Recommended reading

'Yoga & Ayurveda' by Dr David Frawley

If I had to choose just one book as a companion to my yoga it would be this. I cannot recommend it highly enough, in terms of breadth of content, accessibility to the average reader and clarity. Offers an excellent all round introduction to understanding the systems of yoga and ayurveda as well as practical advice for personalising one's practice.

 

 

'Awakening the Spine' by Vanda Scaravelli

Vanda Scaravelli has created a quiet revolution in yoga. A long term student of BKS Iyengar, she devised a mindful, intuitive approach to asana, suggesting that we proceed, "without aim and without competition." A strong influence on my current practice. I recommend this book for its lyrical, inspirational quality and stunning photography.

 

 

'Yoga Mala'  by Sri K Pattabhi Jois

Yoga legend, Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, South India conceived and elaborated the sytem of ashtanga vinyasa, a powerful and demanding practice that purifies and strengthens the body. The preliminary chapter is a succint and simple elucidation of Patanjali's integrated ashtanga yoga, the best I have found.

To watch Patthabi Jois explain his method on   click here.

 

'Light on Yoga' by BKS Iyengar

Another yoga legend, arguably the most influential living yogi, BKS Iyengar of Pune is  a scholar and teacher of immense standing whose teaching method focusses upon correct and detailed alignment.  'Light on Yoga' is used by practitioners world wide to reference poses. A classic.

To watch Iyengar practice asana on click here.

 

'Psychology and the East' by CG Jung

An esoteric choice from one of last centuries most influential thinkers. Jung is best known for his innovative and pioneering work as a psychologist. Fascinated by eastern mysticism, Jung travelled to India and also practised yoga! In chapter three, 'Yoga and the West' Jung offers his visionary perspective.

 

 

 

'Yin Yoga' by Paul Grilley

Encountering this practice was a revelation to me, it was the yoga my body loves: surrendering deeply into quiet poses, undoing rather than doing. Yin rather than yang. Paul Grilley is a widely respected anatomist who has an integrated understanding of western and eastern paradigms. Chapter one details his perspective.

To watch Paul deliver a lecture on click here.

 

'The Deeper Dimension of Yoga' by Georg Feuerstein

Feuerstein is a well reputed yoga scholar and prolific author. This book is a collection of short articles examining a broad range of subjects within the vast and fertile realm of yoga. Useful to dip into for a short read, equally helpful as a reference manual to gain  understanding of key terms and concepts.

 

 

 

'Light on Pranayama' by BKS Iyengar

Expostulating in great detail the theory and practice of pranyama, conscious control of the breath. A practical guide, written in Iyengar's scholarly yet warm style. I particularly recommend chapter thirty, Savasana, the Art of Relaxation.   

 

To watch Iyengar demonstrate inhalation & exhalation on click here.

 

'Spiritual Nutrition' by Gabriel Cousens, M.D.

Although not strictly a yoga text this book contains a wealth of information from a leading edge perspective at the interface of science and spirituality. Cousens suggests an multi-dimensional view that takes into account the energy systems of the body. A long term yogi fully conversant in concepts such as prana, kundalini and the chakras, his radical approach deftly weaves ancient knowledge systems of yoga and ayurveda with contemporary nutritional research to offer a radical solution for the physical and spiritual the health of individuals and the planet.

To watch Cousens discuss yoga and nutrition on  click here.