My Recommended Reading List

There are so many books on spirituality, meditation and yoga these days its hard to know which ones are worth reading. In reality books and intellectual knowledge can only take you a short distance. Too much reading can cause so much confusion when in fact real spirituality can only be experienced individually and at its very core is beautifully simple. So the best recommendation to those searching for books, is to practice, practice, practice.

Nevertheless, a few books on the shelf can come in handy when we are looking for an explanation or two, some encouragement or solace from some unhappy feeling. Below I have listed some of my favourites along with some commentary.

If you decide to buy any of these books or tapes, I suggest you try www.amazon.com.

Kriya Yoga/Meditation 

Kriya Yoga Darshan by Swami Shankarananda Giri

Goes into quite a bit of detail about Kriya Yoga. Hard to understand unless you have been practicing Kriya Yoga meditation for some time. Hard to get hold of as it is available only through limited channels.

Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda

A good introduction into Kriya Yoga and spirituality in general.

Light on Kriya Yoga by Swami Premananda

Excellent description of spirituality. Very hard to find.

Patanjali's Sutras

Bringing the Inner God to Life by Swami Shankarananda Giri

The only correct translation (in my opinion, for what its worth!!) of Patanjali's Sutras that I know of. Hard to get hold of as it is available only through limited channels.

Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita by P. Lal

A great introduction to the Gita. Very small volume. May not be in print any longer.

The Bhagavad Gita by Paramahansa Yogananda

Although this book has beautiful prints, I do NOT recommend it simply because there is way too much text.  It is also a well known fact that Paramahansa Yogananda never finished the Gita so it stands to reason that a lot of this book is clearly NOT written by him.

General Spirituality

The Logic of Spirituality by H. H. Chinmayananda

Two volume set of videos describing the logic behind spirituality. Swami Chinmayananda uses logic to define spirituality. An excellent set of tapes, that should definitely be seen by any scientists, engineers or people who do not believe in God but at the same time would like to explore spirituality without religious 'baggage'.

Sayings of Paramahansa Yogananda by Paramahansa Yogananda

Awake in the Cosmic Dream; an informal talk by Paramahansa Yogananda

Tape recording. Any of the talks by Paramahansa Yogananda are worth getting and listening to now and again for inspiration and ensuring that meditation, when practiced should always be practiced with compassion and never with a clinical & sterile attitude.

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

Beautiful to read and very short.

The Divine Romance by Paramahansa Yogananda

Great series of essays on all kinds of practical topics

Where There is Light by Paramahansa Yogananda

Helpful and encouraging advice from Paramahansa Yogananda for every painful occasion.

Fire Without Fuel by Baba Hari Das

A great book that explains some of the most commonly asked questions that meditation students ask at one time or another.

Hatha Yoga

When reading books on Hatha Yoga, I have always found their treatment of Kriya and Pranayama to be physical. True Kriya and Pranayama is an internal practice that can only be learnt directly from someone who understands and has practiced meditation.

Light on Yoga by B. K. S. Iyengar

The reference work on Hatha; should be on every shelf

The Tree of Yoga by B. K. S. Iyengar

An essential work that goes into the guiding principles of Hatha Yoga and how to practice without getting injured

Ashtanga Yoga by David Swenson

Bible for Ashtanga Vinyasa Hatha Yoga practitioners. Ashtanga Vinyasa Hatha Yoga, is really not for beginners so BEWARE. Always practice Hatha Yoga with a good teacher (there are many out there) who does not push you beyond your capability - you go as far as your body and mind feel comfortable. Ashtanga, can be attempted after at least a year of regular Hatha Yoga practice.