercises, breathing and poses. In addition there is very practical commentary on diet and the additive role of medical science.
The tone is assured yet also soothing and entertaining. The fictional character Holden Caulfield (Catcher In The Rye) stated that he knew he enjoyed a book when he realized that he wished to meet and speak with the author. In fact, I purposely delayed viewing the accompanying video, trying to imagine Dr Vibhakar from words and photos alone. He does not disappoint “in motion and speech”. He is an elegant, knowing and comforting presence—more like a warm, generous, host than instructor, in the valuable visual bonus to the book.
In summary, this is a terrific addition to the literature and practice of Yoga—but it is more than that. A touching but practical homage to self improvement, family, and tradition and a gentle reminder that the art of the life well lived is knowledge and love combined.