YIV: How were you first introduced to yoga? Why have you continued to practice?
BN: I met with a sweet yoga teacher through delivering plant based food to people, and I started to go to her lessons, then I got hooked real quick.This was about 12 years ago. Yoga and spiritual practice made me more stronger and balanced mentally, to be able to win the battle over chronic depression and suicidal thoughts. I always said, yoga saved my life.
YIV: When did you go vegan? Why did you make the decision to do so?
BN: I went vegan for the animals and also health reasons too.I am not so good with dates, but it was about 3-4 years ago. Before that I was vegetarian since age 19 and I made that decision because I realized that I can't take take the life of an other being, just for me to eat, and that I can sustain myself and be healthier too and heal some my lifetime health issues by ditching meat. I didn't know much about veganism until late in my twenties, but when I got educated I made the change right away.
YIV: Why is do you think yoga is vegan?
BN: Because of the 8 limbs yoga, which clearly says non-violence and also you can read many thoughts on this in the Bhagavad Gita as well. In my opinion , non violence doesn't just apply to don't harm yourself and other human beings ,but applies to all sentient beings, be it animals or plants too.
YIV: Do you ever introduce the concept of ahimsa or veganism to your yoga students? If so, how has it been received?
BN: Yes, to the people that I feel that are receptive to this. Most of my students are aware that I am vegan, and many of them came to me for advice or we exchanged recipes etc.
YIV: What advice would you give to a yoga student who wants to become vegan?
BN: Get educated first. Do your research about in ethics, and nutrition. Watch some documentaries, read some books form credited plant based doctors, maybe find an inspirational YouTube channel, search for easy and delicious recipes to help you on your first steps until you get the hang of it. Be consistent.
YIV: Do you have a favorite vegan recipe you would like to share? If it's not your own, please credit the author.
BN: Its coconut chickpea curry from Deliciously Ella.
YIV: Where do you love to go for vegan food?
BN: I am gluten intolerant , and that makes everything harder.So it is rare that I eat out.
- Brigitta Nyaradi
Instagram: @thecyclistyogi
