BY: NADIA ZAIDI
Yoga is one of the most promising approaches to relaxation, stress reduction, and physical and spiritual betterment. Its holistic approach has popularized it in the western world. Despite its emergence, misconceptions regarding yoga’s perceived mysticism remain.
Some people believe it’s for barefoot drifters, or people who repel traditional medicine. Other opinions hover around ideas that fitness levels determine one’s ability to master yoga positions.
Let me assure you that there are no prerequisites for yoga – and as I’ve learned, its wide-ranging benefits make it an easy sell. Despite our unhealthy dependence on the Internet, sometimes its good to stop scrolling and crack open a book to learn more.
Listen, I’m no yogini, but I know a good book (or article – ahem) when I see one. So I’ve come up with a list of five yoga books that you should read regardless of whether you are indifferent, curious, or invested in yoga.
Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga by B.K.S Iyengar:
This book has popped up everywhere. If you’re looking for hard-core information, you need this. It was published in 1966 and was one of the first yoga manuals available to the Western world. Essentially, the book is comprehensive manual on yoga poses, filled with beautiful imagery and details.
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The Yoga Bible by Christina Brown
This miniature pocket-sized book is 400 pages of yoga information and 170 yoga positions. It guides you through everything from the eight limbs of yoga and beginner to intermediate level asanas. The best thing about this book is that it’s an easy read.
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The Secret Power of Yoga: A Woman’s Guide to the Heart and Spirit of the Yoga Sutras by Nischala Joy Devi.
Mainstream literature often discounts the female perspective, but not this book. In this heartfelt, personalized understanding of yoga and its interpretation of the Yoga Sutras, Devi guides readers through yoga and its mystic benefits.
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Asanas: 608 Yoga Poses by Dharma Mittra
Hundreds – 608 to be exact – of yoga poses, which are accompanied by explanations and suggested combinations. This book is wonderful if you are looking for yoga poses for particular health issues and imbalances.
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Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff
Okay, this book works from the inside out to unravel each and every yoga pose, and what they do. From yoga principles, to governing structures and practices, this read is a resource bank for all things yoga. The subtleties of yoga are explained with detailed explanations of breathing, spinal posture and asana techniques.
