5 Books Every Yogi Should Read

Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual by David Swenson

This book was my bible for four years. I practiced the full 90 minute Ashtanga sequence six days a week. There are actually a few free videos on David Swenson’s website if you want to practice along with him.

🌐 Astanga Yoga Productions website

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

Such a great break-down of the nuts and bolts of a personal yoga practice. You’ll learn a lot about technical things like counterposes, conscious breathing, meditation, and more. This book could be a little overwhelming to a brand-new yogi with all the technical terms, but I highly recommend it to any one looking to expand their personal practice.

🌐 T. K. V. Desikachar’s website

The Bhagavad Gita translated by Eknath Easwaran

My favorite translation of the Bhagavad Gita. The Gita is kind of unspoken required reading for any serious student of yoga. I deepen my connection to my practice (and my connection to divine consciousness) every time I read it. The translator of this version founded the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation, where you can find a ton of free online resources for meditation.

🌐 About Eknath Easwaran

Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh

This book is the foundation for my meditation practice. A little over a decade ago, drowning in opiate withdrawal symptoms, this book pulled me out of my lowest low and truly started me on my path to where I am today. I cannot recommend this book enough. Thich Nhat Hanh was an amazing spiritual teacher and, though I never met him in person, I consider him my meditation teacher. My entire foundation for meditation comes from what I learned through his writings and teachings.

🌐 Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation

Embrace Yoga's Roots: Courageous Ways to Deepen Your Yoga Practice by Susanna Barkatari

If you value appreciation over appropriation, and want to learn how to honor the traditions of yoga while practicing and teaching, this is the book for you. Honestly, I think everyone should read it. So much of yoga in the west is dominated by the white perspective, and amplifying the perspectives of BIPOC teachers and practitioners is extremely important. While reading this, I found myself getting a little defensive at parts, but by leaning into those parts of the book and implementing what I learned, I am becoming a better teacher, practitioner, and ally.

🌐 Susanna Barkatari’s website

📷 @susannabarkatari

Bonus: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

This book really has nothing to do with yoga. But I cannot tell you how much it has helped me to integrate what I learn on the mat into my daily life. I truly think this book should be required reading for life on Earth, it was that impactful to my life. I get something new out of it on every re-read.

🌐 Don Miguel Ruiz’s website