22 Best 「yoga philosophy」 Books of 2024| Books Explorer

In this article, we will rank the recommended books for yoga philosophy. The list is compiled and ranked by our own score based on reviews and reputation on the Internet.
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Table of Contents
  1. Bhagavad Gita: Talks Between the Soul and God
  2. Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga - Its Philosophy and Practice - By the World's Foremost Teacher
  3. Bhagavad Gita As It Is
  4. Light on Prãnãyãma: The Yogic Art of Breathing
  5. Yoga Sutras of Patañjali
  6. Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Patanjala Yoga Pradipika
  7. Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
  8. Bringing Yoga to Life: The Everyday Practice of Enlightened Living
  9. Yoga for Wellness: Healing with the Timeless Teachings of Viniyoga (Compass)
  10. The Essential Low Back Program: Relieve Pain & Restore Health
Other 12 books
No.1
100

An ancient conversation for a modern audience - anyone who has ever asked 'what is the purpose of life? or 'who am I?' will find something in this book. The Bhagavad Gita has been around a long time, but remains little known outside India. This edition sets out to change that. The ancient Gita is a world text dealing with the mysteries of life. At its heart is a conversation between the soul and God. Ranchor Prime's version adopts a non-sectarian approach, making the Gita relevant to those of all religions or none, and emphasising the link between religion and self-development. It is distinguished by its easy accessibility. His section-by-section commentary opens the text to the spiritual seeker. He never loses sight of the audience for his book, and that he wants his readers to understand the Gita in a personal way.

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No.3
88

Bhagavad Gita As It Is

Bhaktivedanta, A. C.
Bhaktivedanta Book Trust

Editorial Reviews \nThe publisher, Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, harekrishna.com/, June 15, 2001 \nBook Description \nBhagavad-gita As It Is \nThe Bhagavad-gita is the main source-book on yoga and a concise summary of India's Vedic wisdom. Yet remarkably, the setting for this best-known classic of spiritual literature is an ancient Indian battlefield. \nAt the last moment before entering battle, the great warrior Arjuna begins to wonder about the real meaning of his life. Why should he fight against his friends and relatives? Why does he exist? Where is he going after death? In the Bhagavad-gita, Lord Krsna, Arjuna's friend and spiritual master, brings His disciple from perplexity to spiritual enlightenment. In the course of doing so, Krsna concisely but definitively explains transcendental knowledge; karma-yoga, jnana-yoga, dhyana-yoga, and bhakti-yoga; knowledge of the Absolute; devotional service; the three modes of material nature; the divine and demoniac natures; and much more. \nBhagavad-gita As It Is is the largest-selling, most widely used edition of the Gita in the world.

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No.4
88

In this classic yoga best-seller a world-renowned yoga master shares the techniques of breathing together with a comprehensive background of yoga philosophy. B. K. S. Iyengar is a legend who has practiced yoga in a unique way, and today "Iyengar Yoga" is taught around the world by certified instructors.

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No.5
83

Yoga Sutras of Patañjali

Bryant, Edwin F.
North Point Press

A landmark new translation and editionWritten almost two millennia ago, Patañjali's work focuses on how to attain the direct experience and realization of the purusa: the innermost individual self, or soul. As the classical treatise on the Hindu understanding of mind and consciousness and on the technique of meditation, it has exerted immense influence over the religious practices of Hinduism in India and, more recently, in the West.Edwin F. Bryant's translation is clear, direct, and exact. Each sutra is presented as Sanskrit text, transliteration, and precise English translation, and is followed by Bryant's authoritative commentary, which is grounded in the classical understanding of yoga and conveys the meaning and depth of the su-tras in a user-friendly manner for a Western readership without compromising scholarly rigor or traditional authenticity. In addition, Bryant presents insights drawn from the primary traditional commentaries on the sutras written over the last millennium and a half.

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No.6
83

Ilusstrations, Dimensions: 7.76 x 5.10 x .98 inchesFounder of the Iyengar Institute in India, B.K.S. Iyengar utilizes his over fifty years of yogic teaching experience to translate and comment on a central text, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Dating back to the first half of the first millennium, this collection of 196 aphorisms defines the path to spiritual liberation through the practice of yoga. Iyengar translates this ancient Sanskrit text for the modern day yogi, providing a thorough yet accessible breakdown of each aphorism, capturing the essence of its teaching. Charts and diagrams map out the path toward spiritual evolution and explain the relationship between the different aspects of yogic principles for living and for eventually attaining Kaivalya (freedom). Iyengar’s translation came about from his desire to address the need for the practical application of the spiritual text. Though not recommended as a substitute for a teacher, this pragmatic exploration is an invaluable tool for dedicated yoga practitioners who wish to deepen their spiritual exploration as well as their physical practice.

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No.7
81

BKS Iyengar’s translation and commentary on these ancient yoga sutras has been described as the “bible” of yoga.This new edition of the classic text contains a new introduction by BKS Iyengar, as well as a foreword by Godfrey Devereux, author of Dynamic Yoga.\nPatanjali wrote this collection of yoga wisdom over 2,000 years ago. They are amongst the world’s most revered and ancient teachings and are the earliest, most holy yoga reference.\nThe Sutras are short and to the point – each being only a line or two long. BKS Iyengar has translated each one, and provided his own insightful commentary and explanation for modern readers.\nThe Sutras show the reader how we can transform ourselves through the practice of yoga, gradually developing the mind, body and emotions, so we can become spiritually evolved.\nThe Sutras are also a wonderful introduction to the spiritual philosophy that is the foundation of yoga practise.\nThe book is thoroughly cross-referenced, and indexed, resulting in an accessible and helpful book that is of immense value both to students of Indian philosophy and practitioners of yoga.

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No.9
80

A world-reknowned teacher shows how Yoga can not only make you feel better - it can make you feel wellYoga offers a great, low-impact way to increase flexibility and reduce stress. It also provides an alternative or augmentation to mainstream medicine. This classic fully illustrated and easy-to-follow guide draws on both the physical and spiritual components of Yoga therapy to show how you can use Yoga to heal any number of afflictions. Some of the areas covered include:- Common Aches and Pains: neck and shoulders, upper and lower back, hips and knees- Chronic Disease: digestive and respiratory problems, cardiovascular, lymphatic, and endocrine systems- Emotional Health: stress and disease,mental illness, anger, anxiety, and depressionYoga for Wellness presents specific case studies and specific sequences, which can be adapted to your individual needs. And with photographs illustrating each step of every sequence, it the perfect book for beginners as well as experienced practioners including teachers."I highly recommend this fascinating, practical guide to the ancient art of Yoga." - Mitchell L Gaynor, M.D., Director of the Strang Cancer Prevention Center and author of Sounds of Healing

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No.10
79

Thirty-one million Americans suffer from low back pain. There is hope though. The Essential Low Back Program offers clinically proven relief. Seventy-eight percent of the participants of a recent National Institute of Health study who followed The Essential Low Back Program experienced a significant reduction in their pain levels in just 12 weeks. In addition, they gained life long tools to help keep their backs strong and restore their overall well-being. Nationally renowned yoga therapist Robin Rothenberg designed The Essential Low Back Program for everyone, regardless of body type or previous yoga experience. The program consists of five developmental yoga practices which are thoroughly explained and illustrated in the accompanying booklet. Each practice lays the foundation for the next and is progressively more challenging. Readers can use the CDs and booklet separately or in conjunction with each other for ease of learning. Robin's soothing voice explains these gentle, yet effective practices with her trademark clarity. Her explicit explanations take the guesswork out of finding the appropriate body positions and provide a safe way to learn to relax, stretch, and strengthen the lower back.

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No.11
79

Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual

Swenson, David
Ashtanga Yoga Productions

Whether new to Ashtanga or an experienced student or teacher, readers will find this book to be invaluable. It contains over 650 photos and multiple variations for every asana in the primary and intermediate series plus three short forms. Its spiral binding assures easy use while practicing and the hard cover increases durability.

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No.12
78

Autobiography of a Yogi

Yogananda, Paramahansa
Self Realization Fellowship Pub

This quality paperback edition of Autobiography of a Yogi from Self-Realization Fellowship includes a bonus audio CD with clips from SRF's rare archival recordings of Paramahansa Yogananda.Autobiography of a Yogi is at once a beautifully written account of an exceptional life and a profound introduction to the ancient science of Yoga and its time-honored tradition of meditation. Profoundly inspiring, it is at the same time vastly entertaining, warmly humorous and filled with extraordinary personages.Self-Realization Fellowship's editions, and none others, include extensive material added by the author after the first edition was published, including a final chapter on the closing years of his life.Selected as "One of the 100 Best Spiritual Books of the Twentieth Century", Autobiography of a Yogi has been translated into more than 50 languages, and is regarded worldwide as a classic of religious literature. Several million copies have been sold, and it continues to appear on best-seller lists after more than sixty consecutive years in print.With engaging candor, eloquence, and wit, Paramahansa Yogananda tells the inspiring chronicle of his life: the experiences of his remarkable childhood, encounters with many saints and sages during his youthful search throughout India for an illumined teacher, ten years of training in the hermitage of a revered yoga master, and the thirty years that he lived and taught in America. Also recorded here are his meetings with Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Luther Burbank, the Catholic stigmatist Therese Neumann, and other celebrated spiritual personalities of East and West. The author clearly explains the subtle but definite laws behind both the ordinary events of everyday life and the extraordinary events commonly termed miracles. His absorbing life story becomes the background for a penetrating and unforgettable look at the ultimate mysteries of human existence.

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No.13
78

Gurmukh, an internationally renowned yoga teacher, outlines the spiritual and physical practices of Kundalini Yoga, which she has taught for the last thirty years. With illustrated, step-by-step instructions, she teaches the basic principles of the ancient art of yoga, and explains the eight chakras, which are the energy centers of our bodies, and the source of the eight human talents.Kundalini Yoga is a great way to get your body and mind into shape. In The Eight Human Talents, Gurmukh gives you all the tools you need to increase your creativity, intuition, compassion, health, and prosperity. All you need is a belief in the possibility of change and a commitment of as little as three minutes a day.From teachers and waiters to Hollywood celebrities, Gurmukh has helped thousands of people find happiness through the healing movements and meditations of Kundalini Yoga -- and she can help you, too!

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No.14
78

This guide to the inner being reveals techniques for moving beyond troublesome thoughts, finding keys to unlock practices like mantra repetition, and learning how to troubleshoot your own meditation practice.

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No.15
77

The Heart of Yoga

Desikachar, T. K. V.
Inner Traditions
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No.16
77

The Language of Yoga is a definitive guide to the asana (physical postures) limb of yoga. This edition contains more than 200 illustrated yoga postures with both English and Sanskrit names. Additional yoga-related Sanskrit terms and over a dozen common chants and sutras round out the content. Audio pronunciation guides help readers gain the knowledge, confidence, and precision of mastering the Sanskrit names and chants correctly. Written by a respected Sanskrit scholar, The Language of Yoga is a perfect tool to help edify and empower yoga students (and teachers) on their path to deepening their yoga practice.

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No.17
77

Mindfulness Yoga

Boccio, Frank Jude
Wisdom Publications

Whether you have no background in meditation or yoga or have been practicing for years, Mindfulness Yoga is for you. This groundbreaking book introduces an entirely new form of yoga, Mindfulness Yoga, which seamlessly integrates the Buddha's teachings on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness with traditional asana yoga practice.Mindfulness Yoga emphasizes the spiritual side of yoga practice, an aspect often overlooked in a culture that tends to fixate solely on the physical benefits of yoga. Unlike any other Buddhism-meets-yoga book, Mindfulness Yoga presents the two disciplines as a single practice that brings health to the body and liberates the mind and spirit, awakening compassion and fostering equanimity and joy. Mindfulness Yoga will appeal to the many people who have an interest in yoga, Buddhism, and meditation, but who may not have been able to find a teacher who could bring these practices together in a meaningful, practical way.In the first part of the book, author Frank Jude Boccio offers a superb and lively introduction to the Buddha's teachings and locates them within the larger context of the Indian spiritual traditions. Then, in the second half of the book, Boccio offers three complete Mindfulness Yoga sequences, including over 100 pictures, with detailed guidance for body, breath, and mind. Special lay-flat binding makes this book even more useful as a practice aid.

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No.20
77

Written by an author who has practiced Iyengar-style yoga since 1971 and who studied with B. K. S. Iyengar himself, Yoga: Awakening the Inner Body is a thorough, up-to-date resource for students and teachers. Using questions such as "Do you have sloping shoulders or square-set shoulders?" and "Are the muscles at the back of your upper arms weak?" the book allows readers to tailor the instruction to fit their needs. Eight chapters cover everything from balancing the sternum to aligning the shoulder blades to exploring the relationship among the collarbone, kidneys, and groin. The book also features an introduction in which the author defines the inner body and the various stages of awakening and gives suggestions for using the book.

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No.21
76

Discover the basics and benefits of breath control—pranayama—and how to incorporate it into your yoga practiceFor several thousand years, yogis have drawn on the powerful practice of pranayama, a technique of controlling the breath to maximize prana or life energy. Pranayama has been practiced to rejuvenate the body and as a means of self-study and self-transformation. While most yoga practitioners today focus on asanas, or body postures, a growing number of people are learning the complementary practice of pranayama to deepen and enrich their practice.The Yoga of Breath is a guide to learning the fundamentals of pranayama and incorporating them into an existing yoga practice. Rosen's approach is easy to follow with step-by-step descriptions of breath and body awareness exercises accompanied by clear illustrations. The book also covers the history and philosophy of pranayama, offers useful practice tips, and teaches readers how to use props to enhance the exercises.

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No.22
76

From the foremost living authority on Yoga comes the most comprehensive and reliable treatment of the subject available today. This is a work of impeccable scholarship by a person who has dedicated his life to the understanding and practice of yoga. The book offers a complete overview of every Yogic tradition, from the familiar to the lesser-known forms. It also covers all aspects of Hindu, Buddhist and Jaina Yoga, including history, philosophy, literature, psychology and practice. In addition, included are translations of twenty Yoga treatises and the first translation of the Goraksha Paddhati.

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