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YOGA BOOKS

Here is a selection of yoga books, some are available directly from Amazon.

The greatest gift from India to the western world is yoga, but many of us simply understand yoga as asana, the physical practice. In my humble belief it is important to maintain its tradition and in order to deepen one’s practice a basic understanding of the philosophy, practices and beliefs of the varying branches of yoga is required.

Some of the sacred texts I would recommend to expand your knowledge of the practice of yoga are detailed below.

 
   

The Bhagavad-Gita (or “The Lord’s Song”) composed 2,500 years ago. The text unfolds as a conversation between God, manifested on earth as Lord Krishna and man. Krishna delivers lessons on the subject of karmic destiny and the importance of authentic spiritual devotion. Their conversation is relevant to the study of yoga in that the two figures discuss how to apply the ethical and spiritual elements of yoga to daily living. Much of their conversation focuses on the nature of Karma Yoga, or the yoga of action in combination with Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of love and devotion.

The Upanishads: composed over 2,500 years ago the Upanishads are founding texts in Indian philosophy and have a profound influence on the way Ashtanga Yoga is understood and practiced. They are a set of condensed statements or aphorisms regarding the nature of creation, life the self, change and continuity, happiness, suffering and our consciousness of these interrelated elements. The Upanishads offer insight into the practice of meditation as that which cultivates special states of experience beyond the ordinary limitations of our minds. The Upanishads meditate on the nature of movement and continuity – two of the basic elements of the Ashtanga Vinyasa system.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali : In Sanskrit sutra means “aphorism” so this work is in fact a collection of short phrases or sentences that expound on the nature of yoga and its practices. Patanjali composed them around 200 AD. There are 196 aphorisms that are both brief and rich in meaning; they contain the essence of the spiritual and practical applications of yoga practice in a compact and simple way.

Hatha Yoga Pradipika compiled by Yoga Svatmarama in the fifteenth century, it is a technical manual which describes the practice of asana, pranayama, mudra (energy seals) and nada (the study of external and internal sound)

Yoga Korunta is a collection of verses on Hath Yoga which was discovered in the 1930s by Sri T. Krishnamacharya and his disciple K. Pattabhi Jois in Calcutta. The manuscript dates to be between 500 and 1,500 years old and forms the bases of Pattabhi Jois’ teachings.

 

… which brings me to some more recent writings by some of the world’s top teachers including Pattabhi Jois the founder & Guru of Ashtanga Yoga for whom I have great admiration and respect and am very grateful to have had the pleasure of studying with.

Also my teacher John Scott, a knowledgeable and compassionate man with an in-depth understanding of the practice, one’s body and its ability to move into the postures in a gentle manner.

 

Yoga Mala by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Mala means garland and the mala referred to here is a garland of yoga, in which each vinyasa is like a sacred bead to be counted and focused on, and each asana is like a fragrant flower strung on the thread of the breath. After a deep study of the philosophy and practice of yoga and a personal enjoyment of its fruits, Pattabhi Jois endeavours in this book to spread his knowledge on the benefits of practicing. As a result of his extensive knowledge and his in-depth study of yoga philosophy & practices, he is keenly aware of its many intricacies which he shares with his readers and students.

Ashtanga Yoga by John Scott. John Scott is very clear and precise in his teaching of this ancient form of yoga. His own practice is inspiring, his grace and strength giving him the qualities of a yogic Nijinsky. this book reflects Johns teaching gift and style, and is an extremly helpful tool for those practising Ashtanga yoga at home. Highly recommended, as commented by Sting.

Along with the book, I would highly recommend John’s DVD which can be listened to as if he himself were in the room. The instructions are clear and precise, the accompanying music is beautiful and there is no need to watch the dvd itself except to witness the grace and skill of John’s practice.

Light on Yoga by B.K.S Iyengar. Considered to be the yoga bible for hundreds of thousands of people who practice yoga daily with the Iyengar method, for exercise, meditation or simple relaxation. With more than 600 photographs depicting all the postures and breathing exercises, it remains the fullest, most practical, and most profusely illustrated guide by the world’s foremost yoga teacher.

Ashtanga Yoga by David Swenson. The practice manual in ring-bind form. An easy to follow step by step guide of the primary series along with photographs of every posture with modifications and some short form series for those with limited practice time. A must-have for every beginner to Ashtanga Yoga.

The Spiritual teachings of Yoga by Mark Forstater & Jo Manuel. This book explains the teachings behind yoga in a fresh and accessible way, presenting clear and poetic translations of the key yoga scriptures as mentioned previously. The ancient texts contain instructions for the philosophy, method and practice of yoga and together are guides to our inner wisdom, enabling us to find an answer to the most fundamental of all existential questions: ‘Who am I?’

Yogilates by Jonathan Urla : Integrating Yoga and Pilates for Complete Fitness, Strength and Flexibility, available in hardcover or paperback. The training and inspiration for Go Yoga’s Core Fusion classes.

Also, a must-have for anyone interested in Pilates - Joseph Pilates' complete writings - A Pilates Primer: The Millenium Edition, with illustrations of his original "Contrology" exercises

 
If you are not sure which yoga books to buy please don't hesitiate to contact me and I will happily give you some direction.
 

 

 
 
 
   

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