Books I Recommend
Here is a list of books that have influenced me and that I recommend reading on the topic of awakening (in no particular order). Read whatever calls out to you.
Who Am I?: The Teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi
Sri Ramana Maharshi
The most simple, direct pointing to your true nature.
I Am That
Nisargadatta Maharaj
Dissolves your doubts, concerns, and objections. Will dissolve all of your conventional assumptions, if you are willing.
Consciousness and the Absolute: The Final Talks of Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
Nisargadatta Maharaj
A deeper more advanced “I am that.”
The Bhagavad Gita
Eknath Easwaran
A classic of Indian spirituality. Covers all the paths of yoga and is a complete “how to live life” manual for the earnest spiritual seeker.
Aham Sphurana: A Glimpse of Self-Realisation
Ramana Maharshi
Deeper teachings of Ramana Maharshi. Great to read after “Who Am I” and “Be As You Are.”
The End of Your World
Adyashanti
A really radical, yet totally simple approach to spirituality. Wakes you up to the need for total self-honesty on the path.
Be As You Are: The Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi
David Godman
A more detailed explanation of Ramana Maharshi's teachings. Good instructions on surrender.
Autobiography of a Yogi
Paramahansa Yogananda
Will open your mind to whats possible and challenge your entire paradigm. Also imbues within you a deep love and devotion to God.
The Heart of Awareness: A Translation of the Ashtavakra Gita
Thomas Byron
Very high teaching and direct pointing to truth.
Prior to Consciousness: Talks With Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
Nisargadatta Maharaj
Direct talks pointing to your true nature.
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
Eckhart Tolle
A great place to start yet holds incredible depth.
Letting Go: The Pathway Of Surrender
David R. Hawkins
Shows you what it means to live in total acceptance and helps you acknowledge the space-like nature of awareness.
Who Cares?! The Unique Teaching of Ramesh S. Balsekar
Ramesh S. Balsekar
A very simple and lighthearted, yet advanced understanding of the path.
The Life of Milarepa
Lobsang P. Lhalungpa
Will deeply humble you and teach you to be absolutely resilient on the spiritual path.
Amrut Laya: The Stateless State
Shri Sadguru Siddharameshwar Maharaj
Full of deep Indian wisdom. Make sure to not get lost in its concepts.
The Dhammapada
Eknath Easwaran
A simple introduction into the teachings of Buddhism and life and experience of Siddhartha Gautama.
Mindless Understanding
Roy Melvin
Really pleasant to read. Short enlightening passages which always leave you motionless.