The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 

“The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” is a ancient Indian text, written by the sage Patanjali, that provides a comprehensive guide to the practice of yoga. The text is comprised of 196 sutras, or aphorisms, that cover the philosophy and practice of yoga. It presents the path of yoga as a means to achieve Samadhi, or liberation and union with the divine. The sutras provide a roadmap for the student, offering guidance on the nature of the mind and the obstacles to liberation, as well as practical instruction on meditation and the practice of the eight limbs of yoga. “The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” is considered one of the foundational texts of classical yoga and continues to be widely studied and practiced by yoga practitioners today. 

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali – Sri Swami Satchidananda 

Sri Swami Satchidananda’s interpretation of “The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” offers a clear and concise overview of the text, providing insights into its teachings and their practical applications. The author explains the key concepts of yoga, including the eight limbs of yoga (ashtanga yoga), the practice of meditation, and the attainment of spiritual liberation (samadhi). He also provides guidance on how to overcome obstacles and distractions on the path of yoga. This book is accepted by most traditional Vedic schools as the authority on Yoga. It is considered an ethics guide as well as a manual to the physical postures, meditation, as well as tools to deal with daily living situations. 

Four Chapters on Freedom — Swami Satyananda Saraswati  

This is an excellent translation of the Yoga Sutras by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, founder of the Bihar School of Yoga. The book includes the full text in Sanskrit as well as a transliteration, translation, and very extensive commentary. 

Light on Yoga — B.K.S Iyengar 

Published originally in English in 1966, Light on Yoga is a guide to the practice of Iyengar Yoga, developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, one of the disciples of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. This yoga book is found in the curriculum of many Yoga Teacher Trainings around the globe because it describes over 600 asanas (postures) in detail as well as contain over 200 photos of these asanas performed by Iyengar himself. The author emphasizes the importance of proper alignment and the use of props, such as blocks and straps, to help practitioners achieve optimal benefits from their practice. This book also goes beyond physical exercise and heavily details the philosophy of yoga. It is easy to follow and even has modified versions for some of the more advanced poses to accommodate beginners. It also contains a week-by-week guide to advance your skills. This comprehensive guide is a valuable resource for both beginner and advanced yoga practitioners alike, offering insights into the practice and its benefits for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. 

“Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha” by Swami Satyananda Saraswati 

“Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha” is a book written by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, founder of the Bihar Scholl of Yoga. The book explores the various components of yoga practice. The book provides a comprehensive guide to the physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), hand gestures (mudras), and energy locks (bandhas) of yoga. It provides a detailed and practical approach to each component of yoga practice, covering their benefits, techniques, and potential hazards. The author emphasizes the importance of proper alignment, technique, and awareness in the practice of yoga and provides modifications and adaptations for individual needs and limitations. The book is considered a classic in the field of yoga and is widely used as a reference by students and teachers alike. With clear explanations and illustrations, it is an essential resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding and experience of yoga practice. 

The Heart of Yoga — T.K.V Desikachar  

“The Heart of Yoga” by T.K.V Desikachar is a classic book on the philosophy and practice of yoga. The author, who is a renowned yoga teacher and the son of the legendary yoga master Krishnamacharya, presents a comprehensive guide to the traditional teachings of yoga, including its history, philosophy, and practice. He emphasizes the importance of adapting yoga to the individual needs and capabilities of each student, and encourages a personal, individualized approach to the practice of yoga. Throughout the book, Desikachar explores the core principles of yoga, including the eight limbs of yoga, the role of breath, and the importance of meditation and self-awareness. He also offers practical guidance on how to incorporate these principles into daily life, and how to cultivate a deeper connection with the self and the world around us through the practice of yoga. 

Autobiography of a Yogi — Paramahansa Yogananda 

“Autobiography of a Yogi” is a spiritual classic written by Paramahansa Yogananda, an Indian yogi and guru who introduced millions of people in the West to the teachings of meditation and Kriya Yoga. The book is a memoir of Yogananda’s life and spiritual journey, and provides a unique window into the world of Eastern spirituality and the practices of yoga and meditation. Throughout the book, Yogananda shares his encounters with spiritual leaders and saints, and the profound lessons he learned from them. He also reflects on his own spiritual experiences and insights, and offers guidance on how to cultivate a deeper connection with the divine. The book has been widely acclaimed for its compelling narrative, its inspiring message of hope and spiritual renewal, and its timeless teachings on meditation, yoga, and self-realization. 

Yoga Anatomy – Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthews 

“Yoga Anatomy” by Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthews is a comprehensive guide to the anatomy and physiology of yoga practice. The book provides detailed illustrations and explanations of the musculoskeletal system, breathing mechanisms, and the body’s energetic anatomy. The authors present the information in a clear and accessible manner, making it suitable for both yoga practitioners and anatomy students. The book covers the anatomy of each yoga pose and how the different parts of the body are affected, helping practitioners to deepen their understanding of their own bodies and avoid injury. The book also offers practical insights on how to modify and adapt poses to accommodate individual needs and limitations. 

Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit  – Donna Farhi

“Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit” by Donna Farhi is a comprehensive guide to the practice of yoga, exploring its physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. The author presents the information in a clear and accessible manner, making it suitable for both yoga practitioners and those new to the practice. The book covers the history and philosophy of yoga, as well as its various physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation practices. Farhi emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness in yoga, and provides guidance on how to integrate these principles into daily life. These principles to follow are breathing, yield, radiate, center, support, align, and engage. The yoga poses are divided into sections such as standing asanas, arm balances, restorative poses and backbends to make learning an easier process. In addition, the 240 photos and illustrations of yoga positions and philosophy on the ethics of yoga make it a must have for dedicated practioners. The book also includes sequences of yoga poses for specific purposes, such as stress relief and injury rehabilitation, making it a valuable resource for those looking to improve their overall health and well-being. 

Every Body Yoga – Jessamyn Stanley 

“Every Body Yoga” by Jessamyn Stanley is a book that explores the idea that yoga is for everybody, regardless of shape, size, or ability level. Stanley, a yoga teacher and body positive advocate, shares her own journey to self-acceptance and how yoga has helped her to embrace her body and find peace and joy in her practice. The book includes a range of accessible yoga poses and sequences like “I Want to Energise My Spirit,” “I Need to Release Fear,” “I Want to Love Myself. The sequences are designed keeping in mind that yoga isn’t about how one looks, but how one feels. With bright, fully coloured pictures, there are easy-to-follow instructions along with some helpful tips for modifying poses to suit different abilities and body types.