Ashtanga Yoga (and related) Books
Essential reference for Ashtanga yoga.
Written in 1958, this is the first English translation (1999).
After a 42-page introduction, each posture in primary Ashtanga series is
covered. The method and benefits of each asana are given and each is
illustrated with a photo. Includes about 16 photos of Pattabhi Jois
which were probably taken over 40 years ago and a couple of recent photos,
including his beaming face on the cover. Remaining asanas are illustrated
by more recent photos of his grandson, Sharath.
Excellent book, written under the guidance of Pattabhi Jois. Lino Miele is one of the few Certified Ashtanga teachers in the world. Describes each posture in primary series (Yoga Chikitsa) and gives benefits each posture. Also describes each posture in second series (Nadi Sodhana). Each posture is illustrated with a photo of Sharath. Includes some text on pranayama.
Foreward by Pattabhi Jois. John Scott is one of the few Certified Ashtanga teachers in the world. Formerly based in the UK, now located in New Zealand. This book has detailed coverage of primary series. Illustrated with photos of John Scott. Published in England (Gaia) 10/27/00, in the US 05/01.
A review of the book from Yoga UK. An interview with John Scott at Yoga UK.
Excellent book. Very user-friendly. Large book covering primary and intermediate series. A notable feature of this book is that it gives variations for all postures. Includes photos of all postures and variations. Swenson is an Authorized Ashtanga teacher.
This well-respected book contains photographs illustrating all of the postures from the first four series of Ashtanga yoga (Primary, Intermediate, Advanced A, Advanced B). As far as I know this is the only printed source for the advanced postures. (There are some videos which show some of the advanced series - see my yoga videos page). The photos are small (a bit larger in the 2nd edition), but I think part of the concept here is to have a concise reference. Each posture is labelled with its name in Sanskrit. Also includes translations of opening and closing prayers. And much printed info not otherwise available in one book. Contents: Traditional Astanga Yoga Prayer, Salute to the Sun (Version A&B), Standing Postures, Primary Postures, Intermediate Postures, Advanced A Postures, Advanced B Postures, Back Bending, Finishing Postures, Vinyasa Sequencing Variations, Closing Prayer, Glossary.
Sweeney has also produced some wall charts of Ashtanga yoga postures which may be available from www.yogatemple.com
Part 1 - Fundamentals (about 10 pages) describes breath, bandhas, dristi,
vinyasa. Part 2 (about 112 pages) comprehensive description of Primary series,
with lots of detail. Part 3 (about 8 pages) - The History and Lineage of Yoga.
Part 4 (about 154 pages) translation and commentary on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
Probably the most comprehensive book yet on Ashtanga yoga.
Currently in Swedish and Finnish. Soon in English.
A whole book on the subject of Mula Bandha (root lock). Highly recommended.
Not written from an Ashtanga point of view, but this practice is central to
the practice of Ashtanga yoga.
A description from the author's website: "Learn how to read, write and pronounce over 200 asana names and over 300 sanskrit terms relating to yoga. Includes 7 chants, asana names in alphabetical order, and separate tracks for Ashtanga sequences." The book includes 2 CDs so you can hear the pronunciations. While this book is useful to anyone studying any kind of yoga, it seems to be oriented to Ashtanga, and will be very useful to Ashtanga students wanting to learn more about Sanskrit, pronunciation of asanas names, and chanting. A super-duper book.
This manual on primary series Ashtanga yoga comes from the Its Yoga studio in San Francisco. After some introductory material, each asana is described and illustrated with a drawing. This is followed by 9 pages of just the names and pictures to be used as a practice guide. I have not yet seen the newer edition, which I think has color pictures. Can be ordered directly from It's Yoga: www.itsyoga.net. (A sample of this book can also be read online or printed out from the above website). It's Yoga does not teach "strict" Ashtanga, and this is not a highly regarded source, but the original edition was one of the first books on Ashtanga Yoga.
Basic coverage of primary series Ashtanga yoga.
Though not regarded as an Ashtanga purist, Beryl's book was probably the only Ashtanga yoga book available for several years after being published. Describes primary series postures in detail. Many photos. The term "power yoga" usually refers to some vigorous style of yoga based on Ashtanga to some extent but usually deviating quite a bit from the form of Ashtanga (Bryan Kest, Baron Baptiste, Geo Tacoma). Though Beryl Birch may have coined the term power yoga, this book presents pretty much straight-forward Ashtanga yoga.
Sequel to Power Yoga, covering the eight limbs of ashtanga yoga.
A personal story of practicing Ashtanga yoga.
Very interesting book. Most of the book is a translation of a manuscript
from early or mid 1800's found in the Mysore palace. This book is the
subject of an article in Yoga Journal (JUL/AUG 1999),
which is discussed below. This is not an instruction manual, but a very
interesting study of the development of the yoga styles
of Pattabhi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar. Advances the theory that the emphasis
on asana practice is a recent development, which can be seen as an adaptation
to the needs of modern people. This is partly based on the observation
that there is very little documentation of asana practice prior to this
century.
Krishnamacharya/Desikachar/Vini-Yoga
This is a biography of Krishnamacharya by his son. Dsicusses Patanjali's Sutras and the origins of yoga extensively. Krishnamacharya was the teacher of K. Pattabhi Jois, B.K.S. Iyengar, B.N.S Iyengar, T.K.V. Desikachar, Indra Devi, and others. This means that a great amount of the yoga that is taught today can be traced back to him. Lots of photos (in fact Aperture is a publisher of photography books). Excekkenbt book - highly recommended.
Some other books by or about Krishnamacharya can be found here:
Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram - kym.org
This book is about Vini-Yoga, which says that yoga must be adapted to the
individual. Desikachar is Krishnamacharya's son and student.
Includes a translaton of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
Very interesting book, written by a long-time student of Krishnamacharya. Not meant for beginners, this book can be a guide for adapting a yoga practice to the needs of an individual.
Iyengar Yoga Books
When people say "Iyengar yoga", they mean the yoga of BKS Iyengar (not to be confused with BNS Iyengar, an Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga teacher in Mysore). Light on Yoga is one of the most classic of yoga books, sometimes called the "bible of hatha yoga". Extensive discussion of yoga. Encyclopedic section on asanas with photographs (of BKS Iyengar) and instructions for each asana. Earlier editions (with silver cover) had all photographs together in the back, newer edition has illustrations paired with descriptions of asanas.
A beautiful and comprehensive book with over 1,900 color photographs. Specific sequences of postures are given (and illustrated) for various conditions.
Excellent presentation. Photos and details for many asanas.
A classic book on yoga as it relates to women (pregnancy, etc.) Soon to
be "superceded" by a new book, Iyengar Yoga for Motherhood.
Amazon.com: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0931454980/
Details her experiences studying yoga with B.K.S.Iyengar in India and her investigations into the origins of modern yoga. Very interesting book! I read it cover to cover and enjoyed it greatly. Looks like this is out of print and probably will not make it to paperback. Cheap used copies available at Amazon.
Have not yet seen this book.
Essays, stories, and interviews about BKS Iyengar from about 20 top yoga teachers. I have not yet seen this book.
Therapeutic/Restorative/Gentle Yoga Books
Excellent book.
Excellent book. Gary is a teacher of Viniyoga and a student of T.K.V Desikachar. Viniyoga stresses that a yoga practice must be based on the unique needs of the individual. Tons of info on anatomy and on therapeutic yoga for various specific conditions. Lots of info on spinal curvatures (scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis). Highly recommended. Also has newer book: Yoga for Transformation. And be sure to check out his series of DVDs from Pranamaya: www.pranamaya.com
Excellent book with tons of info on how yoga can be practiced by older people. Also lots of info on how to teach yoga to older students. The book is also available in German and Russian. The author is a certified Iyengar teacher. She's also the mayor of Ojai, California! Also has newer book: Yoga and the Wisdom of Menopause
Excellent book written by a doctor who studied yoga to help with her own back problems. She has studied with BKS Iyengar and is a certified Iyengar teacher. Lots of info on practicing yoga specifically for back problems.
Here is a comment from the back cover by Donna Farhi:
"Todd Walton's book embodies the highest teachings of yoga...If you've
ever felt tyrannized just looking at a yoga book or tried and failed
to force your body into physical fitness, OPEN BODY offers the hope
and encouragement we all need to trust our instincts and then let the
body tell us what it knows."
Rather than presenting any specific exercises or plans, this book
develops some basic ideas about being creative and exploratory.
Currently out-of-print but used copies are around.
Lots of info on how to make yoga very easy for anyone to do.
This is a great book. I have been spending a lot of time with it. The program he presents in this book is based on the Sun Salutation. Sam Dworkis has a website with tons of info from this book: extensionyoga.com. Check it out!
Thorough coverage of "restorative yoga", which seems to be the therapeutic branch of Iyengar yoga. Lots of very gentle postures with extensive use of props.
Very good book!!! If you have knee issues, get it.
Very gentle yoga, well presented. I like this book.
Yin Yoga
Yin yoga = still, cool, long holds. Yang yoga = moving, heat, less time in postures. Yang forms (Ashtanga) are mainly working with muscles (removing tension and strengthening). Yin yoga is more concerned with connective tissue - fascia, tendons, ligaments, bones. This book puts forth the theory that the energy pathways (meridians in oriental acupuncture system, or nadis in Indian chakra system) are within the connective tissues of the body, specifically fascia/tendons/ligaments, and that the appropriate way to work with this system is slow stretching - holding postures for 3 to 5 minutes. Connective tissue is yin, while muscles are yang. Gives examples of about 20 yoga postures which can be held for extended periods. Additional info on chakras, pranayama, meditation. The author studied with Paulie Zink and with with Dr. Hiroshi Motoyama. I think the author has some Ashtanga background and it looks like quite a lot of Ashtanga teachers and students are finding the Yin Yoga approach to be interesting and useful in complimenting (yang) Ashtanga yoga practice. Though they may not come right out and say it, it seems to me that Yin Yoga has arisen "in response" to Ashtanga Yoga.
Paul Grilley's website: www.paulgrilleyyoga.com
Paul Grilley's article on Yin Yoga in AUG 2001 Yoga Journal: www.yogajournal.com/practice/580_1.cfm
Info on Paul Grilley's DVD - Anatomy for Yoga: www.pranamaya.com
More on Paulie Zink (master of Monkey Kung Fu, teacher of Taoist Yoga):
www.pauliezink.com
www.monkeykungfu.com
www.martialinfo.com/WHo_is_Who/pauliezink.htm
w3.blackbeltmag.com/halloffame/html/155.html
Dr. Hiroshi Motoyama:
www.cihs.edu
Yoga Anatomy
Totally amazing book - highest recommendation. Seems to be using some new computer graphics imaging techniques to achieve some very clear anatomical illustrations. The illustrations show exactly which muscles are involved in each asana covered. The muscles are shown in isolation on a bare skeleton. Much explanatory information on anatomy and yoga is included. The author is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has been studying yoga for over 20 years. Excerpts of the book and other info is available at the author's website.
Other Selected Yoga Books
A great book from a great yoga teacher. Very useful and inspiring. From the back cover: "Providing detailed instructions, practice tips, and inspiration for students at all levels, Donna Farhi works with universal movement principles that may be applied to all styles of yoga, including ashtanga, Iyengar, Kripalu, and vivniyoga. At the heart of the book are 75 fully illustrated asanas, with descriptions of their exectutions and benefits."
Excellent book - highly recommended. I got a lot out of reading the introductory chapters. He is very good at explaining yoga. Erich is featured in Ali MacGraw's yoga video, Yoga Mind and Body.
Excellent book. Comprehensive coverage of asana practice.
Have not yet seen this. Doug is David Swenson's brother.
Excellent book. Godfrey has studied and practiced extensively in both the Iyengar and Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga traditions (with BKS Iyengar and BNS Iyengar respectively) and presents here his own synthesis of these major schools. Lots of concepts of asana practice are broken down and explained. 78 asanas are illustrated with photos of the author. This is a very valuable book for any serious student of Ashtanga yoga.
Excellent introduction and overview of yoga from the author of Dynamic Yoga. Covers a lot of territory not explored in his later books, which focus more on asana practice. Highly recommended.
Totally excellent book. Even if you don't have a need for 15-minute yoga routines, this book is loaded with deep yoga wisdom, presented clearly and concisely. Aimed mainly at beginners, but much useful info for any yoga student or teacher. Highly recommended.
Another cool book from Godfrey. The format here is that hatha yoga (asana practice) is taught in a series of 15 lessons. Much here for anyone to learn from. Beautiful book.
This very readable book is a collection of 20 interviews with well-known yoga teachers. The whole list is: Lilias Folan, Erich Schiffmann, Patricia Walden, Gary Kraftsow, Bryan Kest, Julie Lawrence, Alan Finger, Rodney Yee, Donna Farhi, Baron Baptiste, Thom and Beryl Bender Birch, Rod Stryker, Rama Berch, Vyaas Houston, Sandra Summerfield Kozak, Martin Pierce, Gabriel Halpern, Gabriella Giubilaro, Richard Freeman, John Friend. Great book, highly recommended.
This is a very magical and inspiring yoga book. The first part of it is kind of an art book, with a full page illustration on every other page and some text and more illustrations on the alternating pages. The illustrations and text pertain to various topics somehow related to yoga. This is followed by smaller sections on asanas and pranayama. Vanda Scaravelli was about 80 years old when this book was published. She passed away in 1999 at the age of 91. She studied with BKS Iyengar and TKV Desikachar. One idea that is woven into the book is that the spine can be thought of as a tree or plant, which grows both upward and downwards, with the dividing point between roots and trunk/stem corresponding to the 5th lumbar vertebra. This is a very special book - could be a good book to look at every day for some inspiration/motivation.
A brief article on Vanda is online at Yoga Journal's website here.
A lengthier article by Esther Myers appeared in the June 1996 issue of Yoga Journal.
A video about Vanda Scaravelli is available from Esther Myers website: www.estheryoga.com
Tons of info that you will not easily find elsewhere. No-nonsense presentation. Yogani has written several other books, also recommended. His book on Tantra is the best book on tantric sex. (See my Sex Books page here). Much or all of the content of this and his other books can be found on his website at no charge.
Very nice book! The first 60 pages or so covers the history of yoga (lots of color illustrations). The rest of the book consists of high-quality photographs of accomplished yoga practitioners demonstrating about 400 yoga postures. Most of the photos are full-page and black and white. Some color photos. The original hardback is quite large and is the ultimate "yoga coffee table book". But definitely a serious and special book. The paperback editions are much smaller, but contain the same content. Apparently Rizzola acquired HLLA and has republished the paperback. The hardback seems to be out-of-print, but you can still find it around.
Quite a hefty volume. Indepth coverage of all aspects of the vast subject of yoga. Lots of history. The author is one of the top scholars on yoga has written many other books on yoga.
The author is a psychotherapist who has lived at the Kripalu yoga center
for over 10 years. The book discusses the philosophy, psychology, and practice
of yoga in great detail, using many personal examples from the author's
own experiences and his observations of others. A short appendix breaks
down some of the complexities of the Indian traditions that yoga comes from.
A very enjoyable and satisfying book to read.
Discusses the history of yoga and how it has spread to the west. Oddly, the book seems to be concerned mainly with the lineages of Sivananda yoga.
This classic volume is a scholarly treatment of the subject of yoga. In the Foreward, the author states that the book is "addressed especially to historians of religions, psychologists, and philosophers". Eliade is one of the top world authorities on comparative religions and has authored many books. This is not an instructional book or an "easy read". No pictures. Translated from French.
Another scholarly work from Eliade. 68 black and white illustrations.
Out of print.
From the cover: "The Five Tibetans are a yogic system of simple yet highly energizing exercises that originated in the Himalayas. Also known as the Five Rites of Rejuvenation, they were brought to the West early in this century by a retired British army officer who learned them in a Tibetan lamasery." Energy, chakras, breathing, and Kundalini meditation are also discussed in this book. I wish there was more info on the exercises, but they are described well enough to practice them, which is what they are for. There are other books on this subject by Peter Kelder. Each exercise is performed 21 times. The first exercise is spinning clockwise like a whirling dervish. The second is bring the legs up as if about to do a backward somersault. The third is similar to ushtrasana. The fourth is dynamically transitioning between dandasana and something like purvottanasana. The fifth is dynamically transitioning between upward dog pose and downward dog pose. Very interesting. A friend of mine adopted this as his daily yoga practice, as he did not want to commit to a more time-consuming routine.
Also, these exercises are described on the web here.
There is an original and a revised edition of this book, both in print. l recently got a copy of the old one (with the red cover). From what I understand, there is not much difference between the new and old editions. I wanted a reference on just what Bikram yoga is. Like Ashtanga, it is very well-defined, consisting of a certain set of asanas performed in a certain way and always in a certain order. This book covers the 26 asanas in Bikram's program thoroughly. Like Ashtanga, a warm practice space is recommended, with Bikram studios heated up to 105 degrees. Bikram is quite a character and the book includes lots of what is supposed to be actual dialog with his students during a class. He is quite outspoken and the book is very entertaining. He claims that he is the only one teaching yoga correctly, his way is the best, etc. There was an interesting article on Bikram in the March/April 2000 edition of Yoga Journal, titled "Yoga's Bad Boy". I'm very surprised that he doesn't have a video. Although he seems like quite a taskmaster and his yoga program is not a super-gentle one, I don't think Bikram yoga is nearly as difficult as Ashtanga and this book is a good one for introducing beginners to a serious, therapeutic, and not too overwhelming asana practice. And its a very fun book. (as of 2007, I think there is a newer Bikram book)
First published in 1979 as The Runner's World Yoga Book.
Women's Yoga / Pregnancy
Teaching Yoga
Pranayama/Breathing
Bibliographies
The bibliography section (the main body) of this book is organized into 3 parts, containing 2,490 entries arranged alphabetically by author. The first and largest is Studies, Manuals, General Reference, containing 1,901 entries. The next part is Translations of Selected Sanskrit Source Materials, containing 286 entries (120 for the Bhagavad Gita and 77 for Patanjali's Yoga Sutras). The last part is Disertations and Theses, containing 301 entries. This is followed by a Glossary of Sanskrit Terms, an Author Index, Title Index, and Subject Index. Almost all of the entries in the first 2 parts of the bibliography are well-described with annotations by the author of the bibliography. This is meant to be a pretty much complete listing of books on yoga published within the period covered. Note that the time frame purposely begins where Jarrell's bibliography (listed below) ends. The Preface explains that periodical articles are not included, as they are more appropriately searched using electronic databases such as JSTOR and PubMed. Definitely an essential resource for studying the literature of yoga. I'm quite proud of my own yoga bibliography (this webpage), but if you want to take it farther, get this book. It would be awesome if revisions could be made every 5 years or so, as the yoga books (good and bad) are continuing to appear with increasing frequency.
International Yoga Bibliography, 1950-1980 - Howard R. Jarrell
1981 Scarecrow Press 221 pages (hardback) (out of print) ISBN10:0810814722 ISBN13:9780810814721
Amazon.com www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0810814722/
The bibliography section lists 1364 books alphabetically by author's last name, followed by journal articles, magazine articles, and yoga periodicals (1713 entries total). This is followed by an author index, title index, and subject index. Includes yoga literature in English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and Dutch. Little or no info is given for each book other than bibliographical information (no reviews, comments, etc).
Yoga Scriptures
How to Know God - The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali - Christopher Isherwood
Though the practice of yoga may be quite ancient, there are only a few major
(not-so-ancient) scriptures describing it. The main one is the Yoga Sutras of
Patanjali, of which there are many translations and commentaries. Three other
major ones are the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the Gheranda Samhita and the
Shiva Samhita. Note - several books listed in other sections above include
translations and commentaries of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras - Heart of Yoga -
Desikachar, The Yoga Tradition - Feurstein, Ashtanga Yoga -
Maehle. Also, many more translations of these scriptures are listed in Calahan's
Yoga Bibliography (see bibliography section above).
New Edition 2007 Vedanta Press 256 pages (paperback $10.95) ISBN10:0874810418 ISBN13:9780874810417
Amazon.com www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0874810418/
A translation with commentary of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
The Original Yoga - Shyam Gosh
Subtitled: As Expounded in Siva-samhita, Gherandasamhita, and Patanjala Yogasutra
1999 Munshiram Manaharlal Publishers 262 pages ($38.50 hardback) ISBN 8121508916
Amazon.com: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/8121508916/
Translations and commentary of 3 major sanskrit texts on yoga: The Yoga Sutras
of Patanjali, The Gheranda Samhita and the Shiva Samhita.
The subject of the text which is presented in this book is Kechari Mudra,
which is the practice of cutting, removing or elongating the frenum under
the tongue so that the tongue can be pressed into a spot at the roof of the
palate and used to stimulate the bottom of the brain. Note that this book
is about the text, dated at around 1400, rather than the practice
described in the text, however there is certainly more information about this
obscure practice in this book than anywhere else.
This is a very scholarly, academic, and technical book. The actual Sanskrit
text is included, as well as an English translation. There are extensive
sections for notes and bibliography. The translation is only about 20 pages,
but there are over 280 notes for this section, providing quite a bit of
commentary and clarification.
The author is one of the top translators of sanskrit texts, other published
works include the Gheranda Samhita and the Shiva Samhita, published by
yogavidya.com,
and several volumes in the Clay Sanskrit Library -
www.claysanskritlibrary.org.
I first heard of this book from my yoga teacher, who has met the author.
He told me that Mallinson flys around India in a paraglider. Here is
an article I found on the web, indicating that James is a champion paraglider:
www.flyubley.co.uk/suport.php.
More information on the practice of kechari mudra can be found in books by
Yogani (or online at his website: www.ayp.org).
My teacher advises that this practice is best suited for advanced yogis living
in caves, rather than those of us living in civilization. Also, note that
cutting of the frenum to any degree may result in problems with eating
and/or speaking.
A classic book, long out of print and hard to find. Scholarly account of studying yoga in India. One of the first western books to document yoga asana practice. Has lots of pictures of the author performing asanas. Lengthy quotations from yoga scriptures (Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita, Siva Samhita). The author got caught in some fighting between Muslims and Hindus and was killed in 1947. He wrote a couple of other books which I have not seen, Hindu Philosophy and Penthouse of the Gods: A Pilgrimage Into the Heart of Tibet and the Sacred City of Lhasa (1939).
A couple of web pages at Columbia University, from which he graduated:
Theos Casimir Bernard
c250.columbia.edu/c250_celebrates/remarkable_columbians/theos_casimir_bernard.html
The Life and Works of Theos Bernard
c250.columbia.edu/c250_celebrates/remarkable_columbians/theos_bernard_scholar.html
Theos Bernard in Tibet
c250.columbia.edu/c250_celebrates/remarkable_columbians/theos_bernard_explorer.html
Here is an interesting article about Theos' uncle Pierre, who had a large library of yoga books back when such a thing would have been very rare: www.Vanderbilt.edu/~stringer/library.htm
Magazines and Articles (mainly pertaining to Ashtanga Yoga):
There is a large collection of articles on Ashtanga Yoga at www.ashtanga.com
Excellent article - back issue may still be available.
Excellent article - back issue may still be available.
Available on the web here: www.natural-connection.com/resource/yoga_journal/power_yoga.html
Very interesting article about the origins of Ashtanga yoga. This is basically a review of the book The Yoga Tradition of the Mysore Palace (listed above). On first reading, this article seemed a bit misleading, hammering on the point that there is no documentation of any particular yoga asanas prior to 1900 with the exception of one manuscript which isn't much older and mentions only a few asanas. Her main point is that "there is no one monolithic yoga tradition". She seems to be implying that Krishnamacharya and BKS Iyengar just made it all up a few decades ago (perhaps to some extent, they did). Although it may come across as a bit one-sided, this is a very interesting article.
Here is a transcription of this article.
Talks about his practice of Ashtanga yoga, which he learned from Danny Paradise.
Appears here on the webwww.stingchronicity.co.uk/yogajour.html
And a more readable version is here
A good long article about Pattabhi Jois and Ashtanga yoga, written around the time of his visit to NYC.
Can be found on the web here: www.rebeccamead.com/2000_08_14_art_yoga.htm
On the web here.
Ashtanga Yoga videos are listed on a separate page here.
And here is a document comparing the included postures and spelling of postures in the litereature on primary series Ashtanga yoga.
Yoga Journal Index A rough listing of the contents of Yoga Journal. (plain text file)
This is meant to be a guide to the most serious and useful books pertaining
to the physical practice of yoga. I began this page in 1999 to list books about
Ashtanga yoga and soon began to include other yoga books. While I make no
claims (or aims) of "completeness", I do intend to list all of the best yoga
books that I know of which I find to be of interest in my own study and
practice of yoga. I am not an advanced practicioner or teacher or any kind of
authority. Some have commented that this page is overwhelming. As I
research yoga books, I am increasingly aware that there are many hundreds of
yoga books being published, and the great majority of them are a bit on the
fluffy side. For the most part, the books listed on this page (which are a
very small portion of the yoga books available) are, in my opinion, among the
very best. With a few exceptions, I have copies of all these books
and have spent some time with each of them.
I have links to Amazon.com because they are an excellent reference for
more information, including reviews, and because they are an excellent source
for quickly and reliably obtaining most of these books. I have ordered many
books from Amazon. I do not participate in Amazon's referral program
as I would not want that to affect my listing of books here or to
give that impression. (I may change my mind someday). More info on
Amazon links is here.
There are many other online sources for books. Many of these books
may be found in bookstores or ordered from bookstores, don't forget to check
out used bookstores. I find lots of stuff cheap on
eBay, which is a good source for
out-of-print books. There are also websites that specialize in locating
out-of-print books. See my Books page for some of
those. Sometimes I forget, but books can also be found in public libraries.
You can even use inter-library loan to get almost any book. Also, I think
it could be a great idea for yoga studios to maintain libraries for students.
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Revised 03/24/08.