Faculty Recommended Syllabus

Yoga Study Material & Classical Literature

A reference reading list curated for Yoga Teacher Training (TTC) students, daily sadhakas, and researchers in Dehradun. Covers Darshana, subtle anatomy, yogic physiology, and therapeutic applications.

Academic Purpose & Therapeutic Precaution: This index provides educational metadata, syllabi alignment, and curriculum context. Books detailing advanced mudras, pranayama, kundalini kriyas, and yogic therapy should always be practiced under direct initiation and guidance of an experienced Acharya. We advocate procuring legitimate original editions via licensed publishers, universities, or standard libraries.
Bhagavad Gita
Classical Philosophy

The Bhagavad Gita

Author: Maharishi Ved Vyasa

Recommended Edition: Gita Press / Swami Sivananda

The core scripture outlining Karma, Bhakti, Raja, and Jnana Yoga. Essential for understanding self-realization, duty, and emotional steadiness in yoga theory.
Curriculum Focus: Core text for 200-Hour TTC Philosophy and ethical groundwork (Yamas/Niyamas).
Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Hatha Yoga Tradition

Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Author: Swami Swatmarama

Commentary: Swami Muktibodhananda (BSY)

The seminal 15th-century manual detailing shatkarmas, asana balances, pranayama mechanics, mudras, bandhas, and nada anusandhana.
Curriculum Focus: Fundamental practical guidebook for Traditional Hatha teacher modules.
Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing
Ayurveda & Lifestyle

Ayurveda: Science of Self-Healing

Author: Dr. Vasant Lad

Publisher: Lotus Press

A foundational guide connecting Tridosha theory (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), Dhatus, Dinacharya, and yogic diet for holistic physical health.
Curriculum Focus: Ayurvedic lifestyle alignment and dietetics in 200H/300H courses.
The Ayurveda Encyclopedia
Ayurvedic Reference

The Ayurveda Encyclopedia

Author: Swami Sada Shiva Tirtha

Scope: Natural Healing & Panchakarma

An exhaustive cross-reference manual analyzing over a hundred health conditions alongside herbal protocols, aromatherapy, and hatha therapy.
Curriculum Focus: Advanced reference for 300H/500H therapeutic modules.
Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha
Practical Manual

Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha

Author: Swami Satyananda Saraswati

Publisher: Yoga Publications Trust, Munger

Internationally regarded as the definitive instructional manual covering step-by-step posture alignments, contraindications, and subtle pranic flows.
Curriculum Focus: Daily practice textbook for all practical examination batches.
Ajna Chakra
Subtle Physiology

Ajna Chakra

Publisher: Yoga Publications Trust

Focus: Concentration & Intuition

Monograph detailing the science of the eyebrow centre (Guru Chakra), covering Trataka practices, psychic symbols, and meditative awakenings.
Curriculum Focus: Meditation guidance & concentration module references.
Moola Bandha: The Master Key
Esoteric Physiology

Moola Bandha: The Master Key

Author: Swami Buddhananda

Publisher: Bihar School of Yoga

Focuses exclusively on perineal lock mechanics, coordinating neuromuscular control with autonomic balancing and kundalini redirection.
Curriculum Focus: Advanced energy control and bandha mechanics in 300H/500H YTT.
Prana and Pranayama
Breath Science

Prana and Pranayama

Author: Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati

Publisher: Yoga Publications Trust

Exhaustive theoretical and practical treatise on Prana, the Pancha Koshas, Nadis, Kumbhaka ratios, and breath regulation therapies.
Curriculum Focus: Standard textbook for Pranayama theory, breath mechanics, and physiology.
Tattwa Shuddhi
Tantric Meditation

Tattwa Shuddhi

Author: Swami Satyasangananda

Focus: Elemental Purification

Structured techniques for purifying the five elements (Prithvi, Jala, Agni, Vayu, Akasha) through sacred geometry, yantras, and mantras.
Curriculum Focus: Sadhana methodology for intensive meditation and retreat programs.
Yogic Management of Common Diseases
Yoga Therapy

Yogic Management of Common Diseases

Author: Dr. Swami Karmananda

Clinical Editor: Bihar School of Yoga

Clinical perspective on prescribing asana, pranayama, and cleansing kriyas for cardiovascular, digestive, metabolic, and psychosomatic disorders.
Curriculum Focus: Yoga Therapy syllabus. *Always utilize under medical and expert supervision.*
Inside the Yoga Sutras
Patanjali Darshana

Inside the Yoga Sutras

Author: Rev. Jaganath Carrera

Publisher: Integral Yoga Publications

A comprehensive, accessible modern commentary on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, breaking down Sanskrit terminology, chitta vrittis, and samadhi.
Curriculum Focus: Companion text for understanding classical Raja Yoga psychology.
Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual
Ashtanga Vinyasa

Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual

Author: David Swenson

Focus: Primary & Intermediate Series

A clear spiral-bound visual guide providing posture breakdowns, drishti points, modifications, and hands-on alignment for vinyasa practitioners.
Curriculum Focus: Daily Mysore style adjustments and Ashtanga primary series drills.
Hatha Yoga Illustrated
Asana Sequencing

Hatha Yoga Illustrated

Authors: Martin Kirk, Brooke Boon

Publisher: Human Kinetics

Visual directory of classical postures grouped by energetic categories (standing, inversions, backbends) with sequencing blueprints.
Curriculum Focus: Class structuring and sequencing principles for new yoga teachers.
Kundalini Tantra
Tantra & Kundalini

Kundalini Tantra

Author: Swami Satyananda Saraswati

Publisher: Yoga Publications Trust

Systematic guide detailing the dormant psycho-spiritual energy, the mechanics of each chakra, and preliminary Kriya Yoga techniques.
Curriculum Focus: Subtle energy theory and advanced meditation in 300-Hour TTC.
The Key Muscles of Yoga (Scientific Keys Vol 1)
Anatomy & Biomechanics

The Key Muscles of Yoga (Vol. 1)

Author: Dr. Ray Long (Orthopedic Surgeon)

Illustration: Chris Macivor

Detailed 3D biomechanical illustrations exploring agonist/antagonist muscles, reciprocal inhibition, and joint safety in fundamental asanas.
Curriculum Focus: Mandatory reference for Western functional anatomy and injury prevention.
Stretching Anatomy
Flexibility Physiology

Stretching Anatomy

Authors: Arnold G. Nelson, Jouko Kokkonen

Publisher: Human Kinetics

Full-color anatomical drawings showing exactly how muscles respond to static and dynamic elongations, helping teachers safely increase student range of motion.
Curriculum Focus: Functional flexibility modules and safe warm-up methodology.
Teaching Yoga
Teaching Pedagogy

Teaching Yoga: Essential Foundations

Author: Mark Stephens

Endorsed by: Yoga Alliance Standards

Comprehensive manual covering class management, verbal cues, room ethics, student demographics, and the practical art of intelligent sequencing.
Curriculum Focus: Core textbook for Teaching Methodology and professional conduct.
The Art of Vinyasa
Vinyasa Philosophy

The Art of Vinyasa

Authors: Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor

Publisher: Shambhala

Illuminates the internal threads of breath, bandha, and attention tying Ashtanga movements into dynamic, unbroken moving meditation.
Curriculum Focus: Alignment, breath synchronization, and subtle intent in flow practices.
The Inner Tradition of Yoga
Yoga Psychology

The Inner Tradition of Yoga

Author: Michael Stone

Theme: Asana, Meditation & Modern Life

Bridging classical Patanjali psychology with Buddhist mindfulness and modern daily living, focusing on non-attachment and emotional ethics.
Curriculum Focus: Philosophical integration and spiritual inquiry workshops.
The Power of Ashtanga Yoga II
Intermediate Ashtanga

The Power of Ashtanga Yoga II

Author: Kino MacGregor

Focus: Second Series (Nadi Shodhana)

Detailed exploration of intermediate series backbends, twists, arm balances, and the mental grit required to overcome deep emotional resistance.
Curriculum Focus: 300H/500H advanced physical asana progressions and nervous system study.
The Complete Book of Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa Krama

Complete Book of Vinyasa Yoga

Author: Srivatsa Ramaswami

Lineage: T. Krishnamacharya (30+ yrs disciple)

Over 900 vinyasa variations taught by the father of modern yoga, detailing synchronized breathing mantras, counts, and step-by-step progressions.
Curriculum Focus: Classical Vinyasa Krama theory and posture variations.
The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga
Restorative & Yin

The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga

Author: Bernie Clark

Subject: Fascia, Meridians & Joints

Comprehensive reference on long-held passive stretches, examining fascial health, joints, and Traditional Chinese Medicine meridian flows.
Curriculum Focus: Yin Yoga electives, restorative techniques, and connective tissue anatomy.
Yoga Anatomy
Functional Anatomy

Yoga Anatomy (3rd Edition)

Authors: Leslie Kaminoff, Amy Matthews

Publisher: Human Kinetics

An industry gold standard examining breathing mechanics, diaphragmatic action, skeletal structures, and muscular interactions in key postures.
Curriculum Focus: Essential core textbook for 200H anatomy and kinesiology examinations.
Yoga of the Subtle Body
Somatic Anatomy

Yoga of the Subtle Body

Author: Tias Little

Publisher: Shambhala Publications

A luminous bridge pairing physical anatomical structures (circulatory, nervous, cranial) with nadis, chakras, and subtle sensations.
Curriculum Focus: Somatics and subtle energetic alignment in advanced teacher trainings.
Yoga Therapy: Foundations, Methods, and Practices
Clinical Methodology

Yoga Therapy: Foundations & Methods

Author: Mark Stephens

Scope: Musculoskeletal & Mental Health

Evidence-based holistic methods addressing postural imbalances, joint degeneration, and chronic stress conditions via therapeutic sequencing.
Curriculum Focus: Specialized yoga therapy modules and individualized client assessments.
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga
Spiritual Practice

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga

Authors: Deepak Chopra, David Simon

Publisher: Wiley

Synthesizes traditional Vedic knowledge with daily intention setting, exploring how asana practice reflects deeper laws of universal nature.
Curriculum Focus: Supplementary reading for meditation, intention setting, and mindfulness.
The Key Poses of Yoga (Scientific Keys Vol 2)
Anatomical Postures

The Key Poses of Yoga (Vol. 2)

Author: Dr. Ray Long

Focus: Postural Biomechanics

Companion volume dissecting 67 classic poses with anatomical precision, showing muscular co-activations that stabilize joints and deepen postures.
Curriculum Focus: Hands-on posture analysis and safe biomechanical adjustment training.
Yoga Philosophy
Living Tradition

Yoga Philosophy: Ancient Wisdom

Context: Traditional Himalayan Teachings

Focus: Spiritual Sadhana

Practical discourses linking Upanishadic self-inquiry with daily sadhana, emotional calm, and living yoga beyond the mat.
Curriculum Focus: Supplementary reading for satsang and spiritual ethics discussions.
No matching books or syllabus entries found. Please check spelling or search by topic (e.g., 'Anatomy', 'Pranayama', 'Philosophy').