This list is my *current and personal* favorite “yoga” books. The books listed are my favorite books on yoga or on the topic of mindfulness and peace. I have a huge collection of books on Meditation, Yoga, Buddhism, Ayurveda, Enlightenment, etc. So stay tuned for a continuation from this one in the future.
1.) The Yoga Sutras by Patanjali
The Yoga Sutras have been interpreted by many authors and there are many books out there. I suggest any of them,… seriously. My first copy was The Essential Yoga Sutra by Geshe Michael Roach. It’s a short book (but not a short read). They have Yoga Sutra versions at almost every library too. If you find the version you choose was too wordy or too much to digest, then find a shorter version. You can always find a translation with more extrapolation later. This book can get heavy and mentally tiring so make sure you take breaks to digest the sutras well. My first time reading it took months (I was in yoga teacher training)
2.) Zen Seeds Written by Buddhist Priest Shundo Aoyama
In Zen Seeds, a female Priest shares her short collection of 58 essays that each contain precious pearls of wisdom. The essays are written in a way that illuminates the dharma (truth) in everyday life and activities. This book helps with shifting focus from wanting and desiring to being present and grateful. This book is also short and some essays can be read in a few minutes.
This book is super special to me because: It was gifted to me by my Dad when I was 17. He isn’t Buddhist, but he saw that I really was committed. This book is beautifully written and is so descriptive that it transports you into a zen state just by reading it. After reading it, I tend to reflect on the essay for awhile and then strive for applying the insight to the rest of the day.
3.) The Positive Psychology of Buddhism and Yoga: Paths to A Mature Happiness (with a Special Application to Handling Anger) Written by Marvin Levine PH.D
This book is extremely informative with studies referenced and explanations given plainly. It highlights the ways the eastern philosophies and western psychology are similar in their prescribed methods of attaining “mature happiness”. Maturity is a huge theme in Levine’s book. Maturity is synonymous with Wisdom. The part of the book handling Anger is special to the Second Edition of this book. I recommend this book to anyone trying to gain perspective. I have recommended this book to past students and they loved it so much they bought copies for family and friends.
4.) The Complete Idiots Guide to Hinduism by Linda Johnson AND The Complete Idiots Guide to Understanding Buddhism by Gary Gach
Both. Both these books. They break it down and spell it out. If you’re looking for more base knowledge on what these religions believe in, their traditions, their sects, the cultures that birthed them, their deities, etc then these books are excellent at just that. I have read my copies so much that they are all ripped up. Everything makes more sense in eastern philosophy once you gain more footing in the ideals of the cultures that formed them.
5.) The Book of Chakras by Ambika Wauters
This book was part of my Yoga Teacher Training when I was going for my 500RYT certificate. This book is beautifully illustrated and is a fountain of information on the Chakras. It explains their location, functions, objects for enhancements, how to balance them, and provides exercises and meditations for each one. It doesn’t
Honorable Mention:
The Buddha’s Brain -The practical neuroscience of happiness, love, and wisdom Written By Rick Hanson, PH.D with Richard Mencius, MD. Forward by Daniel J. Siegel, MD. Preface by Jack Kornfield, PH.D
I haven’t finished reading this book yet, but it is COOL! So far, I see this book replacing The Book on Chakras. The Buddha’s Brain is written by a Neurologist and Neuropsychologist. It is divided into 4 parts (The Cause of Suffering, Happiness, Love, and Wisdom) This book is very easy to read and gives a nice explanation on Neurological science and how the mind functions. It includes pictures! They provide mental exercises, mediations, and more to help develops our Buddha Brain. I am very excited to continue this book.
SUNYATA YOGA 