My favorite Spiritual Books - Top 10
Now, before I start on this book list, I want you to know that I'm not a super spiritual person. A more fitting term would be that I'm interested in anything philosophical and psychological, which includes personal growth, the meaning of life, new experience, new views, self-reflection and so on. By this path I do enjoy spiritual books and there are indeed some great ones out there. Here I'd like to introduce you to my Top 10 of my favorite spiritual books – fiction and non-fiction.
A classic within the genre of spiritual books: Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment presents itself as a discussion about how people interact with themselves and others. The concept of self reflection and presence in the moment are presented along with simple exercises for the achievement of its principles.
The book is very powerful, universal, very relatable and so important for our modern times. It offers a great opportunity to reflect on how we treat ourselves and how we treat others.
9. The Road less travelled by M. Scott Peck, non-fiction
Addressing and resolving challenges can be an uncomfortable journey that
many of us try to evade. However, sidestepping solutions only leads to
prolonged discomfort and a stagnation in our mental and spiritual
development. The Road less travelled by M. Scott Peck (a psychiatrist) tackles these issues. It is definately more in the realms of psychology. It is very inspirational and thought-provoking, exploring the intersection of psychology, love, traditional values and similar subjects.
8. His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman, ficiton
What about the story is spiritual? Actually Pullman addresses a whole series of spiritual topics. To give one example: All characters have a 'deamon', an animal-shaped being as a part of their self, whose's form is closing linked to the person's personality. It is a kind of physical manifestation of the soul. Also, themes like human consciousness, the coming-of-age, personal growth, and coping with one's own mortality are central in His Dark Materials. I loved this series. It is full of great characters, suspense and profound in a very unique way.
7. The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama, non-fiction
The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibet, but this one has become a spiritual leader for people all over the globe as the wave of New Age swept through the world. The Art of Happiness is a book by him and the psychiatrist Howard Cutler, who posed questions to the Dalai Lama. It is a helpful guide and kind of handbook featuring concrete advice on how to cope with certain situations and emotions as well as change your life for the better. A wonderful book and rightfully an international bestseller.
6. Steppenwolf & 5. Narcissus and Goldmund by Hermann Hesse, fiction
Hermann Hesse is a German author of neo-romanticism (beginning to mid 20th century). Steppenwolf and Narcissus and Goldmund are among his most popular novels, which share a common theme namely that of specific personalitities and mentalities and how those effects the characters' way of life. So, in a sense, these books are maybe a bit more psychological than spiritual ...
Steppenwolf is a self-portrait of a man who felt himself to be half-human and half-wolf, making him a kind of outsider or loner. The book addresses a division within the self and society. The Guardian summarized it as a "man's spiritual journey towards self-knowledge".
Narcissus and Goldmund revolves around two men, a teacher and his student, but also: two friends, who happen to be very different from another, almost opposites. They see and experience the world very differently and the book follows their separate and distinct paths through life.
I really enjoyed these novels, especially the later. They are wonderfully written and profound as they tackle the really big questions and issues in life. I can only recommend reading them!
4. The Fire from Within & 3. The Teachings of Don Juan by Carlos Castaneda, non-fiction/ fiction
Anybody diving into the genre of spiritual books will not be able to miss the works of Carlos Castaneda (mainly published in the 70s and 80s). The American author with Peruvian roots has become famous for his books on Don Juan, a Yaqui Indian in Mexico, a type of shaman and spiritual teacher. The books are lessons and general teachings centering on self-awareness, self-reflection, self-knowledge and reflection on life. Note that psychedelic substances (mostly the peyote cactus) play a major role in these stories.
Castaneda´s books are unusual and perhaps not everybody's cup of tea. I still recommend reading at least one of them, finding his stories highly revealing and thought-provoking. They are a brilliant insights into the depths of our deepest mysteries.
2. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, fiction
This book can't be left out in any list on spiritual books, In the section of fiction, this might even be 'the spiritual book'. What is it about? Well, Santiago is the main character in The Alchemist. He is a shepherd in Spain and has a dream about a treasure at the pyramids – and he actually decides to go look for it. And thus, his adventure begins. The book, however, is not only about what happens along his journey, but the things he learns, the mistakes he makes, the challenges he faces, the choices he is forced to make. It is a spiritual journey.
The reason I, and I guess a lot of other people, like this story so much is because it is so universal and relatable. Everybody has to face difficult times in their lives, has to make up their mind and choose a path to follow.
The Alchemist is a great, inspirational read if you're in a phase of some soul searching, if you are at a crossroads in your life, if you have some difficult decisions to make, if you have lived through some hard times, or if you simply feel a bit lost, I think this could be the book for you
My absolute favorite on this list: Siddhartha, the story of a youthful Brahmin in India as he seeks the ultimate truth following an encounter with the Buddha. Embarking on his quest, he transitions from a luxurious existence to asceticism, navigating through fleeting pleasures of worldly love with a captivating courtesan and the allure of riches and renown. Along the way, he grapples with the challenges of parenthood and attains profound wisdom through the path of renunciation.
Siddhartha is compelling, wonderfully written, a simple yet profound tale, integrating Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, psychoanalysis and philosophy, and is full of a moving empathy for humanity.
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