The Spiritual Books That Helped Me Grow
I read a lot! Spiritual books or books on spirituality or philosophy have been my favourite genre since I was about 13 years old. That was when I discovered Buddhism and realized that I resonated much more with Eastern philosophy than Christian based religions. I became passionate about learning how to enhance the mind-body connection, and the path to inner happiness, strength, and peace. These spiritual books have helped me on my journey towards that goal.
In deciding what order to put these spiritual books in, I chose to go with the order in which I first read them, because it’s difficult to rank them in order of preferred book, or spiritual teacher. Each one came to me at a time when I needed it the most, and each has had a profound impact on my life. In fact it’s safe to say that a couple of these books, and the philosophy and teachings in them, saved my life, getting me through some very dark times. All 5 of these books have been a fundamental part of my spiritual journey, and of who I am today. They have played a significant role in shaping who I am in my personal, and professional life.
Spiritual books and me
Reading has been my favourite hobby since I was about 11 years old. When my friends or sisters were playing around on weekends or holidays, more often than not I could be found curled up somewhere reading. And to this day, books and candles are still my favourite things to buy. If I was given the choice to either own every luxury handbag, pair of shoes, and car in the world, or every book I wanted, there would be no competition.
However I remember my growing fascination with spiritual books being an issue between my father and I one sunny day in 1994. We were in Waterstones bookstore in London, and he said I could pick any book I wanted. So I picked the 1972 book “Helping Yourself With White Witchcraft” a book about ancient rituals by Al G. Manning, the spiritualism and parapsychology author. My dad didn’t want to buy me the book at first, but after I insisted, he made me promise that if he bought it I wouldn’t start calling myself a witch and get into any of ‘this nonsense’. I told him it was just interesting research, and had finished it within 48 hours.
Nowadays, I wish I had the time to read more, but I do still manage to get through about 40 books a year. In 2007, when the kindle e-reader launched, I swore I would never be a traitor to the original book form. In time I realised that my reading addiction was taking up a lot of space, and a lot of weight when I was traveling, so I relinquished. I buy the philosophy or spiritual books, that are more important to me, in paper or hard-back. I read some first on the kindle, and if I like them enough I buy a hard copy.
My Top 5 Spiritual Books
1. “How To Practicse” by the Dalai Lama
Description
“How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life” published in 1995 by the Dalai Lama is a spiritual guide that offers practical advice on leading a fulfilling and compassionate life. In this book, the Dalai Lama emphasizes the importance of inner transformation through cultivating positive qualities such as compassion, patience, and mindfulness. He explores key Buddhist principles, including the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, and explains how they can be applied in daily life to overcome suffering and achieve lasting happiness. The Dalai Lama encourages readers to develop a sense of universal responsibility and to cultivate altruism and empathy towards others. With a clear and accessible writing style, “How to Practice” serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking personal growth, spiritual development, and a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy.
My relationship with this spiritual book
I had visited a Buddhist temple on a school trip and instantly resonated with Buddhism. This was the first book I bought on the subject at around 14/15 years old. It has just been published and was in all the bookstore windows. It was my first proper introduction and instruction manual to meditation and to the philosophy of Buddhism. I felt like the Dalai Lama was speaking directly to me. Over the years, during some very difficult times with depression and anxiety, this book was a lifeline. It always gave me a sense of peace and strength and I re-read it many many times. I still have my original version, and although my practice and knowledge of Buddhism has deepened beyond the teachings in this book, I will be forever grateful for the help it gave me. It sits with these 4 other books on my alter so that I see it every day, and it reminds me of the strength it gave me during the tough times in my teenage years and early 20’s. It’s an easy read that will bring you a sense of peace.
2. “The Dhamapada” by Eknath Easwaran
Description
The Dhammapada is a revered collection of verses that encapsulates the teachings of the Buddha, providing profound insights into the principles of Buddhist philosophy and ethics. It is considered to be the words or sayings of the Buddha, compiled by an unknown author around the 5th century. Composed of 423 short verses, the Dhammapada covers a wide range of topics, including mindfulness, virtue, wisdom, and the path to enlightenment. Each verse presents concise and timeless wisdom, offering practical guidance on how to live a moral and purposeful life. The themes explored in the Dhammapada resonate with universal truths about human nature and the pursuit of inner peace. Through its poetic and contemplative style, the Dhammapada continues to inspire spiritual seekers and practitioners around the world, serving as a cherished text in the Theravada Buddhist tradition, and a part of the Pali Canon, the collection of Buddhist scriptures.
My relationship with this spiritual book
If I could only take 1 book to a desert island with me, it would be The Dhammapada by Eknath Easwaran. Of all the versions or translations I’ve read, Easwaran’s is the most beautifully written, and has spoken to me the most. (In fact all of his books are incredible translations and interpretations). This is the closest thing to a bible that I have. The lessons in it are timeless, and took over from the Dalai Lamas books, as my refuge in times of need, and my source of courage and calm. Words can’t really express how important and special this book is to me.
3. “The Bhagavad Gita” by Eknath Easwaran
Description
The Bhagavad Gita, aka the Gita, is a sacred Hindu scripture that forms part of the Indian epic Mahabharata battle, written by Vyasa around 400 BCE to 200 CE. It consists of a conversation between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, who serves as his charioteer and spiritual guide. The Gita addresses profound existential and philosophical questions posed by Arjuna about duty, righteousness, and the nature of life and death. Krishna imparts spiritual wisdom to Arjuna, emphasizing the concepts of dharma (righteous duty), karma (action and consequence), and bhakti (devotion). The Gita presents various paths to spiritual realization, including the path of selfless action (karma yoga), devotion (bhakti yoga), and knowledge (jnana yoga). It highlights the importance of performing one’s duty with detachment, surrendering to the divine will, and cultivating a deep relationship with God. The Bhagavad Gita is highly revered for its profound philosophical insights and practical teachings, serving as a timeless guide for spiritual seekers and practitioners of Hinduism.
My relationship with this spiritual book
To be honest, if you’re not interested in Yogic or Indian philosophy, and have no prior knowledge of the profound practice, or history of yoga, then you may not enjoy this book. However, once again Eknath Easwaran’s version, is my favourite interpretation of this ancient text, and a very relatable translation for contemporary society. I first read this book in 2009 when I was training to be a yoga teacher, and became aware of how it’s lessons and metaphors are almost more relevant to modern society today, than they were when it was written.
I have since myself trained over 400 yoga and meditation teachers, and make my students also read it during their training course with me. We have lengthy conversations dissecting the chapters, and talking about how profound and important the teachings in the Gita are. It’s one of those books that most people in India read, or a story that their grandmother tells them, and you can have fascinating conversations about the Gita with anyone from any walk of life there. Even though the teachings in the Gita are important, the reason it’s on my top 5, is because of all the wonderful memories I have of discussing it with all my students over the years, and the exciting and interesting conversations that have come from reading it together.
4. “The Unteathered Soul” by Michael Singer
Description
“The Untethered Soul” published in 2007 by Michael Singer, is a transformative book that explores the nature of consciousness and the path to inner freedom. Singer guides readers on a journey of self-discovery, encouraging them to become aware of the voice of the inner critic and to cultivate a deep sense of presence and mindfulness. He emphasizes the importance of letting go of limiting beliefs and attachments that hinder personal growth and inner peace. Through practical teachings and contemplative exercises, Singer invites readers to witness their thoughts and emotions without identification, allowing them to experience a profound shift in awareness. The book teaches valuable lessons on embracing life with an open heart, surrendering to the flow of existence, and living authentically from a place of inner clarity and joy. “The Untethered Soul” offers a powerful roadmap for transcending fear and embracing a life of spiritual liberation and fulfillment, and has been translated into many languages.
My relationship with this spiritual book
There aren’t many people in my circle of friends who haven’t read this book, and it’s the 1 book I advise all my students, interested in furthering their meditation practice, to read. I was actually given this book in about 2015 by my best friend, who other than my husband, knows me better than anyone else. However when I first picked it up, it didn’t appeal to me, so I put it in my pile of ‘to read’, and avoided it for a few years. In about 2018 it was probably 7 books down the ‘to read’ pile, but it called out to me, and after reading the description again, I decided to give it a go. I can safely say that there is no other book that enhanced and strengthened my meditation practice, inner strength, and practice of detachment, like this book. If like me you start reading it and don’t really like it, please don’t discard it. At some point it will be the right time on your spiritual journey to appreciate Singer’s teachings, and to put them into practice. WARNING: It will change your life and the way you view what you thought was important to you.
5. “Being Myself” by Rupert Spira
Description
“Being Myself” by Rupert Spira is a profound exploration of our true nature and the nature of consciousness. Spira invites readers to inquire deeply into the experience of being aware and to recognize the fundamental sense of “I am” that underlies all experience. Through a series of guided contemplations and meditations, Spira leads readers to directly investigate the nature of awareness and to recognize that our essential self is not limited by thoughts, emotions, or perceptions. He emphasizes the importance of resting in pure awareness, free from identification with the egoic mind, and offers practical pointers to facilitate the recognition of our innate presence and being. Spira’s teachings point towards the realization that our true nature is timeless, boundless, and inherently peaceful, offering a path to self-discovery and profound inner freedom.
My relationship with this spiritual book
Rupert Spira is on of my favourite meditation teachers, and one of the most amazing meditation, and non-dualism philosophy teachers of our time. I read this book at the end of 2021, and by the end almost the entire book was highlighted. Every sentence is profound, fundamental to understanding meditation and the human condition, and beautifully written in a relatable way. I was truly blown away by this book. It had a deep impact on my spiritual journey, and revolutionised my meditation practice. I have since had the privilege of being on retreat with Rupert Spira, which I aim to do at least once a year. It is incredible to have him guide you in meditation, hear his answers to interesting questions, and talk to him face-to-face. I hugely recommend his books, his online teachings, and most of all, being with him in person. I can listen to him for hours, and I don’t travel anywhere without his little pocket sized book ‘I Am’.
If you’ve read any of the books above and have had any interesting experiences with them, or have any similar or opposite opinions, then please do share them with me on my post with this article link on my Indiv Yoga Facebook page from 10 September 2024.
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