Teacher Favorites & Wellness Resources

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — Swami Satchidananda

This translation has been used in our teacher training for many years and remains one of Tina’s longtime favorites for introducing students to the Yoga Sutras. Swami Satchidananda’s commentary is warm, accessible, and deeply rooted in lived spiritual practice, making it especially approachable for those newer to yoga philosophy.

While the interpretation reflects a more devotional and nondual perspective, it offers practical insight into meditation, the mind, inner peace, and everyday spiritual practice. Many students appreciate its clarity, readability, and heartfelt tone as an entry point into the deeper teachings of yoga.

A favorite of Tina’s for Sutra study, this translation offers a thoughtful balance of scholarly depth and accessibility. Each sutra includes the original Sanskrit, transliteration, English translation, and detailed commentary grounded in traditional yogic teachings.

Bryant’s approach makes the text approachable for modern readers while still honoring the depth and authenticity of the classical yoga tradition. A wonderful resource for yoga teachers, philosophy students, and anyone wanting to explore yoga beyond the physical practice.

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One of Ann Fields’ longtime favorites for teacher training, Yoga Anatomy has become a widely respected resource for understanding movement, breath, and the body through the lens of yoga practice.

Beautifully illustrated and highly accessible, this book explores how muscles, joints, the spine, breathing, and the nervous system work together in yoga postures and movement. The updated edition includes expanded sections on breathing, back health, and the nervous system, along with practical teaching cues and alignment visuals for many poses.

Helpful for both newer students and experienced teachers, this resource offers a deeper understanding of anatomy without losing sight of yoga as a lived and embodied practice.

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David Keil’s approach to anatomy blends traditional yogic practice with modern movement science in a practical and highly accessible way. Rather than focusing on achieving “perfect” poses, this book explores how individual anatomy, skeletal variation, breath, and movement patterns influence each person’s experience in yoga.

Many teachers and students appreciate Keil’s balanced and realistic perspective, especially his emphasis on curiosity, function, and adapting practice to real bodies rather than rigid aesthetic ideals. A valuable resource for those interested in anatomy, biomechanics, injury prevention, and teaching with greater awareness and nuance.

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A foundational resource we’ve used in teacher training for years, Teaching Yoga offers a comprehensive look at the art and craft of teaching. Mark Stephens covers everything from sequencing and cueing to ethics, observation, adjustments, and the practical realities of leading classes.

While rooted in a more contemporary yoga world, this book remains one of the more thorough and accessible teaching references available for both newer and experienced teachers. Helpful for developing confidence, structure, and a broader understanding of how to guide students safely and effectively.

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One of the most approachable and readable translations of the Bhagavad Gita, this version by Eknath Easwaran presents the text in a way that feels both accessible and deeply meaningful for modern readers.

The Gita explores themes of purpose, action, devotion, self-awareness, and inner conflict through a conversation between Arjuna and Krishna on the battlefield. While rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, many students find its teachings surprisingly relevant to daily life, relationships, stress, and personal growth.

A beautiful starting point for students wanting to explore yoga philosophy beyond the physical practice.

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The Yamas & Niyamas — Deborah Adele

One of the more accessible modern introductions to the yamas and niyamas — the ethical and personal observances traditionally associated with the Yoga Sutras. This book explores themes such as nonviolence, truthfulness, moderation, contentment, self-study, and personal responsibility in a way that many newer students find relatable and approachable.

While the interpretation reflects a more contemporary and simplified presentation rather than the depth of current academic or philological research surrounding the Yoga Sutras, we’ve found it to be a useful entry point for discussion, self-reflection, and beginning philosophical study within teacher training.

Moola Bandha: The Master Key

A longtime classic within parts of the Ashtanga Vinyasa and traditional hatha yoga world, this book explores the concept and practice of moola bandha — often described as an energetic “root lock” within yogic traditions.

While some of the language and claims reflect older esoteric and energetic frameworks that are not necessarily supported by modern science, many practitioners still find the text interesting as part of the historical and philosophical landscape of yoga practice. The book explores bandha theory, subtle body concepts, breath, energy practices, and the relationship between physical and energetic awareness within yoga traditions.

Best approached with curiosity, discernment, and an understanding that yoga contains both practical and symbolic teachings that have evolved over time.