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Seekers are inveterate readers. Indeed, it is only after I found myself among them that I discovered that a surefire identity mark is the number of photostated books in their library!
Seriously, though, most of us rediscover books with a vengeance when the call to know the truth comes. Suddenly, we discover that we are standing on altogether new territory and we have no idea at all about how to proceed further. It is then that we seek out a Vivekananda book, or Yogananda Paramahansa’s Autobiography of a Yogi. Suddenly, the names of Deepak Chopra, James Redfield, Neale Donald walsch or Wayne W. Dyer call out to us. For most of us in the modern age, books are what the guru was in the earlier times: friend, philosopher and guide.
They help us to find answers to questions we don’t even know we have, give us insights that suddenly open up a whole new perspective, and introduce us to concepts and ideas that can change our loves.
Here then are some of my own favourites, books that have changed my life, over and over again:
The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield. Indispensable to the novice, this book’s greatest asset, in my opinion, is that it gives a historical perspective of the New Age, making us see that it is no accident that so many of are awakening today. His description of the way we access energy through human relationships is also fascinating.
Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda: This classis is not just a rattling good read, it puts us in touch with India’s staggering spiritual heritage.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle: A modern classic, Tolle’s clarity, simplicity and depth makes this book a Bible for many.
One-Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka, the great farmer-saint of Japan, gives valuable insights on natural farming, as opposed to the opportunistic farming of today, as well as great philosophical insights.
- The Bhagvad Gita: Without question the finest and most profound spiritual literature in the world.
- The Upanishads: Ditto, but even more so. My own top
favourite.
- Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola
Estes: Strictly speaking not a spiritual text, but of great value for women seekers, for its robust message extolling them to get in touch with the wild, natural selves.
- Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach: A wonderful joyous book on valuing every day pleasures.
- All of Thich Nhat Han’s books: They resound with peace and stillness.
- All of Eknath Easwaran’s books. A great writer with a very zippy style and a thorough grasp of the spiritual journey.
- The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda: A must-have for seekers.
- The First and Last Freedom by J. Krishnamurti. For many, this one book is enough to slice through the illusions of life and rest in reality.
- Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse. This classic on the life and quest of a quintessential seeker is inspiring and revelatory. A truly beautiful that has no equal in the realm of spiritual fiction.
There are hundreds of others I have benefitted by but these are the ones I owe a great debt of gratitude to.
BY SUMA VARUGHESE
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Change your life with these books