“Eckhart Tolle’s best-known book on stepping out of anxious, compulsive thinking and resting in the present moment. Best read slowly, a few pages at a time.”
200 hand-picked books and audiobooks on meditation and mindfulness.
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“Eckhart Tolle’s best-known book on stepping out of anxious, compulsive thinking and resting in the present moment. Best read slowly, a few pages at a time.”
“Explores how the ego shapes our reactions and how presence can loosen its hold. Reflective and spacious, suited to readers drawn to big-picture questions.”
“A thoughtful read about stepping back from the constant voice in your head, the monkey mind itself, and simply watching it.”
“A memoir about what happened when the author stopped resisting and let life lead, from a quiet life in the Florida woods to building a large software company. An absorbing true story.”
“Short, gentle chapters on bringing attention to everyday moments, like washing dishes or walking. A kind first book if meditation feels intimidating.”
“Gentle, short reflections on finding calm in ordinary moments like breathing, smiling and waiting in traffic. Easy to dip into, and a soft companion for anyone starting out.”
“Bite-sized reflections on being present without needing a cushion or a retreat. Easy to open anywhere and read for five quiet minutes.”
“A thorough guide to the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programme, with body scans, gentle movement and sitting practices. Best for readers ready to commit to a structured, longer course.”
“A short book of seven principles, such as giving, letting go and acting from purpose, with one to practise on each day of the week. Quick to read and easy to return to.”
“Yogananda’s life story, from a boyhood in India searching for a teacher to bringing yoga and meditation to the West. Full of remarkable people and stories, it has inspired readers for generations.”
“Krishna’s conversation with the warrior Arjuna on the eve of battle, about duty, action and the self. Easwaran’s clear translation and chapter introductions make it a welcoming first reading.”
“A psychiatrist’s reflections on finding meaning amid great suffering, drawn from his experience in Nazi concentration camps. Sobering yet deeply humane.”
“A short, lyrical novel about a young man’s search for meaning along a river in ancient India. A calm, reflective story to read slowly.”
“A short fable about a young shepherd who travels from Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of treasure, and learns to follow his heart. Simple, hopeful and easy to read in a weekend.”
“The private notes of a Roman emperor reminding himself to stay steady, fair and patient. Short entries make it easy to read a single thought each morning.”
“Poetic prose on love, work, joy, sorrow and other parts of life, spoken by a departing sage. Slim and beautiful, a book to keep by the bed and open anywhere.”
“Two friends share a week of conversation about joy, sorrow and compassion, with laughter throughout. Warm and uplifting, with practices at the end.”
“A short philosophical book about letting go of the need for certainty and living in the present moment. Gently provocative and beautifully written.”
“Conversations between the Dalai Lama and a psychiatrist about happiness, compassion and hardship. Warm and conversational, it suits readers who enjoy dialogue.”
“A tender little book about how difficulty and joy are woven together, with simple practices for holding pain kindly. Good for gentler days when things feel heavy.”
“A pocket-sized guide to sitting meditation, made of brief notes and sketches. Unhurried and practical, it suits anyone who wants to simply sit down and begin.”
“Short, pocket-sized teachings on resting the body and calming the mind, with simple practices for deep relaxation. Lovely to dip into at the end of the day.”
“The life of the Buddha retold as a long, gentle story, drawn from early sources and seen partly through the eyes of a young buffalo herder. Unhurried and moving, a book for many evenings.”
Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal and Jon Kabat-Zinn
“Explains mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, an eight-week approach developed to help people avoid sliding back into depression. Practical and kind, and a companion to professional care, not a replacement.”