Yoga is endless! Much like the Divine, it is Infinite. Every Yogi who harbors an innate love for Yoga aspires to master the science in its complete form covering each mental, physical, and spiritual aspect of the same. The aim is to realize the real purpose of life and to be completely in ‘Yoga’. The science of Yoga is much beyond the physical manifestations of a human body; it is about understanding and further acquiring a series of positive transformations that happen on a cosmic level when a practitioner reaches the stage of being in ‘Yoga’—in the mind, body, and spirit.
To learn about the history of yoga, its traditional system, and discipline, Yogis have been documenting the journey in the form of books since centuries. While it might not be possible to catch hold of every Yoga book ever written, it is surely possible to explore the best yoga books to read from the finest selection of the greatest to good yoga books.
And So, Here Are Top 5 Yoga Books Every Yogi Must Read:
- The Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita : Yoga Books
The first book on Yoga ever written is Bhagavad Gita. The book discusses the story of an epic warrior ‘Arjuna’ and his struggles in realizing and following the path of Dharma owing to his attachments with the world that impede him from realizing the greater purpose (the mohmaya). The book documents the sacred preaching of Lord Krishna on Yoga. Lord Krishna happens to be the warrior’s best friend and mentor. In the book, he guides Arjuna onto the true path of Dharma.
- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Sri Swami Satchidananda
This book is an offering by the devoted Yogi Sri Swami Satchidananda to the world wherein he provides the path and method to practice Raja Yoga, the form of yoga to prepare the body and mind for reaching the state of Self-Realization.
- Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyana
This book serves as a complete holy guide to all those yogis looking for traditional and comprehensive teachings of various Ashtanga Asanas, Meditation, and Pranayama techniques along with visual illustrations of the same. It is one of the oldest books on Yoga ever written and is a contribution to the world by the greatest Ashtanga Guru B.K.S Iyana himself.
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Sámi Svātmārāma
One of the first texts on Yoga, this book is a complete manual to mastering the Hatha Yoga. Originally written in Sanskrit by Svāmi Svātmārāma, the book has been translated several times in different languages.
- Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramania Yogananda
Written by the dedicated Yoga master and spiritual guide, the Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramania Yoga nana is an inspiration for those seeking Self-Realization. It was first published in 1946 and still serves as one of the most avowed books of all times for spiritual readings and for exploring the ways to discover the Self.