The search for the best spiritual books came at the beginning of my spiritual journey. This journey started in 2008 when I was at a crossroads with my religion. It was a tough year and I in my search for something greater that was not found in religion in its visible form. I went down 3 paths. Meditation for my mind, yoga for my body and spirituality for my soul.
It was then that I started to look into other religions and what spiritual versus religious actually meant. While being a tough year, the first book I came across was and continues to be the book of my life. Even if I don’t read it much anymore, I always have to have a copy of it in my home.
1. A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle
The book identifies your ego as being separate from you. It jarring explains how there are two people who live inside you – the real you and the ego you. Tolle breaks down the composition and helps the readers identify this within themselves. He shows you the vices of the ego and how it comes to be. He also talks about breaking out of the shackles of the ego by always being present. This way you can live from a place of peace without thinking about the past or focusing on the future, which are egotistical behaviors.
This book, what I consider the ultimate spiritual books of all time, saved my mental and physical state. I will always be grateful to Eckhart Tolle for sharing his gift of spiritual wisdom with the world. And if you don’t understand the book, which many people do not, don’t get frustrated or upset. Remember your timing. As someone once said “when the student is ready, the teacher appears.”
My Rating: 5/5
2. The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle
Of course I couldn’t leave out another of Tolle’s great works. This again is another one of his enlightening spiritual books on staying present. This book is the doorway to A New Earth. It gives the reader a sample of who the ego is and what it is doing to us as a society. Eckhart explains that the ego is our mental chatter that bases its existence on thoughts. And thoughts are developed from experiences, memories, and all the belief systems that made you into who you are in the present moment. Eckhart talks about not letting the ego control you by using your past or your future. Stripping away those thoughts and living in the present, is the only way to be at peace and know who you truly are.
My Rating: 5/5
3. The Monk Who Sold his Ferrari, by Robin Sharma
Most people these days have heard of Robin Sharma. He has gone from being a spiritual teacher and author, to a motivational speaker for all walks of life across the globe. This book was published in 1997 and is a fable about a lawyer who was faced with a life or death situation. That is his cue to embark on a journey into the soul, which changed his life. The title comes from the lawyer who sold everything he owned, including his Ferrari to go on this journey to India. At the end of most chapters, Sharma provides the reads with Action Summary pages. The pages provide action items for the reader to implement in their own lives. They are meant for the reader to receive some of the benefits of a monk-like life, while living and dealing with the demands of our current society. This is a spiritual book with action items.
My Rating: 4/5
4. The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho
I mean! I love this book. Again, like A New Earth, this book may be nothing more than a story to you. Some may not even call it a spiritual book. This will only be true if you are not ready to hear the message behind every word that makes this book what it is. I came across this book a few years ago. That was my second encounter with it. Part of me was annoyed I didn’t read it many years ago when someone first mentioned it to me. But again, maybe at that time I wouldn’t have understood the underlying message.
The book is a story of a young shepherd boy who has a recurring dream about treasures that lay under the Egyptian pyramids. With the guidance of a gypsy who interprets the dream for the boy, he leaves his life behind to find these treasures. The book describes the journey he takes and the challenges he faces as part of his destiny. And that with whatever life throws at you, following your heart is the only way to live. The book talks about the Universe conspiring for you to reach your goals. And omens being the signs along the way to show you which path to take.
The book has many insights that lift off the page when you are ready to hear them. I recommend reading the book once a year because it is the gift that keeps on giving.
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” – The Alchemist
My Rating: 5/5
5. The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran
While this may not be the ultimate of spiritual books in its true sense, this book is powerful food for the soul. Published in 1923 by the author, the book is a binding of short stories. In his poetic way, the author provides the reader with simple but profound understandings of the different facets of life. And provides guides on how to approach them. He talks about everything from love, to clothes, to time, in two to three easy to read pages. In its truest form, the pages are a guide to life and how to deal with situations from a peaceful and loving perspective. The book also contains 12 reproduced illustrations from the author himself. If you are not a consistent reader, I recommend this book for easy quick reading.
My Rating: 4/5
In Conclusion
When you are on your spiritual journey, or just want to learn, it can be overwhelming to find the right spiritual books. I know that was true for me back in the 2000’s. The web didn’t have the categories or resources that it does today. I do think that with so much more now, it is hard to decipher what to decide on. My list is obviously different from the 1000’s of articles out there. But one this is for sure, I write from my perspective and my spiritual journey is sacred to me. I wouldn’t be listing these books if that was against the teachings of my gurus.
I do hope these books help you on your journey. And there are a ton of other books that I wanted to add to this list. I will soon create a more expanded list for the intermediate spiritual learner. But for now, this should suffice. Happy reading and let me know what you think!
Have you read any of these books? What are your thoughts?
Featured photo courtesy of pexels.com
Last updated: February 4, 2021
