The Bhagavad Gita by Swami Dayananda Saraswati

The Bhagavad Gita is an ancient Hindu text contained within the Mahabharata that means "Song of God". The 700 verse poem recounts the story of Arjuna's talk with Lord Krishna on the battlefield before the Kurukshetra War, pondering his responsibility as a warrior. Lord Krishna's identity remains hidden as he advises Arjuna on Yogic and Vedic Philosophy, until he is finally revealed as the God-head incarnate. The text is rich in Hindu theology and symbolism, and can be read as a guide to life and achieving liberation. The text can be considered an Upanishad, a classic text revealed regarding instructions on earth. One of the most widely read religious texts worldwide, The Bhagavad Gita is a great introduction to Hindi ideals, and is a launching pad for understanding Eastern thought and ideals.

Autobiography of a Yogi

Travel with Paramhansa Yogananda and meet ascended masters, reincarnated Gurus, Babaji, prana breathing, meditation, and yoga. This seminal text by the first Yogin to be invited to the White House, Yogananda, marks the beginning of a large influx of Eastern Mysticism to the Western World in the early part of the 20th Century. Written in 1946, Autobiography of a Yogi, demonstrates the ideals of Self-Realization Fellowship, a Kriya Yoga Foundation established throughout the world. Disseminating teachings from Master Sri Yukteswar via bildungsroman, the reader grows to understand the mysteries and complexities of Kriya Yoga with Yogananda through stories and vivid memories. Yogananda's gentle demeanor with his disciples and masters demonstrates embodiment of cosmic consciousness as realized through this reincarnated master's life. Other books by Yogananda: Man's Eternal Quest, The Second Coming of Christ, The Bhagavad Gita.