Suggested Reading List

Yoga & Meditation

  • The Sivananda Companion to Yoga – Complete Guide to the Physical Postures, Breathing Exercises, Diet, Relaxation and Meditation Techniques of Yoga [Excellent introductory book to yoga.]
  • The Complete Illustrated Guide to Yoga– By Swami Vishnu-devananda [A more in-depth look at the practice of yoga and pranayama.]
  • Meditation and Mantras – By Swami Vishnu-devananda [An in-depth look at meditation practices and mantra. Includes a translation of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.]
  • Sure Ways to Self-Relization – By Swami Satyananda Saraswati [Theory and practical instruction on various systems of meditation from cultures all over the world.]
  • Yoga Nidra – By Dr. Richard Miller [Provides an introduction to Yoga Nidra Meditation; includes a self-practice CD.]
  • Yoga Nidra – By Swami Satyananda Saraswati [Provides an overview of Yoga Nidra Meditation as well as several different Yoga Nidra Techniques]
  • Bliss Divine – By Swami Sivananda [A infinitely valuable ‘yogic dictionary’ that contains readings on most aspects of yoga, ranging from ‘Happiness’ and ‘Peace’ to the more technical aspects of yogic practice and philosophy.]
  • Thought Power – By Swami Sivananda [A short, but powerful book about how we can use the power of thought to transform our lives.]
  • Autobiography of a Yogi – By Parmahansa Yogananda [An account of Parmahansa Yogananda’s life story and search for Truth that gives an introduction to the science and philosophy of yoga.]
  • The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali – Translation and Commentary by Swami Satchidananda [Ancient yogic texts regarding the study and practice of yoga, mastering the mind and achieving physical, mental and emotional harmony. Considered one of the seminal yogic texts for advanced yogic studies.]
  • The Bhagavad Gita – Translation by Swami Sivananda [An ancient epic that is considered one of the main Vedantic texts. Another essential text for advanced yogic studies.]
  • I Am – By Jean Klein [An enlightening book written from the non-dual perspective of yogic philosophy.]
  • Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love and Wisdom – by Rick Hanson and Richard Mendius [Contains some of the most up to date research on how yoga and meditation affect the brain.]
  • The Golden Present – By Swami Satchidananda [Inspirational readings for each day of the year.]

Healthy Eating and Living

  • The Path of Practice: A Woman’s Book of Healing with Food, Breath and Sound – By Maya Tiwari [An inspiring and informative book that connects you with your own ability to heal.]
  • The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies – By Vasant Lad [A must-have for every home that includes natural remedies for many ailments and diseases.]
  • Eat Taste Heal: An Ayurvedic Cookbook for Modern Living – By Thomas Yarema, Daniel Rhoda and Johnny Brannigan [Easy-to-cook Ayurvedic recipes that appeal to Western tastes.]
  • Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing – Dr. Vasant Lad [A practical guide that describes the principles and applications of Ayurveda, the ancient yogic science of health and healing.]
  • Transition to Vegetarianism: An Evolutionary Step – By Rudolph Ballentine [An absolute must read for all vegetarians and anyone considering the transition.]

Trauma

  • Waking the Tiger – By Peter Levine [An interesting book that looks at the innate ways animals and humans have evolved to heal naturally.]
  • In an Unspoken Voice – How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness- By Peter Levine [A helpful book in understanding the way trauma affects the body and mind and how to reverse its affects]
  • The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook by Glenn R. Schiraldi, PhD [A solid connection to many PTSD resources.]

Combat Trauma

  • Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior: Navigating the Transition from Combat to Home by Charles Hoge, MD, Colonel, US Army (Ret.) [A deep and powerful book for those seeking to understand what it is like to transition from combat back into civilian life.]
  • Achilles in Vietnam: Combat Trauma and the Undoing of Character by Jonathon Shay, MD, PhD [A powerful comparison between the soldiers in Homer’s Iliad and Vietnam veterans.]
  • War and the Soul: Healing Our Nation’s Veterans from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder by Edward Tick, PhD [A harrowing look at what war does to a human being and a voice of hope for the soul’s healing.]

Yoga Therapy

  • Overcoming Trauma Through Yoga: Reclaiming Your Body – By David Emerson & Elizabeth Hopper, PhD [Excellent book for anyone interested in using yoga to heal trauma.]
  • Yoga for Depression – By Amy Weintraub [A useful guidebook to what yoga practices work well for depression accompanied by Amy Weintraub’s personal account.]
  • Yoga for Pain Relief – By Kelly McGonigal [Practical guide for using yoga to help with pain.]
  • Yoga as Medicine – By Tim McCall, MD [One of the formative books on Yoga Therapy written by the editor of Yoga Journal]
  • The Heart of Yoga – By T.K.V. Desikachar [One of the pinnacle books for understand how to constantly deepen and evolve your yoga practice.]
  • Relax and Renew – By Judith Lasater, Ph.D. [Excellent book for learning restorative yoga practices.]
  • The Breathing Book – By Donna Farhi [Therapeutic breathing techniques for a variety of issues like depression, insomnia, arthritis, stress and chronic pain.]
  • Yoga Skills For Therapists – By Amy Weintraub [Go-to book for Therpists interested in understanding yoga.]
  • Teaching Yoga – By Donna Farhi [A must-read for every yoga teacher.]
Molly Birkholm