Classical Texts
Primary sources of the yoga tradition.
Upaniṣads
उपनिषद्Fundamental philosophical texts (800-200 BCE). Teachings on Ātman, Brahman, and the contemplative foundations of yoga.
Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali
योगसूत्र196 aphorisms that codify the Rāja Yoga system (2nd c. BCE - 4th c. CE). The Aṣṭāṅga Yoga and the cessation of mental fluctuations.
Bhagavad Gītā
भगवद्गीताDialogue between Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna. The paths of Karma, Bhakti and Jñāna Yoga. Part of the Mahābhārata.
Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā
हठयोगप्रदीपिकाClassic manual of Haṭha Yoga from the 15th century by Svātmārāma. Āsana, prāṇāyāma, mudrā and samādhi.
Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā
घेरण्डसंहिताClassic text from the 17th century. The Saptāṅga Yoga (seven limbs) and emphasis on practical purification techniques.