The integration of formal and classical (salaf) education curricula in contemporary Islamic boarding schools often places excessive cognitive burden on students, leading to a decline in their intrinsic motivation to study the yellow books as the primary source of classical Islamic knowledge. Based on Self-Determination Theory, this study aims to empirically test the significance of the intensity of yellow book discussions on students' learning motivation at the diniyah education level at the Islamic Boarding School. This study uses a quantitative correlational design with an ex post facto approach. Data collection was conducted through a validated five-point Likert scale questionnaire distributed to 163 respondents consisting of Marhalah Ula (n = 85) and Marhalah Wustho (n = 78) students, selected using proportionate stratified random sampling technique to ensure sample representativeness at both levels. Data analysis was conducted through simple linear regression and Pearson correlation tests. The results of the study showed a significant positive effect between the intensity of book discussions on learning motivation (β = 0.846, t = 20.296, R² = 0.719, p < 0.001), which means that the book discussion variable is able to explain 71.9% of the variation in students' learning motivation. Further analysis on subgroups showed a stronger correlation in Marhalah Wustho students (r = 0.871) compared to Marhalah Ula students (r = 0.812). These findings confirm that book discussions are a strong and effective pedagogical mechanism for revitalizing learning engagement in Islamic boarding school education.