The most recommended enlightenment books

Who picked these books? Meet our 32 experts.

32 authors created a book list connected to enlightenment, and here are their favorite enlightenment books.
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Book cover of You Are Psychic! The Free Soul Method

T.M. Simmons Author Of Southern Charms

From my list on magical realms and spiritual enlightenment.

Why am I passionate about this?

I started writing way back in grade school, and I love to read. My first book came out in 1990, after much work and many classes. It was one of the proudest days of my life. To date, I've published over forty books, both fiction and non-fiction. I worked hard on my writing and, later, also on developing my psychic gifts to help lost, lonely souls. Both are the result of lots of studying and development, but both of which give me immense satisfaction. Along with years of writing experience, I have over thirty years of paranormal investigative experience.

T.M.'s book list on magical realms and spiritual enlightenment

T.M. Simmons Why did T.M. love this book?

When I realized I had psychic/medium abilities (thanks to my Aunt Belle Brown), I started delving into these gifts deeply, as well as doing paranormal investigations.

After years of training under others, developing myself, and writing about the paranormal, I became confident enough to teach others. By then I had founded a crew (Supernatural Researchers of Texas) and they asked me to teach them.

You are Psychic! was our first "textbook." Sanders is an MIT-trained scientist with a wonderful program for expanding psychic abilities. I found this book invaluable for one of my first books for myself, and the SRT crew agreed it taught them a lot. 

By Pete A. Sanders,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked You Are Psychic! The Free Soul Method as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Use a scientifically proven method to harness your inborn psychic abilities and achieve breakthroughs in everyday life!

Everyone has occasional psychic experiences, but few people realize that it is possible to access ESP on command. Using his extensive study of biomedical chemistry and brain science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Pete A. Sanders, Jr., has developed a method to show how we can tap into our psychic abilities at will to expand our knowledge and gain control of our destiny.

By sharing the techniques that he and his instructors have taught to more than half a million people, You…


Book cover of Collision with the Infinite: A Life Beyond the Personal Self

Suresh Ramaswamy Author Of Just Be: Transform Your Life and Live as Infinity

From my list on transformation for enlightenment.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a transformational teacher and author based in San Diego, California. I am a being just like you, the very same in essence. Born with an unstoppable yearning for Truth. Through an unwavering quest for the ultimate, I came to a profound realization. Of our infinite nature. You can too! Books played an important part in this quest, especially in the beginning. We are blessed with great teachers speaking to us across time and across dimensions through their words as they transmit their blessings for our enlightenment.

Suresh's book list on transformation for enlightenment

Suresh Ramaswamy Why did Suresh love this book?

In this book, Suzanne has done a remarkable job of giving us a feel for the transcendent self. An everyday event thrust her into the non-self, which she found confusing and disorienting. However, as she eventually settles into the state and unpacks it for us, we find a clear and refreshing description that is beautiful. Highly readable if you can get your hands on a copy.

By Suzanne Segal,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Collision with the Infinite as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A new edition of this spiritual classic with a preface by Stephan Bodian, friend of the late author and the original editor of Collision with the Infinite.

Stephan writes: “Since the book first appeared in 1996, spiritual awakening and the nondual perspective it reveals have become increasingly popular among seekers who realize the limitations of progressive practices and want more immediate access to the limitless openness and freedom of their essential nature. At the same time, a number of teachers have emerged who point directly to this truth and invite their students to inquire into their experience, rest in awareness,…


Book cover of The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason

Maren Showkeir Author Of Yoga Wisdom at Work: Finding Sanity Off the Mat and On the Job

From my list on godless heathens seeking spiritual enlightenment.

Why am I passionate about this?

Like many people who consciously decided to leave the constrictive religion to which they were randomly born (and raised), I see retrospectively that the decision was an essential act of self-preservation and self-actualization. I abandoned the transactional relationship with a Judging God, including its barter of mindless obedience in exchange for a heavenly eternity after death. In doing so, I discovered my true soul. Through “godless” practices and continual seeking, I have discovered a profound, meaningful spirituality. The books on this list are among so many that have expanded my thinking and helped me become, I hope, a better human along the way. It is my pleasure to recommend them to you.

Maren's book list on godless heathens seeking spiritual enlightenment

Maren Showkeir Why did Maren love this book?

I dithered ferociously about including this title, because Harris’s tone can be off-putting and because he uses sexist language — just like the scriptures do! He should know better. Even so, I loved this book for its science-based arguments that skewer organized religion, and for his articulation of vague questions that had been tumbling in my mind without coming into focus enough to ask them. A few big takeaways for me: The “sacred” texts embraced by major world religions can, and are, used to defend almost any atrocity toward other humans. Harris also makes what should be an obvious point about the oft-touted benefits of religion: Universal love, good works, community, teaching values, etc. can be achieved without dogma or belief in a Supreme Deity. Finally, Harris allows for and honors the “mystical,” connecting human experiences that cannot (yet) be explained by science.

By Sam Harris,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The End of Faith as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In The End of Faith, Sam Harris delivers a startling analysis of the clash between reason and religion in the modern world. He offers a vivid, historical tour of our willingness to suspend reason in favor of religious beliefs-even when these beliefs inspire the worst human atrocities. While warning against the encroachment of organized religion into world politics, Harris draws on insights from neuroscience, philosophy, and Eastern mysticism to deliver a call for a truly modern foundation for ethics and spirituality that is both secular and humanistic. Winner of the 2005 PEN/Martha Albrand Award for Nonfiction.


Book cover of The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have

Maren Showkeir Author Of Yoga Wisdom at Work: Finding Sanity Off the Mat and On the Job

From my list on godless heathens seeking spiritual enlightenment.

Why am I passionate about this?

Like many people who consciously decided to leave the constrictive religion to which they were randomly born (and raised), I see retrospectively that the decision was an essential act of self-preservation and self-actualization. I abandoned the transactional relationship with a Judging God, including its barter of mindless obedience in exchange for a heavenly eternity after death. In doing so, I discovered my true soul. Through “godless” practices and continual seeking, I have discovered a profound, meaningful spirituality. The books on this list are among so many that have expanded my thinking and helped me become, I hope, a better human along the way. It is my pleasure to recommend them to you.

Maren's book list on godless heathens seeking spiritual enlightenment

Maren Showkeir Why did Maren love this book?

I received The Book of Awakening in 2015 after my husband, Jamie, died of ALS. It collected dust on my bookshelf for far too long. Once I finally cracked it, I made up for lost time by returning time and again to this beautiful, inspiring collection of deeply personal essays — one for each day of the year. Among other things, Nepo is a poet, a teacher, and a cancer survivor. He brings his considerable literary skill to telling moving, high-impact stories about what really matters in life, along with sprinklings of wisdom from a variety of ancient traditions. God isn’t referenced as the Big White Guy in the Sky who’s pulling the strings, but rather as a beautiful, ineffable presence that connects the divine light in each individual. 

By Mark Nepo,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Book of Awakening as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A new edition of the #1 NYT’s bestseller by Mark Nepo, who has been called “one of the finest spiritual guides of our time” and “a consummate storyteller.”

Philosopher-poet and cancer survivor Mark Nepo opens a new season of freedom and joy—an escape from deadening, asleep-at-the wheel sameness—that is both profound and clarifying.

His spiritual daybook is a summons to reclaim aliveness, liberate the self, take each day one at a time, and savor the beauty offered by life's unfolding. Reading his poetic prose is like being given second sight, exposing the reader to life's multiple dimensions, each one drawn…


Book cover of In Search of the Miraculous

Mada Eliza Dalian Author Of In Search of the Miraculous: Healing into Consciousness

From my list on spirituality and self-discovery.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was 5 when I saw my grandfather die. He drank morphene from a bottle, to stop his cancer pains, and soon after he stopped breathing. In the silent peace that followed, I realized that I too shall die one day, and life on earth will continue. The questions, Who am I? Where do I come from? What am I doing here? and Where will I go when I die? felt like the most important questions to find answers to before I die. The book, In Search of the Miraculous: Healing into Consciousness, was written fifty years later, and is the fruit of my search and discovery of answers to these questions.

Mada's book list on spirituality and self-discovery

Mada Eliza Dalian Why did Mada love this book?

I was 25 when I came across a well-known book by P.D. Ouspensky, In Search of the Miraculous: Fragments of an Unknown Teaching.

This book is based on the teachings of a spiritual teacher Georges Gurdjieff. Reading this book was a turning point in my life. It gave me hope and direction, and revived my quest in self-discovery.

This book is a delightful must-read for anyone who is searching to find life’s meaning and familiarize themselves with an esoteric understanding of life.  

By P.D. Ouspensky,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked In Search of the Miraculous as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

New


Book cover of Opening to Channel

Barbara Wainwright Author Of The Power of Life Coaching Volume 3: Manifesting Transformation in Financial, Professional, Emotional, Spiritual, Wellness and Relationship Aspects

From my list on your journey to spiritual enlightenment.

Why am I passionate about this?

Certified Master Life Coach and CEO of Wainwright Global, Barbara Wainwright is known as the most sought-after teacher in the coaching industry. She is famous for training and certifying over 6,500 professional coaches worldwide since 2006 and for empowering individuals to actualize their life purpose, live inspired lives, and connect with their true passion. Barbara is an international speaker, author, and educator with 3 books available on Amazon.com. I have been seeking spiritual enlightenment and personal growth all of my adult life. Now I am sharing some of my strengths through my podcast and video series Show Up For God and God Will Show Up For You in Miraculous Ways.

Barbara's book list on your journey to spiritual enlightenment

Barbara Wainwright Why did Barbara love this book?

As part of my spiritual journey, I desperately wanted to connect with my spirit guides.

I wanted to be guided as to my next best step.  Our next best step may lead to another “growth opportunity”, which mine did. The information in this book helped me to make that connection, to clearly receive messages from my spirit guides.

To this day, I am able to ask and receive guidance. I am grateful that I came across this book.

By Sanaya Roman, Duane Packer,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Opening to Channel as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Note: The revised eBook edition has the addition of several color illustrations and has been updated, however the processes and information in both the printed and eBook editions are essentially the same.

Opening to Channel is a book with a startling message for the millions of curious Americans who are eager to learn more about this fascinating experience.

The authors, Sanaya Roman and Duane Packer, with their guides Orin and DaBen, have demonstrated that anyone can become a channel, connect at will with a spirit guide or their higher self, and achieve remarkable and life-changing results. This book takes the…


Book cover of Chaos Heir: Beholden

T.M. Simmons Author Of Southern Charms

From my list on magical realms and spiritual enlightenment.

Why am I passionate about this?

I started writing way back in grade school, and I love to read. My first book came out in 1990, after much work and many classes. It was one of the proudest days of my life. To date, I've published over forty books, both fiction and non-fiction. I worked hard on my writing and, later, also on developing my psychic gifts to help lost, lonely souls. Both are the result of lots of studying and development, but both of which give me immense satisfaction. Along with years of writing experience, I have over thirty years of paranormal investigative experience.

T.M.'s book list on magical realms and spiritual enlightenment

T.M. Simmons Why did T.M. love this book?

The best fantasy book I've ever read.

Geek Corbin and shape-shifting dragon Subtle Jewel, both plagued by demons of their past, are forced into a shaky reliance to stop a war between realms. Their growth is both delicate and understated. I was swept into the trials that slowly built and firmed their lives.

To me, many fantasy books are the same old, same old. Chaos Heir: Beholden is written so well, I easily fell into the story and dangerous adventures of Corbin and Subtle Jewel. It wasn't just escapism, although I truly hated to stop reading to attend to real-world responsibilities.

I rooted for these two, loved the twists and cleverness that let them overcome the dangers and adversities. The story shows how they refuse to let life's falls defeat them.

By A.D. Guzman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Chaos Heir as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“It's like you’re two different people, Mr. Knight. One of you is a brilliant young man with a bright future, and the other is a slacker with no greater designs for his life than to see how badly he can fail. … You need to decide which of those people you will be."College student Corbin Knight uses video games to escape a childhood mistake that destroyed his family. Then his past resurfaces when an elf called Shadow returns with an ultimatum for his Beholden: honor your oath or die. Under the Truman-Aelfking Accord, a pact between elf and Beholden, even…


Book cover of The Nature of Personal Reality: A Seth Book

Barbara Wainwright Author Of The Power of Life Coaching Volume 3: Manifesting Transformation in Financial, Professional, Emotional, Spiritual, Wellness and Relationship Aspects

From my list on your journey to spiritual enlightenment.

Why am I passionate about this?

Certified Master Life Coach and CEO of Wainwright Global, Barbara Wainwright is known as the most sought-after teacher in the coaching industry. She is famous for training and certifying over 6,500 professional coaches worldwide since 2006 and for empowering individuals to actualize their life purpose, live inspired lives, and connect with their true passion. Barbara is an international speaker, author, and educator with 3 books available on Amazon.com. I have been seeking spiritual enlightenment and personal growth all of my adult life. Now I am sharing some of my strengths through my podcast and video series Show Up For God and God Will Show Up For You in Miraculous Ways.

Barbara's book list on your journey to spiritual enlightenment

Barbara Wainwright Why did Barbara love this book?

This book was the beginning of my spiritual journey. 

Accepting that we are responsible for every aspect of our lives was a hard pill to swallow. Life happens for us, not to us. What is the purpose? The purpose (I believe) is to learn unconditional love and acceptance. 

Does that mean we have to be around people that hurt us? No. It means to accept people for who they are and move on.  

This book challenged me and my way of thinking. “Your thoughts create your reality” is explained in detail in this book. I’m grateful that this book was written.

By Jane Roberts,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Nature of Personal Reality as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Late in 1963, Jane Roberts and her husband were experimenting with a Ouija board when a personality calling himself 'Seth' began forming messages. Soon, Miss Roberts began passing easily into trance - her gestures, her eyes, her voice 'borrowed' by Seth himself. Now for those who want to put his theories to use, Seth has dictated this new book, The Nature of Personal Reality explains how unquestioned belief structure your experience - and how simply listing them can help remove barriers you have uknowingly thrown in your way. Along with other specific exercises for transforming your personal reality, Seth spells…


Book cover of Self-Enquiry

Maetreyii Ma Nolan Author Of Living Love the Yoga of Yama & Niyama: Timeless Teachings for Transformation and Awakening

From my list on spiritual awakening and personal transformation.

Why am I passionate about this?

My passion for spiritual books is a result of my meditation and the love I have for the Divine. I feel that my life has been touched by the grace of the Infinite. My books are from this communion I feel. I have an extensive history of journeys to India to see my guru, being a clinical psychologist, developing and teaching Yoga Teacher Trainings and Yoga Therapy Trainings, being an ordained yogic minister, or Acharya, and of many years of meditation, but all of that is only the outer trappings. The real inspiration for my writings is the Infinite Self, the Divine Beloved in which all that is abides.

Maetreyii's book list on spiritual awakening and personal transformation

Maetreyii Ma Nolan Why did Maetreyii love this book?

Ramana is a truly great spiritual teacher, known to many people and the teacher of many teachers in the Non-Dual Lineage.

I find his teachings truly inspiring and to the point, always bringing us back to the nature of the Self. He reminds us that nothing is outside of the Self and that all true self-inquiry leads you back again and again to the infinite, immortal Self of all beings.

I read a few pages at a time and my mind slides into bliss. These are real teachings.

By Sri Ramana Maharshi,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Self-Enquiry as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Vichara Sangraham is the earliest recording of Maharshi's teachings. It has its origins in slips of paper upon which the Maharshi wrote answers to questions put to Him by Gambhiram Seshayya (Gambhiram Seshiar) during 1900 to 1902, when Sri Ramana was dwelling in Virupaksha Cave on holy Arunachala. The present work in prose consists of forty questions and answers covering the entire range of spiritual disciplines required for the gaining of release (moksha).


Book cover of Frogs into Princes: Neuro Linguistic Programming

Barbara Wainwright Author Of The Power of Life Coaching Volume 3: Manifesting Transformation in Financial, Professional, Emotional, Spiritual, Wellness and Relationship Aspects

From my list on your journey to spiritual enlightenment.

Why am I passionate about this?

Certified Master Life Coach and CEO of Wainwright Global, Barbara Wainwright is known as the most sought-after teacher in the coaching industry. She is famous for training and certifying over 6,500 professional coaches worldwide since 2006 and for empowering individuals to actualize their life purpose, live inspired lives, and connect with their true passion. Barbara is an international speaker, author, and educator with 3 books available on Amazon.com. I have been seeking spiritual enlightenment and personal growth all of my adult life. Now I am sharing some of my strengths through my podcast and video series Show Up For God and God Will Show Up For You in Miraculous Ways.

Barbara's book list on your journey to spiritual enlightenment

Barbara Wainwright Why did Barbara love this book?

This book was recommended to me when I was first learning about the coaching industry. I found it to be a very interesting read. 

Richard Bandler and John Grinder did in-depth studies and observations of very successful therapists; therapists that were able to effect immediate change (for the better) in their clients. In this book they share stories of transformation and walk you through some of those experiences. I found this book to be very informative.

By Richard Bandler, John Grinder, John O'Stevens (editor)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Frogs into Princes as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NLP is an explicit and powerful model of human experience and communication. Using the principles of NLP it is possible to describe any human activity in a detailed way that allows you to make many deep and lasting changes quickly and easily. A few specific examples of things you can learn to accomplish are: (1) cure phobias and other unpleasant feeling responses in less than an hour, (2) help children and adults with "learning disabilities" (spelling and reading problems, etc.) overcome these limitations, often in less than an hour, (3) eliminate most unwanted habits - smoking, drinking, over-eating, insomnia, etc.,…


Book cover of You Are Psychic! The Free Soul Method
Book cover of Collision with the Infinite: A Life Beyond the Personal Self
Book cover of The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason

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