Popular Yoga and Spirituality Books
Reading books is time-consuming. It is not possible to cover all the books in spirituality.
In such cases, we look for a better recommendation in that specific subject.
The concept of yoga commonly refers to a particular aspect of life. The topic is vast and comprises many significant points.
A book will be interesting when it conveys valuable information that is easily graspable with the elegant use of words.
It is capable of inducing the emotions in the mind and motivates to take action. The same facts can be expressed in different ways. Some authors convey it more convincingly and reach directly to the brain.
The below-listed books are popular in recent years. I have also included few books that are having insightful information on spirituality not directly referring to yoga.
1. Autobiography of A Yogi – Paramahamsa Yogananda
This book encompasses supernatural experiences and the interesting story behind the yogic way of life. It helps to understand the facet of yoga through Yogananda’s life.
It emphasizes more on kriya yoga and has approached spirituality in the elegance of metaphysics and spirituality. The reader realizes what really meant by life.
2. The Spiritual Teachings of Ramana Maharishi
These are the collection of questions asked by seekers from various backgrounds that are answered by the Bhagwan. These questions are the doubts that generally arise in the mind of the seekers.
His quotes are convincing. Indeed, leads to the in-depth analysis of yoga and spirituality.
As the book is in the question and answer format asked by the seekers at different times, the flow of content is not smooth. And, the reader requires basic knowledge of yoga philosophy for a better understanding.
3. Kundalini: The Evolutionary Energy in Man – Gopi Krishna
This book deals with his practical guidance and kundalini experiences. It helps the seeker what not to do with the kundalini and averts from the wrong path of awakening.
He had a logical and scientific approach towards kundalini and this perspective can be seen throughout his book.
It is presented with the true inspiring moments of his life and the experiences with the yoga and kundalini that are the aid for the seekers.
4. The Book of Secrets: 112 Meditations to Discover the Mystery Within – Osho
Originally, this book has a basis on tantra. It is the set of practical techniques used to settle the mind and the seekers can choose according to their convenience.
“These techniques will not mention any religious ritual. No temple is needed; you are quite enough of a temple yourself.
You are the lab; the whole experiment is to go on within you. This is not religion, this is science. No belief is needed. Only a daringness to experiment is enough; courage to experiment is enough.
These 112 methods are for the whole of humanity for all the ages that have passed, and for all the ages that have yet to come. I will go on to describe each method from as many angles as possible.
If you feel any affinity with it, play with it for three days. If you feel that it fits, that something clicks in you, continue it for three months.
Life is a miracle. If you have not known its mystery that only shows that you do not know the technique for how to approach it.” ―Osho.
5. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali – Swami Satchidananda
This is the book for those who like to know yoga in its essence. Swami’s commentary on yoga sutras with the richness in philosophy well describes the heart of yoga.
When I was writing this article, this book was the no. 1 bestseller in yoga
If the reader has a little background in Indian philosophy it would be beneficial to comprehend some of the terms. But it’s not mandatory for understanding Patanjali’s yoga sutras.
“If a man is agnostic of everything but money, fame, and name, he is only a fraud. Kant has proved beyond all doubt that we cannot penetrate beyond the tremendous dead wall called reason.
But that is the very first idea upon which all Indian thought takes its stand, and dares to seek, and succeeds in finding something higher than reason, where alone the explanation of the present state is to be found. This is the value of the study of something that will take us beyond the world.” – Swami Vivekananda.
6. The Art of Happiness: A Hand-Book of Living – Dalai Lama
This is a popular book that helps to find the deeper meanings of life. It is the blend of ancient Buddhist teachings and psychology.
It is the Dalai Lama’s point of view of life. The language is in the clear concepts that don’t require any spiritual background. This is a good book to consider if you couldn’t find happiness in life.
7. The Spiritual Laws of Success – Deepak Chopra
It is a little book that straightly conveys its views. The insightful chapters that are having a basis in Indian philosophy vitalize the importance of successful life.
The word ‘success’ has become part of human struggles. This book emphasis what success really means to live.
“The ancient sages described the most effortless way to handle the universe and fulfill our desires. The guiding motto turns out to be exquisitely simple. Act in accord with the laws of nature.” – Deepak Chopra.
These books are having a common point of view of life. Sometimes the readers might feel the same topic is interpreted in quite a different manner. The same message is conveyed differently according to the sense of the author. (Read also Sixth sense Mind Power Techniques: The Proven Ways to Use it)
The books are capable of influencing the reader’s mind. It is not only the usage of words but the intention and emotions of the authors are directly transferred to the mind. The success of the book is by doing so.
Further Recommendations:
- The Bhagavad Gita – Eknath Easwaran.
- The Psychology of Kundalini Yoga – Carl Jung.
- Light on Yoga: The Bible on Modern Yoga – B.K.S Iyengar.
- The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice – T.K.V Desikachar.
- The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy, and Practice – Georg Feuerstein.
