There are today many reference works on traditional yoga. Here is a selection around the Ashtanga Yoga (Yoga Korunta) of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the teaching of Sri T. Krishnamacharya, and the works of B. K. S. Iyengar.
Ashtanga Yoga (Sri K. Pattabhi Jois)
- Yoga Mala, by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois — the English translation of the work he wrote in 1958 in Kannada. It sets out the philosophy and discipline of yoga, the breathing system, and questions about the practice and its benefits.
- Guruji: A Portrait of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Through the Eyes of His Students, by Eddie Stern & Guy Donahaye. Farrar, Straus & Giroux (2012) — ISBN 0374532834.
- Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual, by David Swenson — personally my favourite. Ashtanga Yoga Productions (2007) — ISBN 1891252089.
- Ashtanga Yoga: The Definitive Step-by-Step Guide to Dynamic Yoga, by John C. Scott. Harmony (2001) — ISBN 0609807862.
- Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy, by Gregor Maehle — an extensive explanation of breath, bandhas and drishti, followed by a detailed study of each posture of the Primary Series. New World Library (2007) — ISBN 1577316061.
Sri T. Krishnamacharya
- Nathamuni’s Yoga Rahasya, presented by Sri T. Krishnamacharya, translated by K. V. Desikachar. Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (1998) — ISBN 81-87847-18-2.
- Yoga Yajnavalkya, by A. G. Mohan & Ganesh Mohan — considered by Krishnamacharya the most important classical text on yoga after Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra; a well-structured presentation following the eight limbs. Svastha Yoga (2013) — ISBN 9810716486.
- The Heart of Yoga, by T. K. V. Desikachar. Inner Traditions (1999) — ISBN 089281764X.
- Krishnamacharya: His Life and Teachings, by A. G. Mohan — drawing on Krishnamacharya’s diaries and the author’s own memories. Shambhala (2010) — ISBN 159030800X.
- The Yoga of the Yogi: The Legacy of T. Krishnamacharya, by Kausthub Desikachar — a personal biographical tribute with unpublished photographs and archival material. North Point Press (2011) — ISBN 0865477531.
B. K. S. Iyengar
And, of course, all the works of Sri B. K. S. Iyengar (official website: bksiyengar.com):
- Light on Yoga (Yoga Dipika) — the definitive guide to the philosophy and practice of yoga, with complete descriptions and illustrations of all the postures and breathing exercises; foreword by Yehudi Menuhin. Schocken, revised edition (1979) — ISBN 0805210318.
- Light on Prāṇāyāma: The Yogic Art of Breathing — the techniques of breathing together with the philosophy of yoga. The Crossroad Publishing Company (1985) — ISBN 0824506863.
- Light on the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali — his translation and commentary, described as the “bible” of yoga. Thorsons (2002) — ISBN 0007145160.
- The Tree of Yoga — his thoughts on family life, health, meditation, death and Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra. Shambhala (2002) — ISBN 1570629013.
- Light on Life: The Yoga Journey to Wholeness, Inner Peace, and Ultimate Freedom. Rodale Books (2006) — ISBN 1594865248.
