The book edit
If you ever take a yoga teacher training you'll be given a book list. It can feel overwhelming but if you want to get to the heart of the practise, there is a minefield of yoga books out there, same topic another author a different approach.
Whether you want to teach or just learn more, where do you start?
Here I have included the books that I found most useful, and I refer back to them over and over again. It is not comprehensive by any means. Some are essentials and others stretch beyond the remit of purely yoga but certainly tie in and cross over with yoga philosophy.
The essentials
Teacher training recommended readings to read again and again
Light on Yoga
B.K.S Iyengar
An essential guide book to yoga practise and philosophy by one of the guru: B.K.S.Iyengar
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Swatmarama translated by Brian Dana Akers
15th century Sanskrit manual on Hatha yoga detailing practical techniques for purifying and mastering the body. Includes breathwork, bandhas and meditation.
Bhagavad Gita
Penguin Classics
Sacred Hindu scripture with guidance from Krishna on dharma, devotion, the nature of the self and the path to spiritual liberation
Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha
Saraswati
Postures, breathing techniques, hand gestures and energy locks with clear practical instructions for serious practitioners.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Sri Swami Satchidananda​
Sets out a systematic guide to stilling the mind, understanding the nature of consciousness and attaining liberation. A must read for yoga teachers.
The Yamas and Niyamas
Deborah Adele
An accessible exploration of the ten ethical principles at the heart of yogic living. Practical wisdom and helpful insights to help apply these ancient teachings to modern life.
The Deeper Dimension of Yoga by Georg Feuerstein
An accessible collection of essays by scholar Feurstein exploring yoga in its fullest philosophical and spiritual depth. Examines history, ethics, psychology and sacred traditions offering an understanding of yoga as a complete path to transformation. Highly recommended.
Focus
Books which help us to see the world in a new way
On looking - a walkers guide to the art of observation by Alexandra Horowitz
An exploration of the art of truly seeing in which the author takes the same city block with 11 different experts revealing how radically our attention shapes what we see and experience.