Essential books to inspire your yoga practice
Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self. - Bhagavad Gita. Humans and the stress of their modern busy lives create the need for internal peace and self-discovery. This Yoga Day let's vow to include yoga in our lives for yoga is an ultimate solution to all our issues. Some feel yoga is just a physical activity but in truth, it's a lifestyle that encompasses physical, mental and even spiritual health. These 12 books capture different aspects of yoga so choose the one best suited for your needs.
(Photo: Public Domain Pictures)
Mudras of India: A Comprehensive Guide to the Hand Gestures of Yoga and Indian Dance by Cain Carroll
Mudras are like yogasana for the hands. This book explains how the pose or gesture you hold your hand in can be used to communicate and to heal. The book is a guide to all mudras, with their name and their various uses in dance and their use in yoga along with their and health benefits.
Photo: Singing Dragon
One Simple Thing: A New Look at the Science of Yoga and How It Can Transform Your Life by Eddie Stern
The author Eddie Stern has been a yoga teacher for many years and has been learning about yoga for even longer. He noticed that no matter what ailment those entering his class had, the same set of yoga practices bought tremendous improvement to their health. In this book he explores how yoga, the one simple thing, can bring such tremendous improvement. He explains both the ancient philosophy of yoga and backs it up with recent scientific findings. The book provides good insight into the modern effects and applications of yoga.
Photo: North Point Press
From the Vedas to Vinyasa: An Introduction to the History and Philosophy of Yoga
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A Beginners Guide to Yoga and the 7 Chakras by Abaha Saagar
Photo: Createspace Independent Pub
Meditation and Mantras by Vishnudevananda Saraswati
The book is written by an experienced spiritual practitioner, Vishnudevananda Saraswati. He clears all the doubts surrounding the term meditation and guides you on how to practice it. The methods that are given in ”Meditation and Mantras” is based on the four paths of the yoga. All the four paths are interpreted in their true sense with a due consideration to the western and scientific tradition.
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Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by B.K.S. Iyengar
Yoga Sutras were originally written by Patanjali, Father of Yoga over 2,000 years ago. The Sutras being short and to the point are difficult to understand. “Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” is a translation and explanation of each sutra to the modern day readers by B.K.S. Iyengar. The book helps in understanding and importance of the sutras for yoga and is helpful to students of philosophy and practitioners of yoga.
(Photo: Harper Collins India)
Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
The book is an account of life experiences of the first yoga master of India. It is often termed as a masterpiece of spiritual literature by followers of different religions and is full of gentle humor, lively stories, and common sense. A spiritual revolution was launched in 1946 by the first publication of the book and created a lasting impact on its audience.
(Photo: The Philosophical Library)
The Secret Power of Yoga: A Woman's Guide to the Heart and Spirit of the Yoga Sutras by Nischala Devi
The book interprets Yoga Sutras of Patanjali along with the principles that are a prerequisite for yoga practice from a feminine perspective. The importance of yoga and its ability to create a healthy body with the emotional and spiritual benefits is best captured by Devi’s personal interpretations of each sutra.
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The Key Poses of Yoga: Scientific Keys by Ray Long
The book is written by the founder of Bandha Yoga, Dr. Ray Long. The colorful and detailed illustrations of the human musculoskeletal system offer an anatomical perspective to reveal the unique benefits of each yoga posture on the body. The book is a perfect practice companion to the practitioner interested in utilizing Yoga's potential for the for maximum physical benefits.
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The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga's Ethical Practice by Deborah Adele
Yama and Niyama are 2 parts of the eightfold path of yoga sutras of Patanjali. The book authored by Deborah Adele is a vivid explanation and exploration of yoga’s ethical practice. At the end of each chapter, a self-study section is provided for readers to introspect which makes the book more engaging. The book elaborates the moral and philosophical aspects of yoga and focuses on guiding individuals as humans with moral values. There is less emphasis on the physical aspects of yoga.
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Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit - A Return to Wholeness by Donna Farhi
The book is authored by internationally renowned yoga instructor Donna Farhi. 'Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit' has 240 two-color photographs and illustrations which makes it user-friendly and simple to use. Donna Farhi in her masterpiece talks about how yoga enhances the connections between the mind, body, and spirit. It is a good book for beginners.
(Photo: Holt Paperbacks)
The Yoga Bible by Christina Brown
The book features 150 postures with step-by-step instructions on how to achieve them.'The Yoga Bible' also contains a summary of the various schools of yoga, advice on breathing techniques, meditation, and the health benefits of yoga. It's a good starting point for those interested in yoga. The book is an ultimate and comprehensive guide to a yoga practitioner and one seeking for mental and physical balance in life.
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Body Goddess: The Complete Guide on Yoga for Women by Payal Gidwani Tiwari
The book is authored by Payal Gidwani Tiwari, a famous fitness and yoga trainer. The book highlights the need for healthier lifestyle bereft of stress and disease in this modern world. The body of a woman is often subjected to pregnancy, thyroid, PCOS, obesity, and stress these days and the author, through her book, aims to help the women cope with all these with the power of yoga.
(Photo: Random House India)
Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
The book is internationally acclaimed as one of the most systematic yoga manuals available in the present scenario. 'Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha' is stuffed with clear illustrations with step by step directions on how to perform the different parts of yoga and details of the subtle energy systems of the body. This guides the practitioner or teacher through the yogic practices from the simplest to the most advanced level.
(Photo: Bihar School Of Yoga)