Yogatherapycenter.org : : Recommended Readings

* Bernard, Theos. Hatha Yoga. NY: Columbia University Press PhD thesis, 1945; reprinted at York Beach, ME: Samuel Weiser, 1974. A personal experience of Classical Yoga practices as given by an Indian master, referenced to the classical Hatha Yoga medieval texts.

* Govindan, Marshall. Kriya Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Siddhas. Eastman, Quebec: Kriya Yoga Publications, 2000. A very spiritual rendering with practices based on Babaji’s teachings.

Stiles, Mukunda. Classical Yoga Asana Glossary. Boston, MA: Yoga Therapy Center, 1986. An overview of classical sources of asanas and their variant names from different traditions.

* *________. Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - With Great Respect and Love. York Beach, ME: Samuel Weiser, Inc., 2002. A poetic rendering of the textbook of Classical Yoga with practice guidelines.

________. The Yoga Training of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Davis, CA: Univ. of Calif., thesis, 1975. A scholarly overview of the Yoga Sutras and classical commentaries on the eight limbs.

*Swami Hariharananda Aranya. Yoga Philosophy of Patanjali. Albany: State Univ. of New York, 1983. Highly recommended by my teachers in the Krishnamacharya lineage. It contains the classical commentary of Vyasa with insights from the author’s life long pursuit of sadhana.

* Swami Digambaraji. Hathapradipika of Svatmarama. Pune: Kaivalyadhama, 1998. The only in print version of the classic text with the 5th chapter on Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy.

* Swami Muktibodhananda Saraswati. Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Bihar School of Yoga, Munger, India, 1985. An excellent and thorough commentary to the classic text of hatha yoga.

* Swami Satchidananda. Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Yogaville, VA: Integral Yoga Publications, 2000. The most entertaining version with delightful stories.

Swami Satyananda Saraswati. Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha. Munger, India: Bihar School of Yoga, l983. The most thorough text of Classical Hatha Yoga practices in print.

* Swami Shyam. Patanjali Yog Darshan. Montreal, Canada: Be All Publications, 1980. My favorite commentary on the Yoga Sutras filled with insights from a delightful master. To order send $20 check to Jill Ronsley, Box 422, Lions Bay, British Columbia, Canada V0N 2E0.

* Bernard, Theos. Heaven Lies Within Us. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1939. A fascinating account of Indian Yoga training to master poses for 3-hours by the first American scholar/sadhu.

* Desikachar, TKV and RH Cravens. Health, Healing and Beyond. NY: Aperture, 1998. A wonderful summary of the life and teachings of the great master Krishnamacharya, by his son.

Feuerstein, Georg. The Yoga Tradition: its history, literature, philosophy and practice. Prescott: AZ: Hohm Press, 1998. A scholarly, in-depth view of the evolution of Yoga teachings.

Iyengar, B.K.S. Light on Yoga. NY: Schocken Books, l979. The yogi's reference book on asanas, source for Structural Yoga poses, with an excellent introduction to Classical Yoga.

Kraftsow, Gary. Yoga for Wellness. NY: Arkana, 1999. The principles of Desikachar’s Viniyoga practice of Vinyasa (individually choreographed sequences), therapeutics for common aches, chronic disease and emotional health.

* Life, David and Gannon, Sharon. Jivamukti Yoga. NY: Ballantine Books, 2002. A contemporary interpretation of classical teachings of the inner and outer paths that can lead to Yoga.

* Miller, Richard. Infinite Awakening – The Principles and Practice of Yoga Nidra. Sebastopol, CA: Anahata Recordings, 2000. A Series of tapes and a workbook on a most primal practice that can lead to profound openings. Order only through www.nondual.com or call 415-456-3909.

* Ohlig, Adelheid. Luna Yoga: Vital Fertility & Sexuality. Woodstock, NY: Ash Tree, 1995. An important book on women's issues and Yoga with comments by master herbalist Susan Weed.

Ramaswami, Srivatsa. Yoga for the Three Stages of Life. Untrue to its title, this is an overview of Krishnamacharya’s teachings, texts, asana, pranayama, and Yoga for women.

* Stiles, Mukunda. Asana: Theory and Practice. Teaching and Application. Patanjali Press for American Yoga College (AYC), Boston, Ma. 1997. Manual for AYC teacher certification courses.

________. Structural Yoga Teacher's Manual. Collected Consciousness Center, Sacramento, Ca., 1980. Manual for Structural Yoga teacher's certification courses.

**________. Structural Yoga Therapy – adapting to the individual. York Beach, ME: Samuel Weiser, Inc., 2000. Understanding your body’s anatomy, physical uniqueness, and adapting practice to suit the personal needs for restoring physical balance and freedom from pain.

* Swami Satyananda Saraswati. Nawa Yogini Tantra – Yoga Practice for Females. Munger: Bihar School of Yoga, 1992. Addresses sadhana and unique needs for women seeking the Goddess within.

Alter, Michael J. Sport Stretch. Champaign, IL: Leisure Press, 1990. A series of 300 stretching positions well arranged for muscle groups with recommendations for 28 sports.

Calais-Germain, Blandine. Anatomy of Movement. Seattle, WA: Eastland Press, 1993. A helpful manual of functional anatomy by a dancer.

Clemente, Carmine D. Anatomy: A Regional Atlas of the Human Body. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1997. My favorite, an excellent detailed reference to human anatomy.

Ebert, Dietrich. Physiological Aspects of Yoga. Leipzig, Germany: veb George Thiene, 1999.

Hislop, Helen and Montgomery, Jacqueline. Daniels and Worthingham’s Muscle Testing, Techniques of manual examination, W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, 1995. Details of range of motion examination and muscle strength testing positions; text for physical therapists.

Hoppenfeld, Stanley M.D. Physical Examination of the Spine and Extremities. New York: Appleton- Century-Crofts, 1976. How to locate natural structures and screen for pathology.

**Jarmey, Chris. The Concise Book of Muscles. Berkeley: North Atlantic Books & Chichester, UK: Lotus Publishing, 2003. Contains all the functional anatomy required for the SYT Training.

* McLanahan, Sandra and David. Surgery and its Alternatives. NY: Twin Streams, 2002. A fabulous reference book with pros and cons of both traditional and alternative medical approachs to most health conditions.

* Funderburk, James. Science Studies Yoga: A Review of Physiological Data. Honesdale, PA: Himalayan International Institute, 1977. An overview of all research data on hatha yoga.

Jarrell, Howard. International Yoga Bibliography, 1950 to 1980. Metuchen, NJ: Scarecrow Press, 1981. An exhaustive report of 1700 listings of research studies and journals.

Monro, Robin, R. Nagarathna and H. R. Nagendra. Yoga for Common Ailments. New York: Gaia Books, Limited, 1990. Yoga therapy as used in the largest Yoga clinic and research center -- Vivekananda Yoga Kendra in Bangalore, India.

Payne, Larry and Usatine, Richard. Yoga Rx. NY: Broadway Books, 2002. Viniyoga based recommendations for common conditions from an MD and the founder of the International Yoga Therapy Assoc. written suitable for the layperson.

* Swami Satyananda. Yogic Management of Common Diseases. Munger, India: Bihar School of Yoga, 1983. Comprehensive overview of diseases treated by Australian physicians trained in Sivananda style yoga. See also separate titles including Yoga & Cardiovascular Management (1984); Asthma and Diabetes (1984); and Digestive Diseases.

** Stiles, Mukunda. Structural Yoga Therapy. York Beach, Me: Samuel Weiser, 2001. Anatomy and kinesiology of asana, diagnostic procedures for creating a personalized program to relieve pain and discomfort, plus case studies of the variety of benefits to Classical Hatha Yoga.

*________. Survey of Yoga Therapy. Boston: Yoga Therapy Center, 1990. Paper delivered to Boston’s Mind Body Medical Institute on Mukunda’s experiences and the research paper -- Harrigan, Joan (Arpita). "Physiological and Psychological Effects of Hatha Yoga: A Review of the Literature" Research Bulletin. Honesdale, PA.: Himalayan Institute, volume 5, numbers 1 and 2, 1983.

*_______. Yoga Therapy for Knees and Shoulders, four articles reprinted by Yoga International magazine, Himalayan Institute, Honesdale, Pa., 1999. Material not in other sources.

Vivekananda Kendra Yoga Research Foundation. Yoga Research Contributions (1983-1998). Bangalore, India: Vivekananda Kendra Yoga Prakashana, 1999. A bibliography of over 100 international research papers and dissertations they have sponsored.

* Douillard, John. Ayurvedic Pulse Reading Course. Boulder, CO: Lifespa, 1998. A 6-cassette course with instruction booklet. Order from www.lifespa.com or call 303-516-4848 (Boulder, CO).

________ . The Three-Season Diet. NY: Harmony Books, 2000. Recommendations for diet based on Ayurveda and for eating in harmony with the seasonal cycle of life.

Lad, Vasant. Ayurveda – The Science of Self-Healing. Wilmot, WI: Lotus Press, 1985. the first Ayurvedic book published in America; it still ranks as an excellent practicum.

* Svoboda, Robert E. Prakruti – Your Ayurvedic Constitution. Albuquerque, NM: Geocom Limited, 1989. How to understand your unique makeup and lifestyle recommendations.

* Frawley, David. Tantric Yoga and the Wisdom Goddesses. Salt Lake City: Passage Press, 1994. A unique book describing the 10 Goddesses with devotional and meditation practices that access their presence; also describes process of elevating Ayurvedic doshas to spiritual level.

Hendricks, Kathryn and Gay. Conscious Loving. NY: Bantam Books, 1990. A long-term couple shares practical principles for deepening your path with love and co-commitment as the core themes.

* Levine, Stephen and Ondrea. Embracing the Beloved. NY: Anchor Books, 1996. A couple who walks their talk shares about relationship as a path of awakening.

* Living Arts (Yoga Journal videotape) Secrets of Sacred Sex. Lovingly presented by real life partners.

Miller, Barbara Stoler. Love Song of the Dark Lord – Jayadeva’s Gitagovinda. A beautiful composition of divine and human love in the form of an exquisite poem.

* Odier, Daniel. Tantrik Quest. Rochester, VT: Inner Traditions, 1996. A compelling account of a male westerner who receives depth Tantrik training from an Indian woman master.

Sovatsky, Stuart. Passions of Innocence – Tantric Celibacy and the Mysteries of Eros. Rochester, Vt.: Destiny Books, 1994. Erotic and sublimated practices for singles or partners that highly refine everyday sensuality and periods of celibacy into the spirituality of mysticism.

Sunyata Saraswati & Bodhi Avinasha. Jewel in the Lotus. Sunstar, 1996. Covers a wide variety of personal and partner practices for sharing spiritually elevated sexual energy.

* Van Lysbeth, Andre. Tantra – The Cult of the Feminine. York Beach, Me: Samuel Weiser, 1995. Symbolism of sexuality, myths and reality of spiritual and sexual practices by a Sivananda yogi.

Bossis, Gabrielle. He and I. Sherbrooke, Quebec: Editions Paulines, 1985. A remarkable diary from 1936 until 1950 of the French author’s dialogues with the Christ, a palpable spiritual Presence.

* Cousens, Gabriel. Spiritual Nutrition and the Rainbow Diet. Boulder, CO: Cassandra Press, 1986. A classic on food for the Spirit and how diet and yoga practices benefit the deeper dimension of self.

* Foster, Titus. Agaram Bagaram Baba - Life Teachings and Parables of Baba Prakashananda. Berkeley: North Atlantic Books, 1999. A delightful biography of my last spiritual teacher, the most senior disciple of Swami Muktananda, a devotee of the Divine Mother.

Jung, C.G. The Psychology of Kundalini Yoga. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1996. Notes and extensive references to a series of lectures delivered in 1932, edited by Sonu Shamdasani.

* Murray, Muz. Sharing the Quest. UK: Element Books, 1989. A powerful book on seeking to life a spiritual lifestyle regardless of the form of your practice. Muz is a great writer and has explored most mystical paths. Visit Muz's Website

AR Natarajan, translator. Ramana Gita. Bangalore: Ramana Maharshi Centre for Learning, 1994. Dialogues with Ramana reveal the depth of self-realization, especially recommend chapter 5 on the Science of the Heart (the third or spiritual heart as home of the True Self).

* Osborne, Arthur editor. The Collected Works of Ramana Maharshi. York Beach, ME: Samuel Weiser, 1997. Ramana was first Indian master revealed to Western seekers. His method of inquiry (Jnana Yoga) "Who am I?" and insights into classical texts cited here is most profound.

*Prakash, Prem. The Yoga of Spiritual Devotion (Bhakti Sutras). Rochester, VT: Inner Traditions International. 1998. A beautiful rendition of a classical text on devotion (bhakti yoga).

Ram Dass. Journey of Awakening - A Meditator's Guidebook. New York: Bantam Books, 1978. From Harvard professor to spiritual mentor, Ram Dass has helped raise America's spirits.

Stiles, Mukunda. The Yoga Poet. Boulder, CO: Yoga Therapy Center, 1999. Tantrik and Yoga poetry of the mysteries of spiritual life and the unfolding of Spirit’s path.

* Vaiyai Subramaniam. All is One. Tiruvannamalai, India: VS Ramanan, 2000. A beautiful simply put rendition of unity, recommended by Ramana Maharshi.

* Swami Abhayananda, translator. Jnaneshwar Maharaj. The Nectar of Self-Awareness (Amritanubhav). Oakland, SYDA Foundation, 1979. A most exquisite poem of the nature of nonduality as Shiva and Shakti are described as being one and the same yet different.

* Swami Ashokananda. Avadhuta Gita. Madras: Sri Ramakrishna Math, 1970. A text of Advaita Vedanta, non-dualism, that describes the state of the Avadhuta as a liberated soul.

Swami Dayananda with Janaki Vunderink. Hatha Yoga for Meditators. SYDA Foundation, South Fallsburg, NY, 1981. A guidebook of practices that facilitate entry into meditation practice and experience; especially Shambhavi Bhastrika. Out of print but worth the search for lst edition.

Swami Kripananda. The Sacred Power – A Seeker’s Guide to Kundalini. NY: SYDA Foundation, 1995. A disciple of Swami Muktananda on spiritual awakening, unfolding of chakras.

Swami Kripaluananda. Science of Meditation. Gujarat: Sri Dahyabhai Hirabhai Patel, 1977. Detailed account of Shaktipat initiation, experiences, and the purification of the mind.

Swami Muktananda. I am That – The Science of Hamsa. S. Fallsburg, NY: SYDA, 1978. A small yet powerful book on the mantra of the breath from Kashmir Shaivism’s Pratyabhijnahrdayam.

* ________. Meditate. South Fallsburg, NY: S.Y.D.A. Foundation, 1980. A powerful voice on the innate drive for spirituality and an excellent guide for all meditators.

* ________. Play of Consciousness. S. Fallsburg, NY: SYDA, 2000. An autobiography describing spiritual (kundalini) awakening, and experiences leading to the blue pearl of unity consciousness.

* Swami Nityaswarupanananda. Astavakra Samhita. Calcutta: Advaita Ashrama, 1990. A profound text of Advaita Vedanta, non-dualism, as a dialogue between Astavakra and King Janaka.

* Swami Shankar Purushottam Tirtha. Yoga Vani – Instructions for the Attainment of Siddhayoga. Muktananda found this book during his sadhana. It was a tremendous help in understanding the scope of spontaneous spiritual experiences arising from shaktipat given by Bhagwan Nityananda.

* Swami Venkatesananda, translator. Vasistha’s Yoga, SUNY Press, 1993. The most accessible edition of this spiritual classic, written as a 365-page reflection for daily reading. Also published as day by day readings in The Supreme Yoga. See the terse Yoga Vasistha Sara by Ramana Maharshi.

* The International Journal of Yoga Therapy – professional journal includes case studies and research - single $20, yearly with membership $60.

* Light on Ayurveda – LOA, 418-77 Quinaquisset Ave, Mashpee, MA 02649 (508) 477-4783 ayurveda@attbi.com or www.loaj.com - quarterly $28/yr – great for Ayurvedic practitioners.

* The Maharshi – bi monthly newsletter of Ramana Maharshi’s followers at Arunachala Ashrama – request free subscription to ashrama@aol.com or see back issues at www.arunachala.org

* Yoga International – The most traditional magazine on Classical Yoga, published by the Himalayan Institute, Honesdale, PA. (800) 822-4547 - bimonthly $18/yr.

Yoga Journal – A glossy publication covering latest yoga and new age lifestyles, strongly influenced by Iyengar Yoga , over 120,000 circulation. (800) 436-9642 - bimonthly $20/yr

Yoga and Health - Europe’s #1 monthly Yoga magazine -Yoga Today, Ltd. 21 Caburn Crescent, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1NR England - 18 pounds tele. 0424 422928.

Yoga and Life – magazine of the Yoga for Health Foundation, specializing in government sponsored medical Yoga Therapy under the direction of Howard Kent for over 30 years – Ickwell Bury, Biggleswade, Beds. SG18 9EF England; tel: 01767-627271

Yoga Biomedical Newsletter – the latest in Yoga Therapy research - PO Box 140, Cambridge CB4 3SY England - 13 pounds, tel. 0171 833 7267. Email to Robin Monro at yogabio.med@virgin.net