I have read a lot of spiritual, self-help, self-development, professional development and yoga books over the years and will continue to find great new books for many more years to come I’m sure. I just thought I’d write a little bit about some of my favourites below. Maybe you’ve read them and loved them too, or hated them, or maybe you’re looking for some new inspiration, if you’re anything like me, you’ll find something of interest in the list below.
The Celestine Prophecy – James Redfield
I honestly think this is my favourite book of all time. Yes it’s badly written, but the thought is there. Nomatter how many times I read it, it never ceases to strike a cord with me and inspire me. For those who haven’t heard of the book (there’s now a bit of a series going), it’s a kind of parable/fable. It tells the story of an American guy who goes in search of a mystical transcript uncovered in Peru, supposedly left by the Mayans many years ago. The transcript, gradually revealed during his journey, tells of nine insights into human development and how we can better connect to each other and our source energy.
The Lightworker’s Way – Doreen Virtue PhD
Again another inspirational book. This is part autobiography, part how-to. If you’ve ever felt you’re stuck in a rut doing something meaningless this is the book to kick start you into a new you! I read it whilst travelling in South Africa and being around such beauty whilst reading it made even more of an impact.
Yoga and Kriya: A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques [Hardcover] by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
This is what is says – a complete course in Yoga which leads into the ancient Kriya techniques. Kriya yoga is a type of yoga which ‘fast-tracks’ your spiritual development. However, it is not an easy way, its practises require daily 1 hr+ practice and it could still take years to attain enlightenment or Samadhi. However, this is still a great beginners book, explaining the basic philosophies and principles of yoga, as well as giving the reader a daily routine at the end of each section (with pictures and explanations) which you can do in as little at 30 minutes. If you’re interested in learning more about yoga and aren’t sure where to start, this book will give the a true picture of the traditional yoga, written by the great Gurus of the Bihar School of Yoga, who publish a great many books, all of which (the ones that I’ve read anyway) are excellent.
Autobiography of a Yogi – Paramahansa Yogananda
This is ‘light’ reading for a yoga book but nonetheless completely inspirational. This is the first book to be written in English by a true Yogi, rather than translated. It is a wonderful story of Guru Yogananda’s path to spiritual bliss and also gives a valuable introduction to Kriya yoga. This is one of the ‘must reads’ for any yogi and is widely available now. It’s also got a real air of truth and honesty with funny elements as well.