Open Way Yoga Reading List
If you are a serious student of yoga, consider adding these books to your library. These 5 books are the foundation of the reading for our teacher training program. Starting next week you can buy them at the studio, or you can follow the link to the OWY Bookstore on the website, which will take you to these books (on Amazon), as well as some of our elective reading.
And if you're considering teacher training, the deadline for the early registration discount is coming up... August 15th.
Required Books for OWY Teacher Training Program
Health, Healing and Beyond: Yoga and the Living Tradition of T. Krishnamacharya,
by T.K.V. Desikachar and R.H. Cravens
A biography Krishnamacharya, the man who many consider to be the grandfather of modern yoga. This book is entertainingly sweet and informative, covering a good bit of philosophy, history, and mythology.
Hatha Yoga Pradapika,
by Swami Muktibodhananda
The premier source book on Hatha Yoga. This ancient text can be a bit esoteric, but it is packed with excellent technical information. Muktibodhananda was one of the many great students of Sivananda, perhaps the man second in line of the title of grandfather of yoga. The introduction alone, written by Sivananda is worth the price of the book!
Light on Yoga,
by B.K.S. Iyengar
A modern classic. Primarily a manual of poses but also good information of other aspects of a hatha yoga practice. Iyengar was one of the many students of Krishnamacharya.
Anatomy of Hatha Yoga,
by H. David Coulter
Written by a westerner who is an MD and a lifelong yoga devotee, this book has a scientific flavor that provides a useful perspective in the modern world.
Yoga Sutras
This ancient text covers the philosophical aspects of yoga that compliment the physical practice. The majority of the writing in the Sutras is commentary on the very short original text. Perspectives can vary widely, so I like having a few copies handy when I read the Sutras. Here are two of my favorites.
Choose One:
Enlightenment: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: A New Translation and Commentary,
by Maharishi Sadasiva Isham (MSI)
A glorious light filled perspective that I often find lacking in commentaries. MSI was a westerner and speaks well to issues in the modern world.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali,
by Swami Satchidananda
Another classic. Satchidananda was another student of Sivananda. As a side note, Satchidananda led the opening Ohm at Woodstock!
image from Yoga Art Magazine