Overview of Spiritual Books
Spiritual books are just one of many tools you can use to improve your spiritual health and gain knowledge in this area.
When looking to practice spirituality, many turn to mindfulness and meditation. Many books are written in this area and are an excellent complement and addition to your meditation practices.
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been at it, there is always more to learn. The internet contains plenty of good information but sometimes, the experts can better explain their experience and expertise within a full-length book.
You can find a spiritual book on almost any topic for which you seek answers.
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Purpose of Spiritual Books
Spiritual books carry a great purpose. They aren’t just there for entertainment. Those with great knowledge and experience record these along with their thoughts and discoveries.
Spiritual books are perfect for those who are just beginning their spiritual journey and are hungry for knowledge.
There are also certain, more advanced books that are meant for those further along in their journey and wanting to reach an even higher level.
Regardless of your spiritual maturity or the status of your journey, there will be books that can help and enlighten you.
Once you find a few authors you like, you’ll find that following their journey through their books will be incredibly helpful to you.
The 12 Most Influential Spiritual Books of the Past 50 Years With Authors
While there are thousands of books out there that can be helpful to different people, some books stand the test of time and become classics that anyone can benefit from.
The following are 12 of the most influential spiritual books from the last 50 years.
The Secret: by Rhonda Byrne
This book is based on a film Rhonda Byrne created in 2004.
It tells of a concept called the “law of attraction” which is the art of manifesting what you want by asking for it, believing it, and expecting the universe to bring it to you.
Many are skeptical but it seems to be working for a lot of people around the world, which the film and book talk about.
The Celestine Prophecy: by James Redfield (1992)
This is the author’s first book which he wrote and self-published in 1992. Since its release, it has become one of the most successful self-published books ever.
The book combines an adventure story with spiritual guidance. The main character travels through Peru and discovers nine spiritual secrets along the way.
The story is fictional but the lessons learned can help the reader in their own life.
The Alchemist: Paulo Coelho
This is another classic fictional tale that relates closely to real life.
It tells of a shepherd who travels to Egypt in search of treasure.
The shepherd learns lessons of personal legends, being your own purpose, and reading omens.
These ideas can be of use to anyone regardless of religion.
The Art of Happiness: Howard Cutler
This book is applicable to everyone as it’s written without any spiritual rules or religious guidelines of any sort; it’s completely neutral.
The author was inspired by the joyful nature of the Dalai Lama and wanted to write a universal book on finding happiness.
He writes about happiness being one purpose of life and you can determine it through your mental state and not rely on outside circumstances.
A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose: Eckhart Tolle
This book talks about your ego and how to reduce it as a means of finding a happier and more abundant life.
It suggests that the ego is the source of most, if not all, conflict in our lives.
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: Deepak Chopra
This book addresses the importance of finding success in life. The author defines success as happiness and realized goals, not only financial wealth.
He outlines the seven laws of nature he has found to be beneficial in achieving the success you want.
The Road Less Traveled: M. Scott Peck (1978)
Written by a psychiatrist, he combines his ideas from this experience and his background as a born-again Christian.
With these two things in mind, he talks about what makes him feel fulfilled as a human being.
His ideas are centered around three things: discipline, love, and grace.
Jonathan Livingston Seagull: Richard Bach
While unconventional, this story has become a classic. It follows a special seagull who has a passion for flying that reaches far above that of his peers.
His goals and desires outcast him from his flock, which ultimately takes him to a “higher plane.”
Eat, Pray, Love: Elizabeth Gilbert
This book tells the true story of author Elizabeth Gilbert who went on a journey of self-discovery after a painful divorce.
The story resonated so much with readers that it’s become a classic, even being made into a movie.
Tuesdays with Morrie : Mitch Albom
This book is a collection of interviews the author did with his former professor, Morrie Schwartz who was suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease.
It touched so many people that it became a popular movie.
Even after the professor’s death, the author continued to inspire readers with his ideas on love and values.
The Four Agreements: Don Miguel Ruiz
This book focuses on four principles that are found to be effective in helping you live your best life. The ideas are based on ancient Toltec ideas and are very simple:
- Be impeccable with your word
- Avoid making assumptions
- Don’t take anything too personally
- Do your best no matter what
Siddhartha: Herman Hesse
This book follows the spiritual journey of a man who set out to find spiritual enlightenment during the time of Buddha.
He tries many different things but eventually finds that the answers to fulfillment are much simpler than he thought.
Some Books on Mindfulness and Spirituality
The following are several books that speak to mindfulness and spirituality specifically:
The Power of Now: By Echart Tolle
This book has sold several million copies.
Its popularity was boosted greatly when it appeared on the Oprah show.
It was written by Echart Tolle who reached a breakthrough in his life when he realized he was not his thoughts.
This saved him from suicide and he is now one of the most popular spiritual teachers of this generation.
Peace is Every Step : By Thich Nhat Hanh
This author is a popular and well-known Buddhist teacher. He is arguably second to only the Dalai Lama himself. He was nominated by Martin Luther King for the Nobel Peace Prize.
This book is the perfect introduction to his teaching and his writings. It’s highly recommended for those looking to deepen their understanding of mindfulness.
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: By Jean Dominique Bauby
This is a book that focuses on gratitude. It was written by a man as he lay in bed, almost entirely paralyzed.
The entire book was written with someone going through the alphabet over and over again. He would wink at them when they got to the letter he needed.
The book is moving, deep, touching, and incredible. It will teach you to be thankful.
Freedom From the Known: By Jiddu Krishnamurti
This author has written many books that have been known to help readers deepen their appreciation for their life.
If you like his style and his teachings, he has quite a few books for you to enjoy.
The Prophet: By Kahlil Gibran
This book is in the public domain in most countries. It’s so exceptionally well written that many consider it to be almost divine in nature.
See Also: The Ultimate Guide to Spiritism
Spiritual Books That You Must Read
If general spiritual progress and enlightenment is what you’re after, these books will offer some valuable information and be of great help to you.
The Kingdom of God is Within You
This is a book that changed the life of Gandhi himself.
It helped him become more peaceful.
If it can have that sort of an impact on Gandhi, imagine what it can do for you and your peace!
It focuses on non-violent resistance.
The Spiritual Teachings of Ramana Maharshi
The author of this book had a deep, enlightening experience with the Divine Self. He followed this with several years of silence so he could dive deeper into this spiritual pursuit.
While he remained silent, he acquired some followers who recorded his actions, which are what make up this book.
Gandhi : An Autobiography
Gandhi is a famous harbinger of peace as he resisted the British rule in India with no violence. The book examines his thoughts and how he came to be the man that he was.
The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna
This author is a unique and powerful yogi with exceptional love for God. He is devoted and passionate about everything he’s done. This book contains a collection of his teachings and wisdom.
Journey of Souls
This book explores life after death and offers some personal accounts. It examines what it’s like to be free of your body.
He collected stories and experiences from any patients and his findings included past lives, being reborn, and karma.
Meister Eckhart
This book was written by a well-known and beloved figure in Christianity. It contains pieces of his preaching, sayings, and dialogues with his followers.
Scientific Healing Affirmations
This book contains many useful affirmations that you can use for everyday life. Daily affirmations have been used by spiritual practitioners in India for many years. The book includes instructions and suggestions for using them.
Singing Bowl Instruction Book
Singing bowls are one of the oldest spiritual tools. They are used in Hinduism and Buddhism and have the power to uplift the mood and change vibrations.
This book goes over the science behind the bowls and outlines how to use them properly. It’s perfect for a beginner.
Dhammapada
This book contains a collection of quotes and verses from Budhha. The title means “Budhha Doctrine” and the text contains what many consider to be the only necessary teachings of Budhha.
