Recommended Books

The main purpose of reading and studying books on meditation is two-fold:

• Know how to practice in the right way
• Get motivation to keep practicing

As you gain more experience, you will find that you lean more towards the latter. In meditation, practice is everything. Just like you can only learn to ride a bike by actually trying, you only get the benefits from from meditation by actually practicing. Having said that, it is still important to study along the way, so you stay motivated, and ensure you are still on the right path.

Choosing a good meditation book is not hard. Most meditation books are extremely helpful usually you will always learn something new, whatever you pick. Choosing the right one for where you are in your practice is another story. There are so many great meditation books out there, it can be hard to settle on one.

So it’s always great to get advice from someone who’s been on the exact same journey as you, and knows what helped them the most at each stage of their practice.

Here, I give some guidance on my all time favourite books for all kinds of meditators. While it is not an exhaustive list of all the must-read books, my aim here is also to introduce you to some of the major authors in this area. Each has many amazing books, and some meditators will find themselves gravitating more towards some authors than others.

Beginners

If you are just starting out, or still learning how to meditate properly, these books really shine a light on the key fundamentals of meditation practice. They really kept me in awe about meditation and kept me going whenever my motivation waned.

Wherever You Go, There You Are – Jon Kabbat-Zinn

Kabat-Zinn is the guy that essentially brought mindfulness in its current form to the West. Establishing the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) technique, he is responsible for countless studies showing the benefits of meditation. In this book he provides meditation exercises and goes over all the basic of meditation. Perfect for beginners.

Meditation for Beginners – Jack Kornfield

This is a step-by-step guide, focusing more on the development of insight into the true nature of existence – very closely related to mindfulness meditation. Kornfield explains things so simply and elegantly, you’ll be motivated to dig deeper and deeper into your practice.

How to Meditate – Pema Chodron

A very practical book in Chodron’s typical style – raw and authentic. You can really feel that she’s been through what you’ve been through. Her no-nonsense, pragmatic approach on learning how to manage feelings, thoughts and emotions is sure to please most. A great step-by-step guide.

Radical Acceptance – Tara Brach

In this book. Tara focuses on that internal nagging feeling in all of us that never seems to go away – unworthiness. She teaches through personal stories and effective guided meditations. No matter where you are in your practice, this book will be sure to touch you in your tender places, and begin your healing process.

The Miracle of Mindfulness – Thich Nhat Hanh

The works of Thich Nhat Hanh are beyond comparison. This book is a perfect representation of his limitless compassion for all the people of the world. Full of great anecdotes and deep wisdom, he teaches us the little ways in which way can be more alive and present to the world around us.

Real Happiness – Sharon Salzberg

In this book, Sharon takes you through a month-long meditation program, designed to help you effectively learn from the ground up. A great place to start.

Intermediate-Advanced

Mindfulness in Plain English – Bhante Henepola Gunaratana

This book is pretty self-explanatory! A simple, down to earth guide on how to practice mindfulness – a true classic. You cannot go wrong with Bhante.

The Art of Living – William Hart with S.N. Goenka

The perfect introduction to Vipassana insight meditation. William Hart does an amazing job of distilling the essence of the practice – this is must-have handbook if you want to take up Vipassana practice – keep it close by.

Mindfulness, Bliss, and Beyond – Ajahn Brahm

A meditator’s handbook on entering deep jhana states, this is one for more experienced meditators. Just like the Budhha, Brahm teaches through effective and illuminating stories that will inspire you to keep practicing. Lighthearted, goofy and zesty, in his traditional style!

Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind – Shunryu Suzuki

While it is sometimes aimed at beginners, this book can be a difficult read for some. It focusses over and over again on the core principle of Zen meditation – developing a beginner’s mind through seeing every moment as new and awe-inspiring. This can be difficult for beginners but transforming for those more experienced.

For the Scientifically-Minded

Whenever you feel like reminding yourself of the science-backed benefits of meditation, pick up one of these books. You be amazed at how motivating they can be. And you’ll remember why you started in the first place.

Buddha’s Brain – Rick Hanson

The Mind Illuminated – John Yates

10% Happier – Dan Harris