Build Your Ultimate Yogi Bookshelf

By Joleen Emery

Introduction

A well-curated bookshelf is a reflection of your journey—especially when that journey involves self-discovery, mindfulness, and personal growth through yoga. Whether deepening your practice, exploring philosophy, or seeking tools for inner transformation, this list has something for everyone. These 20 books cover breathing techniques, ethical principles, meditation, psychology, and personal narratives that will expand your understanding of yoga beyond the mat.

In this guide, we’ll summarize each book and key takeaways so you know exactly what to expect and how these books can support your practice.

The Wisdom of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras – Ravi Ravindra

The Wisdom of Patañjali's Yoga Sutras

Summary: A foundational text of yoga, this book explores the philosophy behind the practice, focusing on the Sutras of Patanjali. It provides wisdom on discipline, meditation, and enlightenment.

Takeaways:

Learn the eight limbs of yoga and their applications to daily life.
Develop a deeper understanding of how yoga is a path to spiritual awakening.
Gain insights into the historical and philosophical roots of yoga.

The Breathing Book – Donna Farhi

Summary: Breathing is at the heart of yoga, and this book provides techniques and exercises to optimize your breath for better health, energy, and relaxation.

Takeaways:

Learn how to harness your breath to improve focus and reduce stress.
Explore various breathing techniques that enhance yoga and meditation.
Discover the link between breath and emotional well-being.

The Great Work of Your Life – Stephen Cope

Summary: Inspired by the Bhagavad Gita, this book explores dharma (life’s true calling) through real-life stories and spiritual insight, helping readers uncover their purpose.

Takeaways:

Understand the concept of dharma and how it applies to your life.
Gain inspiration from stories of people who have followed their calling.
Discover practical ways to align your life with your deepest truths.

Chakra Healing – Margarita Alcantara

Summary: A beginner-friendly guide to understanding and balancing chakras, this book provides insights into how energy flow affects your physical and emotional well-being.

Takeaways:

Learn how to identify and balance your chakras for overall well-being.
Understand the connection between emotions and energy centers in the body.
Gain techniques for healing through meditation, crystals, and essential oils.

The Gifts of Imperfection – Brené Brown

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

Summary: This book is a powerful guide to self-acceptance, vulnerability, and living authentically. Brené Brown offers insights into embracing imperfection as a path to joy and connection.

Takeaways:

Develop greater self-compassion and let go of the fear of judgment.
Embrace vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness.
Learn actionable steps to cultivate courage and authenticity in daily life.

Authentic Happiness – Martin E.P. Seligman

Summary: This book explores the science of happiness and how positive psychology can help individuals find meaning, fulfillment, and well-being.

Takeaways:

Understand the science behind happiness and well-being.
Learn practical exercises to boost positivity and resilience.
Discover how gratitude and purpose contribute to a fulfilling life.

Light on Life – B.K.S. Iyengar

Summary: A profound exploration of yoga as a path to physical, mental, and spiritual balance, written by one of the most influential yoga teachers in the world.

Takeaways:

Gain insights from one of the greatest yoga masters.
Learn how yoga integrates body, mind, and spirit.
Deepen your understanding of the spiritual aspects of yoga.

Meditations from the Mat – Rolf Gates & Katrina Kenison

Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga

Summary: A daily devotional that combines yoga philosophy with personal reflections, offering guidance and inspiration for deepening one’s practice.

Takeaways:

Incorporate yoga philosophy into daily life.
Use daily meditations to cultivate mindfulness and awareness.
Find inspiration for self-growth and personal transformation.

Teaching Yoga – Mark Stephens

Teaching Yoga: Essential Foundations and Techniques

Summary: A comprehensive guide for yoga teachers covering teaching principles, class sequencing, and student engagement.

Takeaways:

Gain insights into effective yoga instruction.
Learn practical tips for sequencing and teaching methodology.
Develop skills to support and inspire students.

Happier – Tal Ben-Shahar

Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment

Summary: A research-backed guide to happiness focusing on habits and mindsets that promote lasting joy and well-being.

Takeaways:

Discover practical strategies for cultivating happiness.
Learn how mindset and daily habits influence well-being.
Implement actionable steps to build a fulfilling life.

Something More: Excavating Your Authentic Self – Sarah Ban Breathnach

Something More by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Summary: This book guides readers on a journey to rediscover their authentic selves through personal reflection and mindful practices.

Takeaways:

Learn how to reconnect with your true self.
Develop journaling habits for self-discovery.
Embrace personal transformation through mindfulness.

The Athlete’s Pocket Guide to Yoga – Sage Rountree

Summary: A practical guide for athletes looking to integrate yoga into their training routines for flexibility, recovery, and focus.

Takeaways:

Understand how yoga supports athletic performance.
Discover postures tailored for athletes.
Learn recovery techniques to prevent injuries.

Yoga Sequencing – Mark Stephens

Summary: A guide to designing safe and effective yoga class sequences.

Takeaways:

Learn to create well-structured yoga sequences.
Understand how to modify sequences for different levels.
Develop confidence in planning yoga sessions.

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose – Eckhart Tolle

Summary: Tolle’s exploration of the ego and how mindfulness can help individuals create a more peaceful, purpose-driven life.

Takeaways:

Learn to detach from ego-driven thinking.
Develop greater awareness and presence.
Understand how consciousness impacts daily living.

The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga – Bernie Clark

Summary: A deep dive into Yin Yoga, focusing on its therapeutic and meditative aspects.

Takeaways:

Understand the philosophy and science behind Yin Yoga.
Learn how deep stretching benefits both body and mind.
Develop a consistent Yin Yoga practice.

Poser: My Life in Twenty-three Yoga Poses – Claire Dederer

Summary: A personal memoir exploring how yoga shapes and mirrors life’s challenges.

Takeaways:

Discover how yoga intertwines with personal growth.
Learn through a humorous and engaging narrative.
Reflect on how yoga influences your own life journey.

The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice – Deborah Adele

Summary: A guide to the moral and ethical principles of yoga.

Takeaways:

Understand the ethical framework of yoga.
Learn to integrate these principles into your daily life.
Deepen your understanding of self-discipline and contentment.

Inner Engineering: A Yogi’s Guide to Joy – Sadhguru

Summary: A modern spiritual guide by Sadhguru offering insights into self-transformation.

Takeaways:

Learn practical tools for inner growth.
Discover how yoga can be a path to true joy.
Gain wisdom from an internationally renowned yogi.

Srimad Bhagavatam – A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Summary: A sacred text filled with Vedic wisdom for spiritual seekers.

Takeaways:

Explore the rich stories and teachings of the Vedas.
Deepen your spiritual yoga practice.
Gain a historical perspective on yoga philosophy.

Anything Missing from the Shelf?

Let us know what we missed! Is there a book you can’t believe didn’t make it? Be sure to let us know in the comments!!

A great book has the power to inspire, challenge, and transform, just like a dedicated yoga practice. The books on this list are more than just pages filled with words—they are companions on your journey, offering wisdom, encouragement, and fresh perspectives. Whether you are deepening your practice, finding inner peace, or simply looking for a spark of inspiration, these books provide a path forward.

But reading is only part of the experience. Yoga, at its heart, is about connection—connection to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us. If you’re looking to take your journey beyond the pages and into real-life experiences, we invite you to join us at one of our Big Raven Farm retreats. Here, you’ll find a welcoming space to nourish your body, mind, and soul, surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for growth and self-discovery.

Come breathe, move, create, and connect in a place where transformation happens naturally. We would love to share this experience with you.

Get the complete list here

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Joleen Emery Head Raven

Joleen is the founder and CEO of Big Raven Yoga and Big Raven Media. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram!

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