Yoga Reading List

I tried to keep track of any book recommendations throughout my teacher training at Rishikesh Yog Peeth.  My weekly trip to the bookstore also helped to expand this list.  Although I firmly believe that yoga is an oral tradition passed on from teacher to student, human to human, these books are great tools for sparking curiosity and increasing understanding.  So, for those of you who read this blog for the latest update on my adventures, this post is not for you.  Eventually, I hope to re-post this entry on a yoga related blog/website.  Enjoy and please share!

Books that I own (thus may be borrowed)

1. Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha by Swami Satyananda Saraswati (Bihar School of Yoga):  This was the main book used during my training.  For those of you who will be studying at RYP, it is provided for you at no extra cost.  It includes illustrated poses, Sanskrit and English names, breath and chakra awareness for each pose, breathing exercises (pranayama), introduction to chakras, mudras and bandhas.  I would not recommend this book for beginners.
2. Yogic Management of Common Diseases by Dr. Swami Karmananda (Bihar School of Yoga):  Great for someone interested in yoga and wellness or yoga therapy.
3. Swara Yoga: The Tantric Science of Brain Breathing by Swami Muktibodhananda (Bihar School of Yoga):  This book introduces the basics of Swara Yoga, which is about breath patterns, how those are related to the Lunar cycle and how to observe the patterns and use them to benefit your daily and spiritual life.  I'm currently reading this one and it's fascinating!
4. Yoga Nidra by Swami Satyananda Saraswati (Bihar School of Yoga):  This offers a comprehensive introduction to yoga nidra, yogic sleep or deep relaxation.  It offers great techniques for stress management and even has examples that you could use to guide a yoga nidra session.
5. Yoga Chudamani Upanishad: Crown Jewel of Yoga by Swami Satyadharma (Bihar School of Yoga):  A philosophical guide for higher spiritual development through kundalini awakening.  In other words, not for the faint of heart.
6. Chakras: Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith:  A great book for those interested in learning more about chakras!  It's easy to understand and well-organized.

Books that I hope to own

1. Living Gita published by Integral Yoga Publications
2. Yoga and Ayurveda by David Frawley
3. The Holy Science by Swami Sri Yukteswar
4. Four Chapters on Freedom published by Bihar School of Yoga
5. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Sri Swami Satchidananda
6. Yoga Mat Companion 1, 2, 3, and 4 by Ray Long and published by Bandha Yoga (four separate anatomy books)
7. Your Body Believes Every Word You Say: The Language of the Bodymind Connection by Barbara Hoberman Levine
8. El Corazón del Yoga by T.K.V. Desikachar (great for bilingual yoga students and teachers)
9. Light on Yoga by B.K.S Iyengar
10. Yoga: A Gem for Women by Geeta S. Iyengar

Obviously this is a limited list and there are many other great yoga books out there.  If you happen upon one of those, please send the title my way!




~om shanti~