Are you looking for your next great read? Do you want to learn more about Yoga, Spirituality and Self-Improvement? Look no further! I have some great recommendations for you.
If any of these are of interest to you, be sure to Google them for more details and book reviews! These are simply my humble recommendations.
Yoga
Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha (by Swami Satyananda Saraswati)
If you want to deepen your knowledge of yoga poses, this is an excellent book. The 4 Sanskrit words in the title of the book translate to: Poses-Breath Control-Gesture-Lock. This book includes illustrations and tons of details for each pose (including contra-indications, benefits, step-by-step directions, etc.). I have often heard of it being referred to by yoga teachers as their "Bible". I would recommend this to advanced practitioners who want to take their knowledge of yoga to the next level, or to yoga teachers who would like to have a go-to manual.
The Bhagavad Gita : A New Translation (by Stephen Mitchell)
The Bhagavad Gita is an ancient Indian epic poem, and the sixth book of the Mahabharata. It is arguably one of the most important books on yogic philosophy. If you would like to learn more about ancient yogic spiritual wisdom, this is a great read. The Bhagavad Gita is a dialogue between Arjuna (a warrior getting ready to go to battle) and the deity Krishna (who is also his charioteer). In this 700 verse poem, Krishna shares an abundance of spiritual knowledge with Arjuna. I had many "ah-ha" and "oh yeah, THAT'S good" moments while reading this book.
It is important to note that there are many many many (did I say many?) translations of The Bhagavad Gita. I read this particular version from Stephen Mitchell, and adored it. It was easy to read and follow, which allowed me to fall in love with it. Will I probably some day read the "Bhagavad Gita As It Is" by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, where each verse has various translations (Sanskrit, English, etc.) and an extensive commentary? Yes. But I am very happy that I read this version by Stephen Mitchell first!
The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali (by Edwin F. Bryant)
The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali, an ancient Indian text that is said to be thousands of years old, is the most important text when it comes to Raja Yoga, the path of mindfulness and meditation. It is very much recommended to read this book with a knowledgeable teacher who has studied the sutras. Full disclaimer, I am still making my way through this book… I am taking my time with it, and I only read 1 sutra (or "verse" and the corresponding commentary) at a time. I have also studied many of these sutras with qualified teachers. This is a big one, and I would recommend this book to people who want to go deep into the yoga of meditation, and who are dedicated to their practice. I also think it would be good to have a pretty solid base of yogic knowledge first. Otherwise, you will probably just put this book aside, or won't really grasp it.
Spirituality
The Untethered Soul (by Michael A. Singer)
This is one of my all-time favorite books! It is life changing. If you want to understand and enjoy life more, this book will walk you through the path to happiness in a clear, easy to read manner. You will explore your relationship with your thoughts, emotions and true self. You will become more conscious and aware of the real purpose of life. This book will help you on your journey to profound happiness and self-realization. The author is also a yogi, and uses tons of yogic principles throughout this book (though not necessarily explicitly written). This is a MUST READ (again and again).
A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose (by Eckhart Tolle)
Another one of my favorites! This books explains in detail our ego-based state of consciousness, and how to overcome it. You will learn about the source of suffering, and what needs to happen in order to be happy. There are many yogic principles in this book as well (again, though not necessarily explicitly written). You will learn about the importance of being in the present moment, and how to awaken to a new state of consciousness. I have read this book many times, and it is always just as good!
Meg's Pro Tip: Oprah did a great 10 part podcast called "A New Earth- Awakening to Your Life's Purpose", where she sits down with the author Eckhart Tolle, and goes through the book, chapter by chapter. I recommend reading one chapter at a time, then listening to the corresponding episode (read chapter 1 then listen to episode 1, etc.). Tolle gives additional explanations and examples, and turns this book into an entire experience. This is how I read the book the first time, and it changed my life.
Self-Improvement
Best Self: Be You, Only Better (by Mike Bayer)
This book can help you turn your life around. While I was reading this book, I made the life changing decision to leave the corporate world and start my yoga business. Mike Bayer, author and world renowned life coach, will explain the 7 spheres of life, and will walk you through different exercises (quizzes, questionnaires, etc.) to determine which spheres you should be working on, how and why. This book gives you the tools you need to become your Best Self. This is not a book you read before bed. There is work to done within the book, and if you do it seriously, you are sure to be on the journey to living your best life, and becoming your Best Self.
I love reading, and these books have all played a huge role in my life. They have come into my world exactly when I needed them. If one of them resonates with you, you should probably go ahead and read it!
Namaste.
Meg
