Books

The following books are usually available in the boutiques of our Centres and Ashrams.

BLISS DIVINE

A book of spiritual essays by Swami Sivananda on the lofty purpose of human life and the means to its achievement. Essays are arranged in alphabetical order from Ahimsa to Zoroastrianism and can be read separately.

COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED BOOK OF YOGA

World-renowned treatise on yoga and its practice, the book provides a complete training programme for tapping yoga’s power to relax and rejuvenate the mind; to improve concentration, to prevent illness, and to increase physical strength and flexibility.

ESSENTIALS OF YOGA PRACTICE AND PHILOSOPHY

By Swami Sitaramananda. This book contains the essential Yoga practice for body, mind and spirit, summarizing Classical Yoga for a modern audience, brief yet complete in scope.

HATHA YOGA PRADIPIKA

With commentary by Swami Vishnudevananda. The classic work, essential for those who wish to learn the advanced practices of Hatha Yoga from a qualified teacher.

LEARN YOGA IN A WEEKEND

An inspirational guide to this ancient discipline. The specially commissioned colour photography takes the reader through each pose in detail. Excellent background information is provided.

MEDITATION AND MANTRAS

The most complete source on mantras, meditation, and other techniques of self-inquiry readily available. It contains all the techniques for understanding and controlling the mind. Raja, hatha, karma, kundalini, jnana, and mantra yoga are all discussed in detail along with the Raja Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The book contains the key to the most priceless treasure a man can own – intuitive wisdom. Audio book is also available.

THE NEW BOOK OF YOGA

Formerly “The Sivananda Companion to Yoga”, this complete step- by-step guide contains, clear, comprehensive, easy-to-follow instructions, plus authoritative teaching on diet, meditation, and relaxation. Now reformatted with a modern design and full colour pictures throughout. With over 800,000 copies sold, it is considered the most beautiful book of Yoga worldwide.

PRACTICAL AYURVEDA

An extensive guide to bringing ayurveda, the ancient science of healthy living, into daily life. Includes chapters on diet, massage, yoga and meditation, and home remedies for common ailments.

SADHANA

Swami Sivananda’s popular textbook of the psychology and practice of the techniques to spiritual perfection is now in its tenth edition. Sadhana is a must-read for any serious practitioner of yoga to inspire and awaken on the path.

SIVANANDA BEGINNERS GUIDE TO YOGA

The perfect introduction on how to practise yoga and increase your well-being.

THE BHAGAVAD GITA

The scripture, part of the Hindu epic the Mahabharata, is set on a battlefield, presents the dialogue between Pandava prince Arjuna and Krishna, his guide and charioteer. The Sanskrit verses and English translation are presented, along with a commentary by Swami Sivananda.

THE SIVANANDA BOOK OF MEDITATION

This recently published book offers a twelve-step guide to the practice of meditation, and shows you how to make it a part of your everyday routine. Geared to both beginners and those already established in the practice, it has already gained a reputation as a superb overview of the theory and practice of meditation.

SIVANANDA UPANISHAD

A collection of letters, prefaces, and open letters written by Swami Sivananda and compiled by Swami Vishnudevananda when he was the Master’s personal secretary. Reprinted here in the sage’s own handwriting, and accompanied by inspiring photographs of him, each letter provides, guidance, solace, and peace of mind.

SWAMIJI

A pictorial celebration of the life of Swami Vishnudevananda, a great yoga pioneer, from his humble beginnings in south India to his recognition as a world master of hatha and raja yoga.

SWAMIJI SAID

A collection of teachings by Swami Vishnudevananda in his own words; a selection of brief summaries from notes and recordings of Swami Vishnudevananda’s informal discourses.

TEACHINGS ON YOGA LIFE

A collection of articles from YOGALife Magazine, published between 1970 and 2012. The articles have been written by Swami Vishnudevananda or transcribed from his talks.

THE GREAT VISION: THE STORY OF SWAMI VISHNUDEVANANDA

This is the story of Swami Vishnudevananda, peace activist and yoga pioneer, master of hatha and raja yoga, and founder of the world- renowned Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre organisation.

THE INNER PATH

By Swami Durgananda. A mosaic of practical yogic inspirations for a healthy, ethical, and peaceful life. Swami Durgananda is Yoga Acharya for Europe, and one of the most senior disciples of Swami Vishnudevananda.

THE LIGHT OF WISDOM

This book presents a collection of Swami Durgananda’s memories of her time spent with Swami Vishnudevananda and the many profound teachings that she received from her guru. Many of the practices and philosophical concepts are explained here with ease and clarity. Complete with colour photographs and illustrations, it is a book to be savoured.

THE SIVANANDA YOGA TRAINING MANUAL

A comprehensive booklet outlining the five points of yoga, with clear diagrams illustrating how to do the 12 basic postures as well as bringing attention to commonly made mistakes. An excellent guide for beginners and more advanced students alike.

THE YOGA COOKBOOK

Vegetarian Food for Body and Mind. The first authentic cookbook for the millions who use yoga's fivefold path to peace: exercise, relaxation, breathing, diet, and meditation. Full of recipes as well as advice on fasting, The Yoga Cookbook is for all who care about healthy eating.

THOUGHT POWER

By Swami Sivananda. A simple, straightforward, inspiring book that holds out many methods for the culture and nurture of thought power.

VISHNUDEVANANDA UPADESA

Extracts taken from talks of Swami Vishnudevananda on topics that encompass the teachings of the science of yoga. Each reading is faced by a full-page photograph of the yoga master.

YOGA MIND & BODY

A well-illustrated introduction to yoga. Beautiful step-by-step photographic sequences take the reader through both basic and more advanced postures, with chapters on diet, positive thinking, meditation, and relaxation. It includes exceptionally detailed instructions with full explanation of the benefits of the asanas and breathing techniques.

YOGA SUTRAS OF PATANJALI

By Swami Durgananda. A complete manual for the exploration and control of one’s own thoughts. It is a classical scripture of yoga and a holistic guideline for the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of meditation as well as a precious source for the study of the spiritual psychology of yoga. Swami Durgananda is Yoga Acharya for Europe, and one of the most senior disciples of Swami Vishnudevananda.

YOGA, YOUR HOME PRACTICE COMPANION

This highly illustrated and well-presented volume published by Dorling Kindersley offers a complete lifestyle guide to gaining a supple, healthy body and contented mind.

101 ESSENTIAL TIPS ON YOGA

Using step-by-step colour photographs, this handy pocket volume brings expert advice breaking down hatha yoga techniques into 101 easy-to-follow steps.