A Reading Guide for Yoga Students

A journey through words, wisdom, and the spaces between…

 An Invitation to Read Differently

Yoga is more than movement. It is a way of seeing, of questioning, of listening. The books in this guide are not just for study but for immersion, for sinking into the depths of philosophy, for discovering the landscapes of thought that shape our practice.

Before I became a teacher, these books guided me. Not as rigid texts, but as whispers from the past, echoing truths that still pulse through modern practice. They helped me understand yoga not as a system of postures but as a path, a process, a return to something ancient and timeless.

This guide is for you, the student, the teacher, and the seeker.
It is not a syllabus but an offering, a curated collection of books that can open doors, challenge assumptions, and invite reflection.

How to Use This Guide

• Take what speaks to you.
• Read in the order that calls to you.
• Let the words settle where they need to.

Where to Start? (For Beginners)

If you’re new to yoga philosophy or unsure where to begin, start with these foundational texts:

Yoga & Philosophy → L’Arbre du Yoga / The tree of Yoga – B.K.S. Iyengar
Spiritual Exploration → Autobiography of a Yogi Paramahansa Yogananda
Buddhist Foundations → Le Bouddhisme – Edward Conze
Mindful Eating → The China Study Solution – Thomas Campbell

Once you feel ready, explore deeper into the different reading categories below.

Reading Categories & Suggested Paths

YOGA PHILOSOPHY

Where it all begins: The nature of the mind, the self, and the practice of transformation.
The philosophy of yoga is vast—woven from the Upanishads, systematized in the Yoga Sūtras, expanded through Vedānta and Tantra, and lived through modern interpretations.

Suggested Reading Path

Begin with:

• L’Arbre du Yoga – B.K.S. Iyengar → A simple, personal perspective on yoga philosophy.

Then move to:

• Yoga-Sūtras de Patañjali – Françoise Mazet → A structured introduction to yogic thought.
• Yoga – Sūtras de Patañjali. Miroir de soi – Bernard Bouanchaud → Self-inquiry through the lens of the Yoga Sūtras.

For deeper study:

• Light on the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali – B.K.S. Iyengar → A masterful commentary blending philosophy and practice.
• The Bhagavad-Gītā with Śaṅkara’s Commentary → A foundational text of yoga and Advaita Vedānta.

HINDUISM

A vast river of tradition, mythology, and philosophy—flowing toward self-knowledge.
Hinduism is a tapestry of beliefs, rituals, and philosophies, from the Upanishadic quest for truth to the devotional poetry of the Bhakti movement.

Suggested Reading Path

 Begin with:

• L’hindouisme – Louis Renou → A concise, structured introduction to Hindu thought.

Then explore:

• Qu’est-ce que l’Advaita Vedānta? – Eliot Deutsch → A guide to non-dualism.

For deeper study:

• L’Inde des sages – Michel Hulin → A window into the voices of Indian sages.
• Paroles de Brahmanes – Michel Angot → Sacred texts and philosophical reflections.

BUDDHISM

From stillness to insight—the teachings of impermanence, compassion, and awakening.
Buddhism is a path of seeing clearly, letting go, and remembering what is real, whether through Vipassanā meditation, the Mahāyāna bodhisattva ideal, or Tibetan Buddhist rituals.

Suggested Reading Path

 Begin with:

• Le Bouddhisme – Edward Conze → A structured overview of Buddhist philosophy.

Then explore:

• L’art du bouddhisme – Dalai Lama → A personal and practical perspective.

For deeper study:

• Buddhist Meditation in the Southern School – G. Constant Lounsbery → A deep dive into meditation techniques.

OTHER PHILOSOPHIES

Beyond yoga—other ways of thinking, other paths of wisdom.
Yoga does not exist in isolation. The ideas of Daoism, Confucianism, Jainism, and even Western philosophy can enrich our understanding of the body, mind, and universe.

Suggested Reading Path

Begin with:

• Confucius. Entretiens avec ses disciples → An introduction to Chinese moral philosophy.

Then explore:

• Histoire de la pensée chinoise – Anne Cheng → A broader perspective on Chinese thought.

For deeper study:

• Tibet Ignoto – Giuseppe Tucci → A rare study of Tibetan Buddhism and spirituality.

POETRY

When words move beyond reason and into the heart.
Yoga is not just philosophy; it is also feeling, silence, and poetry. These books offer something deeper than knowledge—intuition, rhythm, and the wisdom of images.

Suggested Reading Path

Begin with:

• Canto General – Pablo Neruda → A lyrical journey through history and humanity.

Then explore:

• Poemas para combatir la calvicie – Nicanor Parra → Playful yet profound reflections on life.

For deeper study:

• Antología de Poesía y Prosa – Gabriela Mistral → Spiritual longing expressed through poetry.

 MINDFUL EATING & NOURISHMENT

Food is not just fuel. It is a practice. A relationship. A way to connect with the body and the world.
Mindful eating is an extension of yoga—an act of awareness, gratitude, and balance.

 Suggested Reading Path

Begin with:

• The China Study Solution – Thomas Campbell → A research-based guide to plant-based nutrition.

Then explore:

• The Liver and Gallbladder Miracle Cleanse – Andreas Moritz → A natural detoxification protocol.

For deeper study:

• The Art of Fermentation – Sandor Katz → The ancient art of fermenting foods.
• The Big Book of Juicing→ Over 150 recipes for juices and probiotic drinks.