Suggested Reading

LONG SLOW AND DEEP - with Bryan Kest

Bryan starts the routine, and asks you to be clear on "why you dragged your ass to yoga class!" This routine that Bryan Teaches is just fabulous. And until HNY makes our own audio version, get this one!!! and do it at least once a week on your own.

This highly anticipated live recording of Bryan's Long, Slow & Deep routine will help you move into areas deeply and safely with a combination of deep stretching poses. Only on rare occasions does Bryan teach this routine, but now you can have your very own recording. Balance your usual regimen of vinyasa (flowing) routines with this deep exploration. The live, approximately 90-minute recording was done at his very popular Santa Monica, CA studio, and is in audio CD format, accompanied by a beautiful, 8" x 8" spiral bound instructional booklet. (Like the other titles in the series, the spiral binding makes it easy to keep the book open and follow along.) The audio CDs are segmented into 14 tracks for easy repeating or forwarding. The booklet has photographs of the asanas (positions) which track the recording, along with detailed written instruction for key poses provided by Bryan. A nice treat: Bryan Kest is one of the two models photographed for the asanas.

SHANTARAM - by Gregory David Roberts

Crime and punishment, passion and loyalty, betrayal and redemption are only a few of the ingredients in Shantaram, a massive, over-the-top, mostly autobiographical novel. Shantaram is the name given Mr. Lindsay, or Linbaba, the larger-than-life hero. It means "man of God's peace," which is what the Indian people know of Lin. What they do not know is that prior to his arrival in Bombay he escaped from an Australian prison where he had begun serving a 19-year sentence. He served two years and leaped over the wall. He was imprisoned for a string of armed robberies peformed to support his heroin addiction, which started when his marriage fell apart and he lost custody of his daughter. All of that is enough for several lifetimes, but for Greg Roberts, that's only the beginning.

This book is an amazing tale, and a very good read for anyone who really wants to travel to India.

 

 

Books by Darren Main

Darren John Main is an internationally known yoga and meditation instructor and author. He facilitates workshops and gives talks on yoga and modern spirituality throughout the United States and abroad. He also runs the Nude Yoga Group in Sanfransisco. He is the author of Spiritual Journeys along the Yellow Brick Road (Findhorn, 2000) and Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic (Findhorn, 2002). He lives in California. You can also search for his Podcasts on Itunes. Please search for "Inquire Within" and subscribe for free.

 

 

THE ROYAL PATH - by Swami Rama

The book's author, Swami Rama, a world renowned Master in the truest sense of the word, was able to share the essence and intent of Yoga from the deepest level of experience. His writing is so effortless, seamless, and clear, that almost any reader will come away from his teachings inspired and enriched. It is the second required text to be read prior to starting the Pure Yoga Level l Teacher Training. I include it for several reasons. First of all, it doesn't confine itself to being just another interpretation of the Yoga Sutras. Instead, it draws upon the most essential teachings of the Sutras to illuminate a most inspired view of the nature and particulars of why and how to practice Yoga. The book simply and clearly presents many of the key practices of Raja Yoga, while illuminating the essential philosophies behind them and doing so through Patanjali's cohesive framework. The short section devoted to Asana will not mean much to anyone who's done a lot of Asana, however the depth of wisdom and insight that it shares is that of a true visionary. The book may be second to none in its ability to share and help open the eyes of (and give some guidance to) Yogis who have mainly, until now focused only on the physical aspects of Yoga.
Mostly, this book is a reminder and tool, of where and in what ways we can take our practices and what we can expect as a result of our diligence and commitment. This great master invites us to fulfill the promise of Yoga and life itself and describes the way to get there. His voice reminds us that through commitment and slowly scaling the heights of practice, we can all realize the joyousness and limitlessness of soul.

 

 

YOGA FOR WELLNESS - by Gary Kraftsow

This is a book for those of you who are looking for a better understanding of basic alignment, and for those of you who are looking to build your own practice. This book also has many different practices for those who want to build more virility, or are suffering from depression. There's more to yoga than stretching and bending and twisting. "In Yoga for Wellness, one of America's top yoga teachers gives a clinic on the holistic nature of yoga practice, especially in regard to healing and well-being. With over a thousand photographs, Gary Kraftsow covers the basic postures, the specific movements of each posture, and how to sequence postures in a routine. More importantly, he moves from form to function, showing how sequences of postures can alleviate ailments in each system of the body, from lower back pain to hypertension--even depression and multiple sclerosis. In case studies of his own clients, we see how Kraftsow's holistic approach has him recommending not only posture prescriptions, but breathing exercises, sound techniques, and visualizations, not to mention such commonly neglected wisdom as eating a healthy breakfast and getting closer to nature. Yoga for Wellness is the rare yoga instruction manual that teaches the basics of yoga while also paying more than just lip service to the original intention of yoga--achieving a balance of mental, physical, and spiritual wellness." --Brian Bruya

This book is required for those who take teacher training with HNY.

 

 

THE HATHA YOGA PRADHIPIKA by Swami Muktibodhana

In my humble opinion, the Hatha Yoga Pradhipika is the most under read book among yoga teachers and yoga practitioners alike, but probably one of the most important Tantric Texts ever published, in terms of its complexity and simplicity. This text will not only tell you what to do, how to do it, how you may fail and what you need to overcome them, and most importantly it will fully describe what you should gain in great detail.

"This book is a classic treatise on Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga is a combination of two beeja mantras. It has been explained in hatha yoga that tha represents prana, the vital force and ha represents mind the mental energy. So hatha yoga means the union of the pranic and mental forces. When union between the pranic and mental forces takes place,then a great event occurs in man. This is the awakening of higher consciousness. "

This book is required for those who take teacher training with HNY.

 

 

FOUR CHAPTERS ON FREEDOM (Yoga Sutras of Patanjali) by Swami Satyananda Saraswati

 

There are many translations on the Yoga Sutras, but this is one of the best. This translation is direct and to the point without much of the dogma which can cloud the essence of the teachings.

Four Chapters on Freedom contains the full Sanskrit text of Rishi patanjali's Yoga sutras as well as transliteration,translation and an extensive commentary.The Yoga Sutras,containing 196 epithets or threads of Yoga,is the most respected treatise on Yoga.In his commentary on each verse,Swami Satyananda Saraswati fully explains the text and the path of raja yoga. Serious yogic aspirants and spiritual seekers will find invaluable guidance within these pages.

This book is required for those who take teacher training with HNY.

 

RAMAYANA - find a translation that works for you. There is one by Swami Rama you may want to check out.

The Ramayana is one of the great epics of world literature—a story rich in characters and drama. It is one of the most renowned works of the Indian literary heritage and focuses on the strength and nobility of Prince Rama, his bride, Sita, and brother, Laksmana, as they face the evil King Ravana. 
The world of the Ramayana is a world of wise sages and spiritual masters, evil demons, supernatural deeds, and great accomplishments. But above all else, it is also a story relevant to the modern world—a story of family relationships that defines the ideals of love, fidelity, loyalty, and honor. Please see our blog for a wonderful comparative on the Ramayana and Shantaram.

This book is required for those who take teacher training with HNY.

 

 

THE HEART OF YOGA by T. K. V. Desikachar

"This is one of two books that are required reading prior to starting the Level l Pure Yoga Teacher Training. Let me take a moment to say that I believe that the author's father and teacher, Sri Chrisnamacharya was the past century's most knowledgeable master into the nuance and potential reach of Asana (Yoga postures). This book presents some of his core teachings. Its focus is on the principals of Asana and the teachings of the Yoga Sutras and, to a large extent, on the importance of tailoring practice to the specific needs of the individual. It offers a definitive overview on Asana in the larger context of Classical Yoga from the Master's tradition. It is a simple, straightforward, clear and concise view of how Asana can and should be taught in the larger context of Yoga philosophy. It is a great for resource for students and prospective and accomplished teachers alike, because of the comprehensive framework it presents. It also includes a complete introductory translation/commentary on the Yoga Sutras.

Students should be aware that the book is not the most spiritually-oriented or Tantric, for that matter. That is not its, or the tradition whose wisdom it shares, strength. Its strong suit, and why I recommend it, has more to do with its clarity in regard to the mechanics and underlying principles of practice, information that any or all teachers would benefit from having as a foundation for what they are doing or teaching. It provides a useful framework to understand how the body, specificity of use of the postures, and mind meet in Yoga. The teachings it shares are a necessary preparation if we are ever to move in a balanced and integrated way into the deeper practices of Pure Yoga." Rod Stryker

 

 

 

LIVING WITH THE HIMALAYAN MASTERS by Swami Rama

 

The late Sri Swami Rama recalls his own spiritual journey in this memoir. Using specific incidents to illustrate spiritual truths, he presents a practical guide for those embarking on the Hindu path of enlightenment. “I will tell you how I grew up and how I was trained, about the great sages with whom I lived and what they taught me, not through lectures and books but through experiences,” writes Sri Swami Rama in the opening pages of this timeless saga. These stories record his personal quest for truth and enlightenment. Inspiring, illuminating, entertaining, mystifying, and frequently humorous, they bring you face-to-face with the great Himalayan Masters, including:

Mataji of Assam, a ninety-six-year-old sage who never slept.
Gudari Baba, who taught Swami Rama the value of direct experience.
Yogi Sri Aurobindo, who integrated meditation with action. 
Uria Baba, who teaches that every human being has a potential for healing.
Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation.

This book is required for those who take teacher training with HNY.

 

 

AT THE ELEVENTH HOUR - Pandit Rajmani, Ph.D. Tigunait

Next to "Living with the Himalayan Masters" this is definitely my most favorite book and have read it about a dozen times.

This book is much more than a biography of a great sage of the Himalayas who mastered the practices of yoga and brought to the West a system for understanding the mysteries of body, mind, and spirit. It features the timeless wisdom, teachings, and astonishing stories of the Himalayan Masters and their ancient spiritual tradition. Like the life of Swami Rama, these pages go deeper than a sequence of astonishing events.

They also serve as a guide to the advanced practices of yoga and tantra. And they bring you to holy places in India, revealing why these sites are important. As you read Pandit Tigunait\s tales of life with his master you will feel a few drops from the timeless stream of the tradition of the Himalayas planting themselves in your own heart.

"A rare glimpse into a masterful teacher. Very inspiring and well written." —Lilias Folan, of the PBS yoga series Lilias!

"Its a book youll want to read over and over again." —Yoga Chicago

"Pandit Tigunait presents a riveting and enlightening biography of the master he loves and respects, interweaving the story of Swami Ramas life, philosophy, and experiences with the wisdom of the masters throughout the ages." —Library Journal

CHAKRAS, ENERGY CENTERS OF TRANSFORMATION by Harish Johari

In the ancient science of tantra, the human body is viewed as the most perfect instrument for the expression of consciousness, a perfection realized through the development of psychic centers known as chakras. Located within the cerebrospinal system, the chakras are the stage upon which the interaction between higher consciousness and desire is played out. Consequently, it is through understanding and utilizing the energies of the chakras that we ultimately reach an enlightened state of being.

In Chakras, Indian scholar and tantra practitioner Harish Johari introduces the classical principles of the chakras as well as their practical application for today. In this expanded edition, complete with new art and text, he unfolds the mysteries of these subtle centers of transformation with visualization techniques essential to a fully realized tantric practice. Unlike other books in its field, Chakras provides the tools to activate these centers of transformative energy and elevate one's intellectual knowledge to an experience of spiritual growth.

Meditating on the beautiful, full-color illustrations of each chakra vitalizes the cerebrospinal centers and harmonizes the entire system both physically and psychically. Explanations of each chakra elaborate on the chakra's connection to elements, colors, sounds, sense and work organs, desires, planets and deities, as well as on behavioral characteristics and particular effects of meditation. For scholars and spiritual aspirants of every level, Chakras is an invaluable, practical source of information and techniques.

PATH OF FIRE AND LIGHT Volume One - by Swami Rama

 Essential reading for all serious hatha yoga students. Swami Rama provides an in-depth study of swarodaya, the science of breath, with step-by-step instruction on advanced pranayama exercises. In Path of Fire and Light Swami Rama shares with Western students, for the first time, remarkable and practical information on the systematic techniques of an ancient and profound tradition of spiritual growth. The ancient yogic teachers and sages developed a powerful and subtle science of breath, swarodaya, by which they intensified their sensitivity to body and mind and successfully attained their ultimate goal: Self-realization. As a practical guide to the systematic science of swarodaya, this book is essential reading for all serious advanced students.

THE PATH OF FIRE AND LIGHT Volume Two - Swami Rama

As a practical and inspiring guide to the systematic science of the path of meditation, this book is essential reading for all serious students. Note: Path of Fire and Light, Volume II can be used independently and before Volume I.

This is a comprehensive guide to yoga that covers: understanding the mind and the states of consciousness, transforming negative thought patterns, relationships, the power of determination and will, the first steps toward self-transformation, kundalini and the chakras, and yoga nidra

TANTRA UNVEILED by Panditji Rajmani Tigunait Ph.D.

This book resonates with the silent powers that bestows freedom and joy to all that know it. It is both a deeply layered and inspired introduction into the workings of Tantra from the vision of its most comprehensive system, called "Sri Vidya". It is a profound exposé by a brilliant teacher and practitioner.
We could say that Tantra's central focus is on self development to the point where one becomes capable of seeing and knowing the one underlying reality to all things - the One behind the many. From start to finish, this book, which leads the reader into the key pillars of Tantric thought, speaks with the spirit of this underlying force. It is not only in the carefully chosen words that Panditji uses to describe various techniques and principles, one can feel it transmitted in the space between those words as well.

Panditji conveys only the most meaningful understanding of the how's and why's of Tantra, portraying the purity of Tantra as a systematic spiritual science. In addition, he points us to what you can expect when you finally merge with it. The first 100 pages or so introduce the reader to the richness of Tantra, as well as, provide a definitive description of the categories of Tantric practices and schools (left and right, internal and external, etc.).

I highly recommend this book. It is especially suited for anyone with a background in Yoga ready to make the jump to expand their view of Yoga and into the heavenly art and practices of Tantra. Because of Punditji's background as a scholar, initiate, and highly accomplished Yogi, he is able to reveal both the most relevant core of the teachings, as well as, the sense of how it expresses itself in daily life. Readers who have studied with me will notice Punditji's transmission of the teachings have both inspired and informed me. He is and has been my teacher for the last few years. This book and its teachings are a blessed resource. - Rod Stryker

PERFECT HEALTH - By Deepack Chopra

'I strongly recommend that all serious Yoga students and especially teachers have a working knowledge of Ayurveda. This book may be the most simple and clear on the subject of Ayurveda's key principals and how they can be integrated into one's life. Almost more than anything, lifestyle choices determine, not only overall health and longevity, but also how we experience life and the extent to which our practice can fully bloom. This book is a great place to start if you are new to Ayurveda or unsure of how to embody its principals. Even the smallest effort to incorporate them will positively impact your life and ability to fulfill the grandest version of you. Deepak inspired by his one-time teacher, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, spells out the key principles and tools in the most accessible terms, disseminating not some new or original approach, but an ancient and invaluable revelation of the sacred teachings of Ayurveda." - Rod Stryker

 

 

The Way of the Peaceful Warrior is coming out in Movie on June 2, 2006. I have told this to many of my close friends, and all of them give me a blank stare in return. “HUH!” Which I find absolutely amazing, since this book was my own bible when I was very young.

During his junior year at the University of California, Dan Millman first stumbled upon his mentor (nicknamed Socrates) at an all-night gas station. At the time, Millman hoped to become a world-champion gymnast. “To survive the lessons ahead, you’re going to need far more energy than ever before,” Socrates warned him that night. “You must cleanse your body of tension, free your mind of stagnant knowledge, and open your heart to the energy of true emotion.” From there, the unpredictable Socrates proceeded to teach Millman the “way of the peaceful warrior.” At first Socrates shattered every preconceived notion that Millman had about academics, athletics, and achievement. But eventually Millman stopped resisting the lessons, and began to try on a whole new ideology–one that valued being conscious over being smart, and strength in spirit over strength in body. Although the character of the cigarette-smoking Socrates seems like a fictional, modern-day Merlin, Millman asserts that he is based on an actual person. Certain male readers especially appreciate the coming-of-age theme, the haunting love story with the elusive woman Joy, and the challenging of Western beliefs about masculine power and success.