What I'm Reading: The Yoga Sutras

 
Did you know that over 18 million people practice the physical aspect of yoga? And most of those people identify as female. I have to admit that the asana (body postures) were my gateway into the practice. However, over the years, that is not what has kept me coming back to my mat.  I must admit,  I have this fascination with Yoga Wisdom, the spiritual aspects of yoga.   It is the most challenging for me.  So, I've been taking ANOTHER trip through the Yoga Sutras, teachings compiled by the guru, Patanjali, roughly two thousand years ago. For me, these are a map outlining the path to a healthy, balanced life.  Every time I return, there are new pearls of wisdom to be gathered and cultivated and polished.  Want to know my tried and true resources for the Sutras? Here you go! I even linked them for you!
1. The Secret Power of Yoga  by Nischala Jo Devi
     I got this one as part of my Yoga teacher training and immediately fell in love.  It has a feminine voice and embraces the spirit of the sutras. Devi excludes the negative words in order to bring a positive vision to these sacred teachings.   Her words and reflections resonate with me, empower me.  I return to this text often.  
2.  Living the Sutras  by Kelly DiNardo and Amy Pearce Hayden 
     This one has been on my bedside table for the last few years.  These ladies bring the Sutras into today's world and present them in friendly language and small bites.  They include useful reflections at the end of each section that I really enjoy journaling on or simply sitting with in stillness.  
3. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Swami Satchindananda 
     This is my newest one and it is the most traditional of the three.  It includes Sanskrit pronunciations and it is based on Sri Swami Satchindananda's informal lectures and teachings to his students.  It has been a great addition to my study of the Sutras.  
I'd love to hear about your favorite yoga books, Sutra related or not.  I'm always looking to add to my bookshelf.

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