Recommended Readings

A list of recommended readings for those interested in consciousness and health.

Ayurveda (The Science of Life)

Soma in Yoga and Ayurveda – by David Frawley

A great introduction to Ayurveda. I suggest ignoring the dosha quiz due to reasons why you don’t need to know your dosha.

Turmeric – Prashanti De Jager

Marma Therapy: The Healing Power of Ayurvedic Vital Point Massage – Dr Ernst Schrott, Dr JR Raju and Stegan Schrott

This is a great book to know about Prana and the energy system in the physiology.

*Although this book teaches self-marma and other marma techniques, Dr. Raju and I do not recommend practising without guidance from a qualified sūkśma marma teacher.

Śāstras of Ayurveda (Classical Texts)

These are the “authorities of Ayurvedic knowledge”. It is almost essential for any student of Ayurveda to know these, and read at least some one them.

I reccomened students of Ayurveda to read a bit of a sastra each day as part of their dinacaryā.

3 Main Ayurvedic Śāstras (Brihat Triad)

1. Caraka Saṃhita

Caraka Samhita is exceptional for treatment (chikitsa).

Balancing-holding together and supporting quality of intelligence.

Translated by RK Sharma and Bhagwan Dash.

2. Suśruta Saṃhita with Dalhaṇa’s commentary

This treatise is exceptional for surgery (salya) and embryology and anatomy and physiology (Sarira sthana).

Separating supporting quality of intelligence.

Translated by P.V. Sharma.

3. Aṣṭāñga Hṛdayam / Saṃgraha of Vaghbata (Vagbhat Samhita)

This treatise is exceptional for Sutra Sthana (basic overall on Ayurveda).

Communication and Eloquence quality of intelligence.

Aṣṭāñga Hṛdayam is the best Ayurvedic Sastra to start with as it is the essence of the other two (Caraka and Suśruta).

Aṣṭāñga Saṃgraha is basically the same as Hṛdayam but more detailed and expanded on.

Translated by K.R. Murthy.

Little Three Śāstras (Laghu Triad)

1. Mādhava Nidānam Samhita

This treatise is exceptional for explaining the causes of diseases (nidana).

Diagnosing quality of intelligence.

2. Bhāvaprakāśa

Assigned to early 14th century AD. Good for Aushadhi (herbs). Great saśtra to confirm the properties, energetics and uses of herbs.

Enlightening quality of intelligence.

3. Sarangadhar Samhita

Assigned to early 14th century AD

The text predominately deals with Bhaishajya Kalpana (pharmacy and pharmaceuticals), particularly metallic and mineral preparations (bhasmas).

Synthesising quality of intelligence.

Spirituality and Vedic Wisdom

Seven Spiritual Laws of Success – by Deepak Chopra

Great introduction to spirituality and for those on the path. Great for those seeking “dharma” or a deeper purpose in life.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi On The Bhagavad-Gita A New Translation and Commentary Chapters 1 – 6 – by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (1969 version)

Perhaps one of the most important books.

Autobiography of a Yogi – by Paramahansa Yogananda

The Journey Home – by Radhanath Swami

Kind of like a modern autobiography of a yogi. Absolutely captivating book. Highly recommend!

All Love Flows to The Self: Eternal Stories from the Upanishads – by Kumuda Reddy, Thomas Eĕnes, Linda Egenes, Samhita Productions.

Introduction to Sanskrit – by Antonnia Ruppel, Cambridge University Press

A textbook introduction to Sanskrit. You can also do an online course with Antonnia, but you can essentially study yourself with this book itself. I do recommend learning the alphabet and how to write using children’s Hindi exercise books and the app Duo Lingo before engaging in this book.

Health and Healing

Quantum Healing – by Deepak Chopra

Break the Mould – by Dr. Jill Crista

Relationships and Sexuality

Men and From Mars, Women are from Venus – by Dr. John Gray

Still relevant for today.

Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting

Gentle Brith, Gentle Mothering – by Dr. Sarah Buckley

Vedic Science

Human Physiology – by Expression of Veda and the Vedic Literature – by Professor Tony Nader, MD, PhD.

Written under the guidance of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

The Ramayana in the Human Physiology – by Professor Tony Nader, MD, PhD.

Written under the guidance of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Yoga

Surya Namaskara – by Swami Satyananda Saraswati

Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga – by Deepak Chopra and David Simon

Vedic Mythology

The Ramayana: A Modern Retelling of the Great Indian Epic – by Ramesh Menon

The Mahabharata – Volume 1 AND Volume 2 OR Kindle – by Ramesh Menon

Devi : The Devi Bhagavatam Retold – by Ramesh Menon

Krishna: Life and Song of the Blue – by Ramesh Menon

Shiva Purana – by Ramesh Menon

All other books by Ramesh Menon

Other Great Books

Milkwood: Seaweed, Bees, Tomatoes, Mushrooms and Wild food – by Kirsten Bradley and Nick Ritar

Loving Country: A guide to sacred Australia – by Bruce Pasco and Vicky Shukuroglou

Dark Emu – by Bruce Pasco

The Happiest Man on Earth – by Eddie Jako

The Music Lesson – Viktor Wooten

Ringing Cedars of Russia – Vladamir Megrè