The Best 10 Yoga Books You Shouldn’t Miss

Updated on March 13, 2025
best yoga books for beginners
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best yoga books for beginners

Yoga’s popularity has exceeded the world’s expectations and we are continuing to witness its rise. The surge in its popularity is not unprecedented as there are more reasons behind its success than meets the eye. For example, researchers all across the globe are confident in its ability to cope with various conditions. Most humans are becoming more prone to these conditions as with every passing day our lives are becoming more sedentary and gadgets, screens, and junk food are everywhere. In times like these, Yoga is being adopted on a large scale. However, people often feel confused about books that will accompany them on this journey. We have got you covered with the books that will bring change within you. You can recommend or gift these books to anyone and you won’t hear them complain.

Yoga Anatomy, Physiology, and Biomechanics Books

1. Science of Yoga by Ann Swanson: A well-illustrated book specifically designed for beginners.

best books on yoga

Science of Yoga is a wholesome book written by Ann Swanson with the help of the entire DK books team who is the publisher of this book. The book’s best feature is it colours vivid details of 30+ Asanas, organ systems, science-backed benefits, and more. To be honest, the book takes your Yoga experience to another level.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3DA7feR

2. The Yoga Science by Divyansh Sharma: A book dedicated to evidence-backed benefits, anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics of Yoga.

The Yoga Science by Divyansh Sharma

Yoga is completely science-backed; it adheres best to the principles of Anatomy, Physiology, and Biomechanics. ‘The Yoga Science’ book by Author Divyansh Sharma is published by HayHouse. The book cites various research articles to discuss the benefits of yoga, 50+ illustrated Asanas, muscles and joint actions, along with FAQs. Moreover, the book is beginner-friendly, yet Yoga teachers can also learn detailed biomechanics from it.

Amazon: https://amzn.in/d/4LhbKjr

3. Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Keminoff & Amy Matthews: A Yoga biomechanics book meant for advanced practitioners and teachers.

yoga anatomy teacher training

Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Keminoff is definitely an important scientific Yoga book, especially if you wish to witness Yoga’s biomechanics. The book features over 60 Asana illustrations along with the muscle actions and biomechanics. However, this book primarily targets Yoga practitioners and Yoga teachers.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4iEBT5w

Yoga Philosophy Books

4. Patanjali Yoga Sutra by Sri Swami Satchidananda: Witness the True Ancient Wisdom of Yoga.

Yoga Philosophy Books

Patanjali Yoga Sutra is an invaluable book of Yoga by Maharshi Patanjali Ji. It is believed to have been originated in 300-500 BCE. Sri Swami Satchidananda has beautifully translated this book along with his commentary. Read the book to witness the true Yoga simply codified into small Sutra (or aphorisms). The perspective change this book brings makes it truly a pearl of ancient wisdom.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hqdcsy

5. Shrimad Bhagavad Gita by Eknath Easwaran: Learn the Timeless Wisdom of Gita that has changed the lives of millions.

The Bhagavad Gita

Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is another vital book on Yogic spirituality and philosophy. It depicts various paths of Yoga, including Raja Yoga (Yoga of Liberation), Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of Devotion), Karma Yoga (Yoga of Action), etc. Although the text is believed to have originated before 500 BCE, the practical solutions inside the book make it a relevant resource to date. Everyone who has read the book never regrets reading it. The book has unquantifiable translations and commentaries but the one written by Eknath Easwaran is among the popular ones.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Fn82Ar

Yoga Asana books

6. Light on Yoga by B.K.S Iyengar: If you wish to know the alignment principles of Asanas and principles of Yoga, read the book.

Yoga Asana books

B.K.S Iyengar is regarded highly among Yoga practitioners, especially for his sensitivity to Asana alignments. His contribution in promoting Yoga in the Western Hemisphere is commendable. If you wish to learn from his experience then consider reading this book.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/41Id4Pk

7. Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha by Swami Satyananda Saraswati: Witness the real Hatha Yoga.

Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha

Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha, as the name suggests, discusses these limbs of Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga is about 2000-year-old tradition that transformed ancient Yoga into what it is today. Most Pranayamas, Asanas, Mudras, and Bandhas have been derived from Hatha Yoga. Swami Satyananda Saraswati Ji was the head of the Bihar School of Yoga, which has preserved the tradition of Hatha Yoga for centuries.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bFFMVG

8. Yoga Sequencing: Designing Transformative Yoga Classes by Mark Stephens: Master Yoga sequencing from the expert.

Yoga Sequencing

The book features 67 Asanas with over 2,000 instructional photos. After reading this book, you should be able to design personalized sessions for beginner, intermediate, and advanced practitioners be it for kids, teens, women, or seniors. This indeed makes it a complete comprehensive guide that has you covered.

Amazon: https://amzn.in/d/2WjygTo

Spiritual Yoga Books

9. Autobiography of A Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda: A book that speaks endeavours of a Yogi.

Spiritual Yoga Books

Paramahansa Yogananda was a popular figure who just like B.K.S Iyengar weaved the fabric of Yoga into the Western society. His book has humour, entertainment, a message, and a taste of spirituality. The book is among the bestsellers and continues to inspire many to learn and understand Yoga and its limbs.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3DFpFe8

10. Inner Engineering: A Yogi’s Guide to Joy by Sadhguru: Learn Spirituality in probably the most practical way.

Inner Engineering

Sadhguru is a popular figure all across the globe. His oration skills are unparalleled and his teachings have touched millions of lives. His book ‘Inner Engineering’ reflects his vision and clear thoughts. The articulation of the book is practical and you definitely have so much to gain from it, especially if you are seeking your path of spirituality.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/41G4VLf

Please Note: These images were sourced directly from Amazon. We respect all intellectual property rights and intend no infringement.

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Divyansh Sharma
Divyansh is Yoga, Meditation & Kinesiology Teacher who has been practicing Yoga and Meditation Since 2011. The Idea of correlating Yoga with Modern Sciences fascinates him the most & to feed his curiosity, he keeps on exploring new things every day. He has accomplished a Master's in Yogic Sciences, E-RYT-200, and RYT-500.
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