This list is particularly for those who are interested in developing a solid yoga practice, and an understanding of yogic philosophy.

These are some of my absolute fav must have books that I keep returning to, to indulge in their teaching and wisdom across all aspects of yoga.

Classic yoga movement books

The Yoga ‘Bible’

Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha

by Swami Satyananda Saraswati

The most popular foundational book on physical yoga practice. It has detailed descriptions of poses including preparatory exercises and contraindications, Pranayama (breathing techniques), cleansing practices, Mudras, Bandhas and yogic anatomy (Nadis, Chakras).

Hatha Yoga Pradipika

by Swami Satyananda Saraswati

Hatha Yoga Pradipika is divided into different portions, each of which explain a certain part of Yoga. Hatha Yoga involves the yoga of the body, and yet this book does not restrict itself solely to the physical aspects of yoga, but delves deeper in to how yoga can awaken the chakras and the kundalini energy.

The whole collection of Bihar School of Yoga Books

The Bihar School of Yoga was founded in 1964 by Swami Satyananda Saraswati and they have been publishing books and articles on all aspects of yoga for over 40 years through their publishing house, Yoga Publications Trust. All of the books in the series act as wonderfully detailed guides to specific aspects of yoga.

Bringing Yoga to Life

Yoga as a lifestyle

by Donna Farhi

This book is Laced with real life examples and personal vignettes. It is a wonderful guide to applying what happens on your mat to the rest of your life. Inspiring, heartwarming and evocative, Donna's style is both down to earth and refreshingly honest. She encourages the reader to take a long, hard look at their lives, their minds and their practice.

The Heart of Yoga

Developing a Personal Practice

by T.K.V Desikachar

Another fantastic, all-round yoga book which can be returned to again and again. The theoretical sections offer a fantastic grounding in the concept of yoga and the history of the practice. This book appears on many yoga teacher training reading lists.

What Happens In The Body When We Practice

Yoga Anatomy

by Leslie Kaminoff

This book dives deeper into the anatomy . It contains anatomical illustrations of the main poses that highlight the muscles in action. It provides a deeper understanding of our physical constitution and the structures and principles underlying each movement. It’s a great in-depth educational book for teachers and those who want to practice postures at home in a safe and efficient way.

Books on Yoga Philosophy

Yoga Sutras

by Patanjali

This book comprises 196 sutras which constitute the theoretical grounding of yoga as we know it today. There is much debate over who Patanjali was, or whether his name was a pseudonym for a group of people. It is quite widely acknowledged that Patanjali did not 'invent' yoga, yet his role in the distillation of yogic teachings into this great work does render him a vital and influential figure in the yoga world. There are many translations of the sutras and several great commentaries are available on the work.

Yoga As A Way Of Life

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

by BKS Iyengar

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is one of the most significant ancient texts on yoga. Most yoga schools see it as their foundation. It describes in detail 196 extremely concise sutras, philosophy and deeper concepts of yoga. This is so much more than what we practice on our mat today! It is a whole way of life including moral guidelines and different practices that ultimately aim for the mastery of the mind and with it a gradual approach to the ultimate truth. It describes the path that leads to salvation and freedom, to true peace and thus to true happiness.

A Modern & Scientific Approach To Ancient Practices

A New Look at the Science of Yoga and How It Can Transform Your Life

by Eddie Stern

This book published (2019) is dedicated to questions on why yoga is so good for us and why it seems to not only improve our physical and mental wellbeing but influences all areas of our life.

Showing how a dedicated practice can increase our productivity at work, enhance our relationships, our social behavior, regulate our emotions and evolve spiritual experience. It looks at ancient practices from a contemporary perspective using the author's experience and the results of different neuroscientific studies.

Highly recommend to anyone interested in the purposes and benefits of yoga.

The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy & Practice

by Georg Feurstein

This mammoth 720-page book contains a wealth of information on all aspects of yoga. Covering the links between yoga, major religions, yogic cults, literature, philosophy and practice, this truly is a comprehensive guide. The book also contains full and part translations of key yogic texts, including the Sutras and parts of the Bhagavad Gita. In all honesty a book I have never finshed.