Five books about mindfulness that are perfect for beginners
I’m an avid reader. One of the major plus points of living an alternative lifestyle is the psychic space and material time to read.
I’ve cultivated a habit that helps me to read on average one book per month.
Since I began to meditate I’ve been drawn to seek out wisdom about mindfulness and the art of living.
In this way the list of books about mindfulness that I’m about to share is a loose collection of techniques, philosophies and resources that will help you to progress with your own practice.
Mindfulness is present in many areas of life and can be cultivated in myriad ways to serve its purpose.
I feel that these books about mindfulness reflect the breadth of possibility where personal practice is concerned.
Here’s five inspirational books about mindfulness that will supercharge your practice:
What the Buddha Taught – Walpol Rahula
This was the first book about mindfulness that I ever read. An introductory guide to the founding principles of Buddha’s teachings. I found the book easy to read and full of joyful insight.
As an old student of Vipassana I found these teachings helpful since they helped to expand my understanding of Buddhist teachings and to explain some of the terminology.
I particularly liked the way that the book provided a glossary of terms – essential reading for a beginner with a curious mind. I also enjoyed the information provided on the Suttas and the Dhammapada.
Essential reading for beginners seeking an understanding of the basics as a theoretical accompaniment to mindfulness practice.
The Diamond Cutter – Geshe Michael Roche and Lama Christie McNally
The Diamond Cutter was first introduced to me by a friend. At the time Gemma was working in a high stress job, managing multiple projects across international territories.
The lessons in this mindfulness book centre on how to manage your business and your personal life as recommended by the Buddha.
I found the wisdom helpful in my day to day application of mindfulness practice. The book offered a new perspective on Buddhist teachings that were accessible and straight forward.
Recommended reading for anyone keen to establish a mindfulness practice alongside competing professional priorities.
The Power Of Now – Eckhart Tolle
My friend John recommended The Power Of Now. This is Eckhart Tolle’s best selling and most famous book about mindfulness.
I loved the way that the explanations and examples were so simple and instructive.
The teachings in this book point to a simplicity that resonated with me. A highly recommended resource for figuring out how best to cultivate a personal practice.
This book about mindfulness is among the most relatable to the western mind and the guidance is easy to implement into a busy lifestyle.
Read this book to bring yourself into the present moment to unleash the power of now.
The Art Of Living – Osho
I read this book with an open mind. I’d heard many things about Osho and felt that despite the stories it was worth a look.
In the typical Osho style the book is dictated and reads like the whole thing is being shouted from the page.
If I remember correctly, the copy may even be written in block capitals throughout.
For those with an open mind and sense of humour this is an art of living text that will both illuminate and entertain.
Since reading the book, I’ve watched the documentary film, Wild, Wild Country.
This is essential viewing for those with an interest in the popular following that Osho cultivated during his life.
Recovery – Russell Brand
This is a book about mindfulness that I really enjoyed. The fact that Russell Brand has lived a life of modern fame, fortune and infamy makes this immediately relatable – we all know his story and struggles.
I found connection to the technique because I could identify with aspects of the personal journey. Recovery follows the AA twelve steps as a structure and adds in a flourish of deeper spiritual wisdom.
As a guide for the western mind seeking to establish a practice it is instructive and supportive.
The book is prescriptive in that the techniques have proven successful over decades of use – this is a plus for those seeking to make progress in a structured way.
It makes for a simple method provided you follow the steps and trust in the process.
This book is not just for addicts; the founding principles transcend the practical application to provide the basis for a rich and rewarding daily practice.