Classical Texts

The foundational philosophical texts of yoga (800–200 BCE). Direct teachings on Ātman, Brahman and the nature of consciousness. Includes Kaṭha, Māṇḍūkya and Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad.

196 aphorisms that codify the Rāja Yoga system (2nd BCE – 4th CE). The reference text of classical yoga: citta-vṛtti-nirodha, the Aṣṭāṅga Yoga and the path to samādhi. All four pādas in Spanish and English.

The dialogue between Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukṣetra. The three paths of yoga: Karma Yoga (action without attachment), Bhakti Yoga (devotion) and Jñāna Yoga (knowledge). Part of the Mahābhārata (3rd–2nd BCE).

The foundational manual of Haṭha Yoga (15th century) by Svātmārāma. Four chapters on āsana, prāṇāyāma, mudrā and samādhi. The classical technical reference for working with the body and prāṇa.

233 ślokas in 7 upadeśas (17th century). The Saptāṅga Yoga system: ṣaṭkarmas (purifications), āsana, mudrā, pratyāhāra, prāṇāyāma, dhyāna and samādhi. Complete in Spanish and English with transliterated Sanskrit.

644 verses in 5 paṭalas integrating non-dual philosophy, subtle anatomy, yogic practice and samādhi states (14th-15th century). The most complete synthesis of classical yoga: from the foundations of jñāna to the most advanced techniques of haṭha and rāja yoga.

423 gāthās from the 5th century BCE collecting the most direct teachings of the Buddha Gautama. The most widely read Buddhist text, and the closest to yoga in its understanding of the mind as the source of suffering and liberation. 26 complete vaggas in Spanish and English with original Pāli.

504 verses in 12 prakaraṇas (9th–12th century). A dialogue between sage Yājñavalkya and his wife Gārgī on aṣṭāṅga-yoga: yama, niyama, āsana, nāḍī-śuddhi, prāṇāyāma, pratyāhāra, dhāraṇā, dhyāna, samādhi and kuṇḍalinī. The oldest synthesis of the Vedic tradition with Haṭha Yoga practices.

101 ślokas attributed to Gorakhnāth, founder of the Nath tradition. A concise and direct text on the foundations of Haṭha Yoga: the six purifications (ṣaṭkarma), āsana, prāṇāyāma, mudrā, bandha and samādhi. A bridge between the tantric tradition and codified Haṭha Yoga.

300 key verses from the Laghu Yoga Vāsiṣṭha organized in 6 prakaraṇas. The dialogue between sage Vasiṣṭha and prince Rāma on the nature of reality: from the desire for liberation (Mumukṣu) to liberation itself (Nirvāṇa). One of the three pillars of Advaita alongside the Upaniṣads and Bhagavad Gītā.

Dialogue between sage Aṣṭāvakra and King Janaka on the nature of the Ātman, non-duality and liberation. One of the most direct and radical texts of the Advaita Vedānta tradition. 20 chapters with transliterated Sanskrit.