5 spiritual books that helped me to understand yoga in detail or how to be inspired by spiritual people
Apart from yoga, my great passion is reading books, through which I am constantly learning and developing my mind.
When I first stepped onto the yoga mat, I felt a spark suggesting something bigger than physical postures.
Over time, I realized that yoga is not just complicated postures, but a way to align with the universe's rhythm - a path to deeper self-awareness.
My journey really unfolded when I began reading spiritual texts that illuminated the philosophical underpinnings of yoga and offered guidance on how to live with a greater purpose.
I'd like to share a few books that have changed my practice, my thinking, and my daily life...
1. The Encyclopedia of Mind, Body and Spirit: A Guide to Healing Practices, Esoteric Wisdom, and Spiritual Traditions (William Bloom, Judy Hall, and David Peters)
As my spiritual curiosity expanded, I wanted to gain a broader perspective on healing methods, energy work, and esoteric traditions. This encyclopedia offers an extensive overview and connects the various paths and practices.
It covers everything from shamanic paths to crystal healing and provides insight into the chakras, subtle energy bodies, and consciousness. I incorporate simple practices such as crystal meditation and gentle aromatherapy to complement my yoga and pranayama sessions.
As I explored different traditions, I learned that yoga is part of a vast tapestry of global spiritual wisdom. This expanded perspective has encouraged me to experiment with other healing tools and traditions, which has enriched my practice and fostered a sense of wonder at the infinite ways we can grow and heal.
2. Chakras - The Complete Guide (Ambika Wauters)
I was fascinated by the idea that our bodies are mapped with energy centers - chakras - that correspond to different aspects of our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
In this book, the author discusses the seven basic chakras and details the colors, qualities, and physical correspondences associated with them. She offers practical exercises, affirmations, and meditations to balance each chakra. For example, focusing on the root chakra can promote a sense of grounding and stability, while working with the heart chakra promotes love and compassion.
Greater awareness of my chakras has enriched my yoga and meditation practice. If I felt restless, I paid special attention to grounding postures or visualizations that stabilize the root chakra.
If I felt tension in relationships, I meditated on heart-opening postures and affirmations. This synergy of mind, body, and spirit brought a deeper harmony to my practice.
3. The Seven Spiritual Principles of Yoga: A Guide to Healing Body, Mind and Soul (Deepak Chopra, David Simon)
Deepak Chopra is known for combining Eastern wisdom with Western science and making these teachings accessible to modern readers. When I discovered this book, I was curious to see how his seven spiritual laws would combine with yoga to create a practical guide.
Chopra builds on his original Seven Spiritual Laws of Success and outlines how each law can be incorporated into yoga postures, breathing, and meditation.
For example, the Law of Detachment encourages us to remain open to all possibilities, rather than forcing results - on the mat and in life. In practice, this means releasing tension, breathing more fluidly, and letting go of expectations.
Embracing these laws has allowed me to practice yoga more intuitively. I've noticed that I'm more gentle with myself, executing each pose fluidly instead of pushing or straining into it. Off the mat, this approach has led to more creative and flexible thinking in everyday situations.
4. Yoga: The Science of the Soul (Osho)
Osho's approach to spirituality can be both provocative and enlightening. I chose this book because I was curious to see how Osho interprets the ancient wisdom of yoga and how he translates it for modern seekers.
Osho discusses yoga as a science of inner transformation. He focuses on awareness as a fundamental technique - suggesting that when we bring full awareness to every activity, we come closer to liberation. It also offers reflections on Patanjali's yoga sutras and encourages experimentation with dynamic and silent meditations.
Osho's emphasis on awareness in each moment inspired me to look beyond my formal practice times. From brushing my teeth in the morning to taking a walk outside, I experimented with being fully present.
This consistent mindfulness peeled away layers of mental clutter to reveal glimpses of a more spacious, peaceful inner state.
5. The Power of the Present Moment (Eckhart Tolle)
Although modern compared to ancient texts, this book connects timeless spirituality to contemporary life. I felt overwhelmed by anxieties and wanted practical tools to center myself.
Tolle guides us to live fully in the present moment and observe thoughts without attachment. This is similar to yogic mindfulness, where we learn to witness the "monkey mind" instead of letting it control us.
Whenever I found my mind rushing, I practiced stopping, breathing, and noticing - constantly reconnecting with the ''here and now.
Adopting Tolle's practice of 'witness consciousness' eased my anxiety. It allowed me to consciously choose my reactions instead of reacting on autopilot. Over time, I cultivated a sustained sense of presence and inner peace, which naturally improved my relationships and overall well-being.
Reading these books was like uncovering a multi-dimensional map of yoga, spirituality, and holistic healing, each illuminating a unique path to deeper self-awareness.
I learned that yoga transcends the walls of the studio - infusing our thoughts, interactions, and lifestyles with greater presence and love. Through meditation, breath work, mindful movement, and esoteric exploration, I have discovered a sacred stillness that connects me to the universe and all beings.
Each time I return to these texts, I am reminded that yoga is not just about physical flexibility - it is an inner revolution that unfolds layer by layer as we cultivate compassion, clarity, and a sense of oneness.
These books led me to realize that every day is an opportunity for spiritual growth, inner healing, and witnessing the sacred in every ordinary moment.
May these books also serve as guides on your own journey, offering you wisdom and inspiration as you explore the depths of yoga, the soul, and the infinite possibilities within and around you...
Do you have any particular books that have deepened your knowledge or helped you grow on your yoga journey?
Let me know in the comments...
