Required Reading

The following books have been chosen to support your journey through this training in a grounded, thoughtful, and integrated way. Together, they offer a foundation in yoga philosophy, teaching methodology, anatomy, and yin practice—the core areas most often emphasized in 200-hour teacher trainings.

Rather than rushing through them, let these texts accompany you over time. Read slowly, underline what stirs something in you, take notes in the margins, and bring your questions into our weekends together. This is not simply academic reading; it is part of the practice of becoming a teacher.

Foundational texts

  • The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (any translation of your choice)

    • A recommended version is The Essential Yoga Sutra: Ancient Wisdom for Your Yoga By Michael Roach, Michael Roach, Christie McNally

  • The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga's Ethical Practice by Deborah Adele

  • The Heart of Yoga by T.K.V. Desikachar

  • Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthews (Latest Edition)

  • Your Body, Your Yoga: Learn Alignment Cues That Are Skillful, Safe, and Best Suited to You by Paul Grilley and Bernie Clark

Yin texts

  • The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga by Bernie Clark.

  • Insight Yoga by Sarah Powers.

More Recommendations

  • Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar

  • Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Katrina Kenison and Rolf Gates

  • Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System as a Path to the Self by Anodea Judith

  • Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion by Pema Chödrön

  • True Love: A Practice for Awakening the Heart by Thich Nhat Hanh

  • Becoming Safely Embodied by Deirdre Fay, MSW

  • The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff

  • The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD