The Best Yoga Books To Read

Whether you’re an absolute newbie or you’re a seasoned member at your yoga class who knows her Shavasana from her Sirsasana, there is something entirely unique to be taken away from reading about yoga that deepens your understanding and enhances your knowledge. Finding a quiet moment to read a yoga book can be as relaxing as practising yoga itself. Here are our favourite books to enlighten you on your yoga journey.

How Yoga Works by Christie McNally and Michael Roach

With its increasing popularity through a desire to reach a state of clarity in the mind and a physical strength at your core, millions of people are turning to yoga but do we really understand how it works on mind and body? This book shares the ancient secrets of over a thousand years ago where precious teachings were passed down and this book presents them in delightful little stories.

Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar

Originally published in 1966, this is one of the first yoga manuals made widely available and it acts as a sort of bible for anyone interested in yoga. With in-depth descriptions and instructions for over 600 poses, breathing techniques, explanations to your inner body workings and an overview on the philosophy behind yoga this really does encompass all aspects of traditional yoga with a modern approach.

The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice by T.K.V. Desikachar

Desikacher is famed for being the son of Krishnamacharya, the man considered to be the father of modern yoga so you can bet he knows his stuff when he’s sharing it with you in his book. He accounts his father’s philosophy and teaching so you can trust you’re learning from a true guru of yoga. What makes this particular book a wonderful treat for someone with a vested interest in yoga is that it includes a translation of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra; the 2,000-year-old bible of essential yoga teachings.

The Wisdom of No Escape and the Path of Loving-Kindnessby Pema Chodron

This is the book you ought to read if you want to master meditation. Focusing on integrating meditation and peace-of-mind into your daily life it follows the Buddhist principle of kindness and mindfulness which is exactly what we could all do with nowadays.

This does exactly as it says on the tin. Broken down into five sections it covers all the basics for a beginner with illustrated pose instructions right the way through to advanced learning with an insight into yoga’s philosophy. This petite pocketbook is perfect for any level of yoga enthusiasts.