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The Science of Yoga – The yoga-sutras of Patanjali by I. K. Taimni
This is by far my favorite translation of the Yoga Sutras. It is very technical and may not be the best choice for your first reading of the Sutras. He gives modern day examples, explains the deeper meanings of the Sutras, and discusses the philosophy that is behind the Sutras. For those who are into a very technical, deep type of book, this is for you. I am on my fifth reading of this edition and am finally getting to the point of understanding it. My first reading I just tried to understand the broader more general concepts, and with each reading, I have tried to gain a little more understanding.
Light On Life – The Yoga Journey to Wholeness, Inner Peace, and Ultimate Freedom B. K. S. Iyengar
The Tree of Yoga by B. K. S. Iyengar
Truly two of the most amazing books ever written. Iyengar does a magnificent job of explaining the philosophy of Yoga and how it applies to our lives. What I find so amazing is that it is written on all levels. A person who has no knowledge of the subject can read through it at a more surface level and still find great discoveries about life. A person who has studied the subject will find deeper meanings in his words that will bring amazing insights into the study of Yoga. Because the book is written this way, you can keep returning to it as your understanding progresses and with each new reading you find new insights. Iyengar has given the world a great gift by writing these two books. These two books are for everyone and well worth reading.
Light on Yoga B. K. S. Iyengar
The classic text on Yoga providing descriptions and photographs of all of the classic Asana. The book starts with a condensed description of Yoga that by itself is worth reading.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Translation and commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda
A very good translation for those who want a less technical and easier discussion of the Sutras. Provides interesting insights and a great book to use for your first or second reading of the Sutras.
The Heart of Yoga T. K. V. Desikachara
Classic text explaining the basic concepts of Yoga with interesting interpretations and explanations. Another great book to read to get insight into Yoga.
The Yoga Tradition Its History, Literature, Philosophy and Practice by Georg Feuerstein
This book provides an excellent history of Yoga, an explanation of the different traditions of Yoga, and overall a very detailed review of the philosophy of Yoga including all sources.
Great organizations
I would like to share with you some of the organizations that I think are doing good things.
Heifer International is one of my favorite charities and whenever I have some extra change, and sometimes when I don't, I like to contribute to them. They use the money to buy animals to give to people in poverty so that they can earn a living from the animals and become independent. Unlike many other organizations that simply give food and create dependence, Heifer creates independence. The animals they give are not only used to create a livelihood for the person who receives it, but the offspring from those animals are given to others. It is an amazing gift an amazing concept. They spend about 7 percent of the donations on management, and about 18 percent of their money on fundraising, the rest all goes directly to those who need it.