The Iyengar tradition has left behind a rich library of resources. From detailed asana manuals to insights on pranayama, philosophy, women’s yoga, and therapeutic sequences, these works can guide beginners and inspire advanced practitioners alike. While classes with a certified teacher are invaluable, books can be a wonderful way to deepen your understanding, support home practice, and connect with the philosophy behind the method. Over the decades, B.K.S. Iyengar, his family, and senior students have published a wide range of texts , from practical manuals to spiritual reflections.
Here’s a curated list of essential books on Iyengar Yoga, organized so you can choose what best fits your journey.
Classics by B.K.S. Iyengar
Light on Yoga
Often called the bible of modern yoga, this classic contains step-by-step instructions for hundreds of asanas, with photographs and detailed notes. Perfect for anyone serious about understanding Iyengar Yoga from the ground up.
Light on Prānāyāma
A complete guide to the art of yogic breathing, offering methods, timings, and philosophy.
Light on the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali
A commentary on the ancient Yoga Sūtras, explained through Iyengar’s lens of practice and philosophy.
Tree of Yoga
A collection of talks where Iyengar explains how yoga connects to daily life — simple, relatable, and inspiring.
Light on Life
Written later in his life, this book explores yoga as a path to inner freedom, wisdom, and spiritual fulfillment.
Books by the Iyengar Family
- Yoga in Action: Preliminary Course (Geeta Iyengar)
A structured beginner’s guide with sequences, illustrations, and tips. - Yoga in Action: Intermediate Course I & II (Geeta Iyengar)
For practitioners ready to go deeper, with progressively challenging asanas and timings. - Yoga: A Gem for Women (Geeta Iyengar)
A comprehensive guide to women’s practice, including sequences for different life stages and health needs. - Basic Guidelines for Teachers of Yoga (Geeta & Prashant Iyengar)
An invaluable handbook for aspiring Iyengar Yoga teachers. - Alpha and Omega of Trikonasana (Prashant Iyengar)
A deep dive into one posture, showing how asana can be a gateway to breath, mind, and philosophy. - Discourses on Yoga (Prashant Iyengar)
Writings and talks on the relationship between body, breath, and mind in yoga practice.
Therapeutic and Reference Works
- Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health (B.K.S. Iyengar)
An illustrated guide with sequences for a wide range of conditions from back pain to stress. - Yoga for Motherhood (Geeta Iyengar)
A trusted companion for pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal practice. - The Art of Yoga (B.K.S. & Geeta Iyengar)A blend of philosophy, practice, and inspiration from father and daughter.
Supporting and Inspirational Works
- Astadala Yogamala (Vols. 1–8) (B.K.S. Iyengar)
A treasure trove of essays, interviews, and lectures spanning decades of teaching. - The Illustrated Light on Yoga
A more accessible version of the classic, with clearer photography and simplified explanations. - Yoga for Sports (B.K.S. Iyengar & Lois Steinberg)
Specialized sequences designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery.
Where to Begin
If you’re new to Iyengar Yoga, start with Tree of Yoga for philosophy or Yoga in Action: Preliminary Course for practice. As you progress, Light on Yoga and Light on Prāṇāyāma will give you depth, while Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health provides accessible sequences for home practice.
For teachers and long-term practitioners, works like Astadala Yogamala or Prashant Iyengar’s writings open doors to yoga as an inner journey, beyond just the body.
Final Thought
Books cannot replace a teacher’s guidance, but they can enrich your practice, give context to what you learn in class, and inspire a lifelong journey. Iyengar Yoga’s literary legacy is vast and profound, offering wisdom for every stage of practice, from the first steps on the mat to the exploration of yoga as a path of self-realization.