When I first started really getting into yoga, reading some ‘yoga books’ really helped me to understand what it is all about. Here are my top 5 Yoga books that I would highly recommend reading if you love yoga and want to deepen your understanding for the ancient practice.
1) How Yoga Works By Micheal Roach
This was the first yoga book that I read, and I would really recommend it. It explains the history and philosophy of yoga through the simple and engaging story of how yoga teachings reached Tibet from India over 1000 years ago. Some yoga philosophy books can be pretty heavy, but this is a lighthearted and easy read that reveals how yoga works to make us whole again.
2) The Power of Now– A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment By Eckhart Tolle
This was a really life changing read for me. I am terrible for living in the future. I get anxious about things that will probably never happen. My head is pretty much always in the clouds. This book really helped me to learn how to come back to the present moment, which is so important for all of us to do. Everything else is an illusion, a fantasy. It still baffles me now, how automatic it is for me to project into the future! But now I have the awareness of it, I can begin to live in a different way. The only way! If this sounds like you too, or if you find you dwell about things that have happened in the past, give this book a read. It’s one that I will always dip back into throughout my life.
3) The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali By Swami Satchidananda
This book helps to remind me of the true purpose of Yoga, which is often forgotten in modern times. The teachings in this book are 4000 years old, and are translated from Sanskrit by the Yoga master, Swami Satchidananda. It is the complete manual for learning concentration and meditation on the path of Raja yoga. These teachings are thousands of years old, but still resonate today. It is very humbling to know that humanity has always faced similar challenges and sufferings that we face today, and this guide offers an insight into how to move into a wholeness and a more peaceful and content way of being.
4) The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
This book was recommended to me by a good friend, and I’m so glad I read it. It’s not a ‘yoga book’ as such, but rather shares teachings from ancient Toltec wisdom. For me, a lot of the principles of this book are related to practicing yoga, and in particular, bringing your yoga practice off the mat and into your day to day life. Don Miguel Ruiz shares four basic agreements that we can make with ourselves that will improve our lives and release us from the drama and suffering that we often create ourselves. These are ‘be impeccable with your word’, ‘don’t take anything personally’, ‘don’t make assumptions’ and ‘do your best’.
5) Yoga for your type – An Ayurvedic Approach to Your Asana Practice by David Frawley
David Frawley has written a wealth of books on the subject of Ayurveda, and all of his books have given another dimension to my yoga practice. His knowledge of this ancient Indian healing system and his way of sharing and explaining the principles makes a beautifully heart felt and educational read. In this practical guide, Frawley helps us to determine what dosha type we predominately have and which of the asanas we should practice to help keep us in balance.
It was very tricky for me to pick this top 5! In fact, watch this space for another blog where I will share some more of my favourite books that will help you on your path.
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