Chanting
 |
 |
 |
| Ganesh, Sanjeev Abhyankar | Sacred Chants of Shiva, Singers of the Art of Living Foundation | Mantras for Precarious Times, Deva Premal |
Meditation
Om Meditation, Master Charles Synchronicity Foundation
Healing Ragas, Mandala
Aromatherapy, Dan Oliver
Instrumental
Karmasutra, Surajit Das
Shringar, K.Rridhar and K.Shivakumar
The Spirit of Yoga, Ben Leinbach
Reiki – Healing Hands, Anuvida and Nik Tyndall
Indian Head Massage, Llewellyn
The Spirit of India – Ravi Shankar Plays Ragas, Ravi Shankar
Relaxation
Buddha Garden, Parijat
Sacred Ragas, India Jiva
Moola Mantra, Nette
Deva Premal Sings the Moola Mantra, Deva Premal
Reiki Wellness: Music for Healing and Relaxation, Various Artists
Devotion, Rasa
With a little beat
Shiva Moon, Prem Joshua
Elysian Vibes, Various Artists
Scripture
Yoga Discipline of Freedom, Barbara Stoller Miller
An easy introduction to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Written sometime around 500BC in Sanskrit, Patanjali’s sutras contains 196 aphorisms teaching the psychology and practice of yoga. This is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the real purpose and practice of yoga, and my first introduction to yogic philosophy.
The Bhagavadgita, Swami Nikhilananda
The Gita shows the way to spiritualise life and illumine even its drab and grey phases with the radiance of the Spirit. Original text written roughly 300BC in Sanskrit. This is a marvellous story about the courage of one man, Arjuna, who confronts the deepest corners of his mind on the battlefield of destiny.
The Supreme Yoga – Yoga Vasishtha, Swami Venkatesananda
This book is the teaching of the sage Vasistha to Lord Rama. It deals with the subject of bringing union of the individual soul with the Supreme Soul amidst all the trials and tribulations of life. Original text written sometime between 800-1000AD in Sanskrit. Vasistha’s wisdom has been illustrated through short stories and life experiences for ease of understanding, and Venkatesanada has divided these into 365 easily digestible daily contemplations.
Consciousness is Everything, Swami Shankarananda
A presentation of the wisdom of Kashmir Shaivism – an Indian tradition where all things in the universe are seen and experienced as One. The knowledge upon which this book is written can be found in three scriptural texts: Shiva Sutras, Pratyabhijnahridayam and the Spanda Karikas, presented and translated in the appendices. I have read this book three times and probably will again – it simply blows my mind!
Yoga, Meditation and Philosophy
Happy for No Good Reason, Swami Shankaranada
A comprehensive manual of meditation and related topics, in particular Self-Inquiry meditation. Self-Inquiry is one of the most effective ways to discover your inner being and develop deep concentration. This book comes with a guided Self-Inquiry CD, and as I am often away from my Shiva Yoga guru the CD allows me to hear his voice and stay connected with my inner being.
Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramahansa Yogananada
This book describes Yogananda’s search for a guru and the importance of the guru-disciple relationship. This relationship is crucial in staying focused on the path of yoga, and assists you in moving through your inner obstacles. If you want to be inspired and develop faith in not only the teachings of yoga but also in a teacher of yoga this is a great read. Written in 1946.
The Art of Happiness – Dalai Lama
Through meditation, stories and Buddhist psychology the Dalai Lama explains how to defeat day-to-day negative states of mind and how to obtain a positive relationship with oneself and others. This was one of the first books on the subject of yoga and compassion I was ever given. It gives you a sense of positivity and kindness towards all others.
The Marriage of Sense and Soul, Ken Wilber
Ken shows how we can begin to think about science and religion in ways that allow for their reconciliation and union, bringing a sense of physical reality into the unknown depths of the soul. This book assisted me in understanding the physical realities of my existence, from the gross to the most subtle of aspects.
The Path to Love, Deepak Chopra
Spiritual lessons for creating the love we need within ourselves and towards others. Cultivating an open heart has always been part of my practice and reading this book makes that practice become simpler and more accessible. To welcome another with love is the basis and reason for practicing all forms of yoga.
Creativity – Unleashing the Forces Within, Osho
Creativity is a handbook for those who understand the need to bring more creativity, playfulness, and flexibility to their lives, thinking ‘outside the box’ and learning to live there as well. Osho’s language is quite irreverent and straight to the point, bringing much freedom to the mind and spirit to the heart – you’ll love it!
Ayurveda and Food
Prakriti – Your Ayurvedic Constitution, Dr.Robert E. Svoboda
An introduction to the ancient Ayurvedic way of health, rejuvenation and longevity. The system of Ayurveda was transmuted by ancient yogis who knew the benefits of harnessing the power of the external world for the advancement of their practices. Ayurveda plays a large part of my external yoga practice through diet, lifestyle and spiritual direction.
The Ayurvedic Cookbook, Amadea Morningstar
A collection of recipes and menu planners for an Ayurvedic diet. This book also contains a good introduction to the basic principles of Ayurveda and its relation to diet and nutrition. Food is a very important part of my yoga practice, allowing for a strong body and steady mind. I often refer to this book for Ayurvedic cooking inspiration when I’m in the kitchen.
The Ethics of What We Eat, Peter Singer
For those of you who care about your food choices this book joins the dots between producer and plate, raising very important questions about cruelty, the environment, economics, culture and social justice. Whether you are a vegetarian, vegequarian, vegan or someone who eats meat this book will inspire you think about your food choices – I couldn’t put it down!
