Finding a moment of calm can get tough in the middle of the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. We have compiled a list of the best meditation books of all time to help you get started.
There’s never a bad moment to start meditating. But given the extremely stressful and tumultuous times we live in, there’s never been a better time to incorporate the practice of meditation in your life.
If you are wondering how to start meditating, it’s probably because of the endless good things you’ve heard about the practice by people around you and on the Internet. Everyone loves to recommend meditation for a variety of reasons: it helps you destress, improves your sleep quality, helps you process your emotions, and makes you a more grounded and stable person in the process. And while the claims can be a bit exaggerated at times, there’s credible proof to support the various benefits of meditation.
Now, meditation is one of those things that might seem extremely simple in theory but difficult in practice. If you have been unsure where to start and whether you’ve been doing everything right – we have got you covered.
In this post, we’ll dive deeper into the best meditation books of all time. Whether you are a beginner looking to indulge yourself in the practice or a seasoned practitioner trying to uptick your sessions, there’s something for everyone here. Let’s dive in.
The Best Meditation Books Of All Time
1. Practical Meditation for Beginners by Benjamin W. Decker
If you are looking for the best meditation books for beginners, Practical Meditation for Beginners by Benjamin W. Decker – a social activist, meditation teacher, and entrepreneur – is a great place for you to start.
It’s one of the most straightforward books about meditation and gives you the perfect sneak peek into what the practice actually means. With the ideal introduction to the subject, it helps you understand the ten basic types of meditation, thereby allowing you to get in-depth knowledge about what suits you the best.
If you’ve tried meditating before but haven’t been able to stick to the practice, this one from our list of the best beginner meditation books will surely help you figure out why. The step-by-step instructions presented in a clear format will allow you to streamline your practice.
Who should read Practical Meditation for Beginners:
- Anyone looking to understand the basics of meditation and understand the various types.
- People who’ve struggled to stick to meditation.
2. “Mindfulness in Plain English” by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana
Even though Mindfulness in Plain English was written in 1994, it remains relevant and is one of the best meditation books of all time. Author Bhante, a renowned practitioner, takes a deep dive into the myths, realities, and power of meditation. Using wit and humor, he takes you through the journey of understanding meditation and why it works for you.
This best-selling meditation book is full of practical advice to enhance your meditation practice. As you progress with the book, you will better understand not just meditation but also what peace means to you and why you haven’t been able to achieve it as of now.
Who should read Mindfulness in Plain English:
- Beginners looking to dive into the whole idea of meditation and mindfulness.
- Anyone looking for practical guidance on how to start or improve their meditation practice.
3. “Mindfulness for Beginners: Reclaiming the Present Moment and Your Life” by Jon Kabat-Zinn
A favorite for experts, this one from our list of the top meditation books is written by Dr. Kabat-Zinn, a renowned professor at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. Dr. Zinn developed his own practice of mindfulness-based stress reduction that he now teaches to people to improve their lives.
This best-selling meditation book challenges the idea of a racing mind and compels you to reset your default settings. It explains that mindfulness is not just about achieving one fleeting moment of calm. Instead, it’s a lifestyle. It is something that allows you to embrace your true self.
Who should read Mindfulness for Beginners: Reclaiming the Present Moment and Your Life:
- Absolute beginners looking to venture into mindfulness for the first time.
- People who are riddled with frequent stress and anxiety.
- Anyone looking to gain more self-awareness and clarity of thoughts.
4. The Daily Meditation Book of Healing by Worthy Stokes
Originally written for people dealing with stress, trauma, and anxiety, The Daily Meditation Book of Healing has evolved into one of the best daily meditation books. It’s beneficial for people looking to heal in any form or capacity (which is literally all of us).
While there are other daily meditation books in the market, this one goes above and beyond in how it guides you through the whole process. With 365+ days of guided meditation advice, focus on mindful recovery and self-reflection prompts – The Daily Meditation Book is one of the best meditation books of all time.
Who should read The Daily Meditation Book:
- People looking to heal in any form or capacity.
- Those dealing with mental health challenges.
- Anyone looking for spiritual advice and enlightenment.
5. Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: Informal Talks On Zen Meditation & Practice By Shunryu Suzuki
Zen meditation is one of the oldest forms of Buddhist meditation. It has been extensively studied and practiced in Western societies. But who better to write one of the best meditation books on Zen practice than the founder of a Buddhist Monastery himself?
Shunryu Suzuki is a renowned Zen monk who established one of the first Buddhist monasteries outside of Asia. Her book, one of the Zen meditation classics, is your go-to guide to dispel all your doubts about the practice.
A trauma survivor herself, Suzuki unravels what Zen meditation is and why it works. Drilled with core concepts about the practice of meditation as a whole, this book is the perfect entry point into understanding what meditation truly is from the master of the art herself.
Who should read Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind:
- Anyone venturing into Zen meditation for the first time.
- Readers interested in Buddhist philosophy.
6. Practicing Mindfulness: 75 Essential Meditations to Reduce Stress, Improve Mental Health, and Find Peace in the Everyday by Matthew Sockolov
Mindfulness meditation has been a highly discussed form of meditation in recent years. It is an effective way to develop self-awareness and acceptance that might be otherwise elusive in our chaotic lives.
Practicing Mindfulness is an accessible and approachable guide designed to help you elevate your meditation practice. With 75 tried and tested exercises, this one from our list of the best beginner meditation books of all time is perfectly curated to bring much-needed compassion and calm to your life.
Who should read Practicing Mindfulness:
- People with busy lifestyles looking to introduce meditation in their routine.
- Readers looking to understand diverse meditation techniques.
7. The Miracle of Mindfulness By Thich Nhat Hanh
One of the best meditation books offering an incredible insight into the intricacies of meditation, the Miracle of Mindfulness is a beautifully written meditation guide.
With personal anecdotes from his life, Thich Nhat Hanh offers guided meditation advice and practices to help you refine your daily sessions. Ditching the regular image of mindfulness sold to you by wellness retreats, Thich Nhat Hanh tells you that you can achieve mindfulness while living your mundane life.
Who should read The Miracle of Mindfulness:
- People looking to seek inner peace and calm.
- Readers trying to understand more about mindfulness and spiritual learning.
8. Awakening the Buddha Within: Eight Steps to Enlightenment By Lama Surya Das
Many products labeled as the ‘best Buddhist meditation books’ in the market are simply selling you a refined version of a history they do not fully explain.
However, Awakening the Buddha Within By Surya Das is one of the most genuine books that stays true to Buddhist philosophies while helping you understand the intricacies of meditation practice.
Who should read Practical Meditation for Beginners:
- People who want to learn the art of Buddhist meditation.
- People interested in the history of Buddhism.
How do you choose the best meditation books for yourself?
Finding the right book for yourself is tricky. Combine it with wanting to jump-start your meditation practice or refine it, and the process becomes even more complicated. To help understand which book is the right one for you, here are a few things you must keep in mind:
1. Length of the book: Try to find a book that provides the basic details about the information you need without making it too overwhelming for you. Anything above 300-350 words will bore you or make you lose interest. Therefore, try to find a comprehensive and concise book that covers the basics.
2. Content: Many times, the best meditation books might be meant for a specific audience. Therefore, always ensure that the book you are choosing is relevant to you and addresses your concerns.
Conclusion:
Meditation is one of the most widely accepted trends in the wellness industry, and we are not complaining. While its benefits are overestimated sometimes, it is genuinely beneficial for mental and cognitive health.
While the practice of meditation is refreshing, it’s definitely not the easiest to venture into. This is where the best meditation books come into play. We hope these best meditation books will help you get started the right way.
Not a reader? We get you. Here are the best meditation apps to help you guide your meditation sessions.
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