Participating in yoga teacher training can be greatly enhanced by selecting the appropriate literature, which can enrich your grasp of yoga philosophy, anatomy, teaching methods, and practice. Below is a list of some of the top books recommended for yoga teacher trainees:
Table of Contents
best Yoga books for yoga instructors
1. Yoga Philosophy & History
- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali – Translated by Swami Satchidananda or Edwin F. Bryant
The Yoga Sutras is best yoga book Yoga Philosophy & History, authored by the sage Patanjali around 200 BCE, serves as a key text in the philosophy of classical yoga. Comprising 196 aphorisms, it delineates a journey toward self-realization through ethical conduct, meditation, and heightened self-awareness. This work is structured into four sections: Samadhi Pada (focus), Sadhana Pada (discipline), Vibhuti Pada (extraordinary abilities), and Kaivalya Pada (freedom).
Within these sutras, the Eight Limbs of Yoga are presented, which include yamas (moral guidelines), niyamas (personal observances), asana (physical postures), pranayama (breath regulation), pratyahara (sense withdrawal), dharana (focused attention), dhyana (contemplation), and samadhi (deep absorption). This text continues to be a valuable resource for those seeking spiritual development and tranquility.
- The Bhagavad Gita – Translated by Eknath Easwaran or Swami Sivananda
The Bhagavad Gita focuses on key ideas like duty (dharma), moral integrity, devotion (bhakti), selfless actions (karma), and the true self (atman). Krishna teaches Arjuna important spiritual lessons about life, its temporary nature, and the importance of doing one’s duty without being attached to the results.
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika – Swami Muktibodhananda
- The Heart of Yoga – T.K.V. Desikachar
2. Anatomy & Physiology
- Yoga Anatomy – Leslie Kaminoff & Amy Matthews
- The Key Muscles of Yoga – Ray Long
- Functional Anatomy of Yoga – David Keil
3. Teaching Methodology & Practice
- Teaching Yoga: Essential Foundations and Techniques – Mark Stephens
- The Art of Teaching Yoga – Amy Ippoliti & Taro Smith
- Yoga Adjustments – Mark Stephens
4. Meditation & Breathwork
- The Science of Pranayama – Swami Sivananda
- The Miracle of Mindfulness – Thich Nhat Hanh
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Join our Online Yoga course program! If any of these writings speak to you, check out our yoga Course. In this course, we dive into the wisdom of yogic traditions and their ancient texts. You’ll learn how to use the stories and lessons from these works in your yoga teaching or personal practice.
