

MICHAEL FERGOT YOGA
SUGGESTED READINGS

ASANA

PHILOSOPHY

Bhagavad Gita
This has been translated in English alone over 300 times, and has helped to shape civilization for the last 2000 years at least. This work influenced Americans like Emerson, Thoreau, Walt Whitman, Martin Luther King Jr., and countless others. The Bhagavad Gita arrived on American shores more than a century before asana, physical postural practices were introduced. While you will discover a version that “sings” more for you, here are a couple of recommendations.
1. Translated by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood, with a marvelous introduction by Aldous Huxley.
2. Translated by Juan Mascaro, again with a wonderful introduction.
3. Translated by Eknath Easwaran.
These three translations are very accessible, with no commentary. A perfect read on a summer day at the beach, by a fire in the winter with a cup of cocoa and every time in between.
Translated by Winthrop Sargeant. This is a much more academic approach to the text, with translation and transliteration as well as the original text material. Little commentary, but a deep look into the language that reveals endless possibilities for meaning.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Again this material has been translated into most languages over many centuries. In English there are many versions, each with it’s own virtues.

Shiva Sutras
A foundational text of the non-dualistic philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism. Recommended translations:
1. Translated by Jaideva Singh.
2. Translated by Paul Muller Ortega
A brief note to those unfamiliar with sutra style texts. These are compilations of aphoristic phrases that are meant to be unpacked by the reader/practitioner. Subject to much interpretation because of the density of meanings contained within them. Conversation about the texts is invaluable.

ONLINE RESOURCES
Here are a couple of excellent choices for classes and study of asana and beyond:
Noah Maze www.yogamaze.net
Todd Norian www.ashayayoga.com
Ellen Saltonstall www.ellensaltonstall.com
Christina Sell www.livethelightofyoga.com
Here are a couple of excellent choices for philosophy:
Douglas Brooks www.rajanaka.com
Sally Kempton www.sallykempton.com
Paul Muller Ortega www.bluethroatyoga.com
Christopher Wallis www.hareesh.org

"My husband and I have benefitted immensely from Michael's skill and knowledge of the therapeutic principles of alignment, he has helped us cure many aches and pains. He has an intuitive gift for combining progress with the caution to prevent injuries."
-L. Herrmann, PhD History