Looking for the best yoga books? I’ve got you covered.
The list below contains books on yoga for newbies, experts, students, and teachers.
1. Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar
Light on Yoga offers comprehensive illustrations and descriptions of all yoga breathing exercises and positions.
It’s an excellent book for those interested in practicing yoga daily for meditation, exercise, or relaxation.
What’s in it for you:
- an ultimate guide to the practice and philosophy of yoga
- over 600 photos showing all postures and breathing exercises
2. Inner Engineering: A Yogi’s Guide to Joy by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev
In Inner Engineering, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev tells the story of his enlightenment, offering tools and teachings for a life filled with joy.
Sadhguru argues that the only solution for the maladies plaguing humanity is self-transformation, a radical shift in how you experience and perceive life.
What’s in it for you: time-tested tools to achieve a life of joy with the ancient science of yoga
3. Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
Autobiography of a Yogi narrates the exceptional life of Paramahansa Yogananda and introduces you to the classic science of yoga and its tradition of meditation.
What’s in it for you: an entertaining, inspiring book filled with remarkable encounters with great personalities like Mahatma Gandhi and Therese Neumann
4. The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice by Deborah Adele
The Yamas & Niyamas is a spiritual yoga guide that will introduce you to the foundation of all yogic thought.
What’s in it for you: an essential spiritual guide to yoga
5. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Sri Swami Satchidananda
This book will introduce you to the practice and study of Raja Yoga, the path of meditation and concentration.
It presents the classic Yoga Sutras, covering the yogic teachings on physical postures, meditation, and ethics, and provides instructions for dealing with daily life situations.
Based on his experience, Sri Swamiji offers real-life advice for mastering the mind and achieving emotional, mental, and physical harmony.
What’s in it for you: timeless yoga teachings for those seeking the spiritual path
6. Science of Yoga by Ann Swanson
Science of Yoga promises to help improve your understanding of yoga anatomy and its medical science to perfect your poses.
The book offers detailed information on the key yoga poses and styles and their benefits for the human body.
What’s in it for you:
- the biomechanics of 30 yoga poses and how to master them
- detailed anatomical illustrations
- easy-to-understand research and facts about ancient and modern yoga claims
7. Teaching Yoga by Mark Stephens
Teaching Yoga is an indispensable guide for yoga teachers and students looking to improve their skills and knowledge.
What’s in it for you:
- over 150 photos and illustrations
- fundamental topics on yoga history and philosophy
- the 11 major styles of modern yoga
- tools and support for teaching 108 yoga poses, meditation, and breathing techniques
8. Essential Chakra Yoga by Christina D’Arrigo
Essential Chakra Yoga will teach you how to unblock and align your chakra, find balance, and heal your mind and body.
Offering simple to advanced poses, this book boasts breathing techniques, stretching sequences, and poses that can improve your quality of life while boosting flexibility and strength.
What’s in it for you:
- more than 50 fundamental chakra yoga positions and 8 stretching styles
- clear illustrations demonstrating each pose
9. The Tibetan Yogas of Dream And Sleep by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
This book will teach you to deepen your awareness using the Tibetan practice of dream and sleep yoga, helping you recognize the nature of enlightenment.
What’s in it for you: an inspiring, thought-provoking guide
10. The Art and Business of Teaching Yoga by Amy Ippoliti & Taro Smith
This book is an excellent guide for new and established yoga professionals wanting to become better teachers and achieve their career goals.
What’s in it for you:
- how to build a loyal student base,
- improve your financial stability,
- optimize your practice,
- use social media effectively, and more
11. The Heart of Yoga by T. K. V. Desikachar
The Heart of Yoga details a sequence for creating a complete practice following viniyoga, an ancient yoga practice that adapts to the individual’s needs.
The book discusses all aspects of yoga and shows how students can create a practice tailored to their age, health, lifestyle, and occupation.
What’s in it for you: a modern classic by a distinguished teacher
12. Yoga Sequencing by Mark Stephens
Yoga Sequencing outlines fundamental methods and principles for planning and organizing yoga classes.
The book draws from classic yoga philosophy and modern insights into kinesiology, biomechanics, and functional anatomy.
What’s in it for you:
- 67 sequences of yoga poses
- more than 2,000 detailed photos and illustrations
13. The Key Muscles of Yoga by Ray Long
The Key Muscles of Yoga uses science, spirituality, and art to trace the forces working in the musculoskeletal system during yoga.
By explaining the science behind yoga, the book can help you prevent injuries and move through blockages, improving your experience.
What’s in it for you: an invaluable guide for fully integrating the mind and body during yoga
14. Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff
Yoga Anatomy offers a deeper understanding of yoga and the principles and structures of each movement.
The book delves deep into each pose and its interactions with the joints, muscles, and nervous system, providing a solid understanding of the physical aspect of several yoga systems.
What’s in it for you: an indispensable guide that will help you see each movement from a completely different perspective
15. The Yoga Bible by Christina Brown
The Yoga Bible is a complete guide to performing yoga and finding physical and mental balance.
The book will encourage you to adapt yoga to your needs and abilities.
What’s in it for you: a comprehensive resource with more than 170 poses