In this age of smartphones and pocket digital devices, you might struggle from developing a habit of reading anything other than Facebook posts or work emails. However, as a yogi, it is crucial for you to exercise the mind equally as the body with some of the best yoga books for beginners.
However, there are some who might ask –
Why Should I Read When I Practice Yoga?
That is a common question that pops into the mind of every yoga practitioner, especially beginners.
Don’t worry! Yoga experts have come up with a few solid reasons why you should invest some time in reading especially about yoga.
1. Offers a Positive Experience to the Mind
Reading engages your mind and is the only time when you have no unnecessary thoughts running through it. It enhances your ability to imagine, think creatively, and develop a deeper understanding of the world. Similarly, reading yoga philosophy and traditions improves your mental focus which comes in handy on the yoga mat.
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2. Helps You Remain On the Right Path
Many yoga practitioners commit to one yoga school or style and remain loyal to teaching that one style of yoga. However, reading some of the best yoga books for beginners gives you diverse information on different yoga schools and traditions around the world. It broadens your perspective about the world around you.
3. Helps You Dive Deeper
For you to learn and practice yoga in the true sense, you should always have the mindset of a student when it comes to learning this sacred art. Remember, this learning takes place on and off the yoga mat. Yoga goes beyond asanas and includes words, thoughts, and actions which govern your everyday life.
To understand this spiritual art on a deeper level, there has to be some level of reading involved in your daily life. You should read different yogic texts to understand yoga beyond the physical aspects.
4. Helps You Connect With Other Yogis
Yes! Yoga can become a bit isolating sometimes. However, reading the best yoga books for beginners keeps you connected with other yogis from around the world. The countless experiences and stories of others who overcame challenges to become a yoga guru inspire you to be your best.
With that said, yoga experts have come up with the best yoga books every yoga beginner should read.
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The Best Yoga Books for Beginners
Given below are some of the best yoga books for beginners written by yoga gurus.
1. Light On Yoga – B.K.S. Iyengar
Considered as the complete book on yoga, the Light on Yoga is also popular as the Bible of yoga. It provides you with complete illustrations and descriptions of every breathing exercise and yoga pose. The book contains detailed information on the process, variation, and benefits of different yoga asanas with photographs. The best part about this book is the author has rated yoga asanas as per difficulty levels which makes it easier for you to practice the right poses.
2. Yoga Sutras of Patanjali – Sri Swami Satchidananda
One of the best yoga books for beginners by Sri Swami is a good version of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras which are believed to be 4000 years old. The book contains all the Sutras in Sanskrit with the correct pronunciation. It also offers English translation with word-to-word meanings and commentary by the yoga master. You get advice on how to gain control of the mental, emotional, and physical harmony with yoga.
3. Yoga: The Practice of Movement and Stillness – Eric Schiffman
This is amongst those books on yoga that makes it easier for a beginner to understand complex yoga asanas. Eric Schiffman uses a unique approach by narrating his own private journey into the world of yoga with pictures. He also covers important yoga topics like Pranayama, Meditation, and the crux of all yoga asanas in this book.
4. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga – Deepak Chopra and David Simon
The focal point of this book is how spiritual laws play a vital role in the yoga journey towards enlightenment and inner peace. It is one of the best books on yoga for beginners if you want to understand the link between yoga and spirituality. The book also contains mantras, meditation techniques, breathing exercises, and yoga poses.
Conclusion
Want to understand yoga beyond its physical aspects? Well, you should give these best books for yoga beginners a chance. Each of these yogic texts contains detailed information on how you can make yoga a part of your daily life without hassle.