The best 81 Meditation books

Buddha’s Brain is a practical guide to attaining more happiness, love and wisdom in life. It aims to empower readers by providing them with practical skills and tools to help unlock their brains’ potential and achieve greater peace of mind. Specific attention is paid to the contemplative technique “mindfulness” and the latest neurological findings that support it.

The Biology of Belief describes a revolutionary change in biology and explores a new approach to the connection between mind and matter. Using easily accessible examples and explanations, Lipton offers a radical alternative to our understanding of the influence of genes in determining our behavior and identity.

The Art of Communicating (2013) offers valuable insight on how you can become a more effective communicator by practicing mindfulness. Drawing on Buddhist wisdom, it outlines ways you become a respectful listener, express yourself well, and ultimately improve your relationships with your loved ones.

10% Happier demystifies the ancient art of meditation by explaining recent, cutting-edge scientific research into how meditation affects your body and mind. Importantly, it shows you just how valuable meditation can be in coping with the chaos and stress of modern life.

Get Some Headspace (2011) paves an easy path to understanding meditation and the ways it can benefit us. Drawing on his own experience as a Buddhist monk, Puddicombe offers a strong case that even the busiest people can take ten minutes a day to get some much needed headspace and live better because of it.

Wherever You Go, There You Are (1994) explains how to fully enjoy the present moment without worrying about the past or the future. By providing step-by-step meditation practices, both formal and informal, that can easily be incorporated into everyday life, Kabat-Zinn steers us toward the peace and tranquility that we’re yearning for.

Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind (1970) is a starter’s guide to Zen Buddhism. These blinks explain how Zen is not only a system of meditation, but also a philosophy of life. They describe how to sit, breathe and observe while maintaining a vital connection to the present moment.

Into the Magic Shop (2016) reveals details of Dr. James R. Doty’s research into the symbiotic relationship between the heart and brain, and how the practice of meditation can strengthen this bond. Dr. Doty uses both scientific and personal insight to illuminate his studies and demonstrate how important it is to have a compassionate heart as well as a curious mind.

Thoughts Without a Thinker (1995) describes the fundamental principles of the Buddhist tradition through a psychoanalytic lens. These blinks explain how meditation and mindfulness can soothe the mind, alleviate suffering and heal mental illness.

Radical Acceptance (2003) explains how Buddhism and meditation can bring you greater contentment and happiness. Chock-full of easy mental exercises that reduce stress and self-criticism, it’ll give you the tools you need to lead a gentler, happier existence.

Unplug (2017), a useful beginner's guide to meditation, makes clear that meditation isn’t just for hippies and monks; rather, it’s a practical exercise that anyone can use to become calmer, happier and healthier. Get all the basic info you need to start a daily meditation routine, as well as a number of supplemental tools that will aid relaxation and improve your practice.

Joy on Demand (2016) is a guide to finding inner peace, calm and joy through the ancient practice of meditation. These blinks walk you through a simple, entry-level program that will transform moments of misery into windows of hope, eventually guiding you to true, sustained happiness.

Start Where You Are (1994) is an enlightening guide to opening up your heart and mind and learning to feel happier in your skin. Discover the practices that bring calm and serenity to Buddhist monks and nuns, as well as the philosophy that puts people on the path to nirvana. This isn’t advice about what incense and candles to buy; it shows you how to look deep within yourself to confront your demons and find strength in your weaknesses.

Mindfulness (2011) guides readers through eight weeks of meditation specially designed to bring greater peace of mind. The result of a collaboration between a biochemist and a clinical psychologist, this is a scientifically-grounded course that paves the way to greater mental well-being while busting plenty of myths along the way.

Advice Not Given (2018) provides a fresh perspective on the practice of meditation from author Mark Epstein, an experienced psychiatrist who can attest to its therapeutic benefits. Epstein provides newcomers with a practical approach to meditation as he dispels the common misconceptions about the practice while offering clinical examples of how helpful it can be to our mental health.

Aware (2018) is a no-nonsense, empirically-grounded look at a discipline traditionally more closely associated with monks than medical practitioners: meditation. Drawing on the latest neuroscientific research, practicing psychiatrist Daniel J. Siegel shows that mindfulness is far more than the latest lifestyle hack – it benefits your mental and physical health. The added bonus? It’ll also make your experience of life more meaningful, joyous and profound!

Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics (2017) is a down-to-earth beginner’s guide to meditation – especially for those skeptics among us who think that meditation is a lot of new age hooey. Dan Harris presents readers with a firsthand account of how even people with restless minds and no time to spare can start experiencing the scientifically proven benefits of meditation.

Altered Traits (2017) takes an empirical look at the art of meditation and details the benefits it has on our mental well-being. It also looks at different types of meditation, as well as the effects of meditative practices on different groups, including experienced meditators, students and even a yogi.

Fully Present (2010) is a hands-on guide to mindfulness, full of actionable tips to help you put the ancient practice into use today. Based on the expertise of two of today’s leading mindfulness researchers, these blinks guide you through both the science and the art of meditation, showing you how to integrate it into your everyday life and start transforming mundane activities into rich experiences.

The Miracle of Mindfulness (1975) explains how practicing the ancient Buddhist art of mindfulness can help improve our well-being and our lives. Using typical examples from our daily life, these blinks demonstrate how we can all get more from the present, and start to appreciate the miracle of life again.

donothing (2018) offers executives and business leaders a first-hand account of how a regular meditation practice can bring priceless rewards to their business and personal lives. In addition to drawing from his experiences, as well as those of other successful leaders, author Rob Dubé provides scientific evidence of how lives and businesses can be enriched by meditation. Newcomers will find tips on how to start their own practice and what to expect at meditation retreats.

A Monk’s Guide to Happiness (2019) provides readers with a philosophically insightful and practically useful manual on how to break free of suffering and achieve inner peace. Drawing from the author’s 25 years of training at Buddhist monasteries and intensive meditation retreats, the book distills more than two decades of hard-won wisdom.

Do/Breathe (2015) is a calming antidote to the stressors of contemporary life, offering a simple guide to cultivating balance, honing focus, and learning to be present. Do/Breathe takes you right back to life’s basics – like breathing, eating, and sleeping – to show how adjusting fundamental practices, habits, and mindsets can produce positive, lasting change in your life. 

The Life-Changing Power of Sophrology (2018) delves deep into the “gentle superpower” of sophrology, a unique healing practice that uses breathing techniques, meditation and creative visualization to relieve stress and enable you to manage the challenges of everyday life. Sophrology’s simple but powerful tools are adaptable to all lifestyles and schedules – just a few minutes of practice a day will guide you to improved health, happiness and well-being. 

Full Catastrophe Living (1990) doesn’t sugar-coat it: this is a book that acknowledges life can sometimes feel like one catastrophe after another. But while we might not be able to prevent life’s catastrophes, the way we respond to them is entirely within our control. An acknowledged classic in the mindful living genre, Full Catastrophe Living explains how life’s storms can be weathered through mindfulness.

The Mindful Day (2018) explores the benefits of mindfulness and explains how it can be integrated into your everyday routine. Drawing on ancient techniques and cutting-edge psychological research, these blinks reveal how simple mindfulness practices can give your well-being, and your relationships, a boost. 

I’ve Been Thinking (2018) is a collection of thoughts, quotes, and prayers to accompany you through daily life. Whether you’re young or old, religious or agnostic, have both feet on the ground or find yourself in a difficult place, it will inspire you to chart your own path to a meaningful life.

Neurodharma (2020) offers a road map for achieving true happiness and fulfillment. Drawing on the ancient practices of Buddhism and modern neuroscience, author Rick Hanson outlines seven ways of being that can help you be more calm, compassionate, and present in the moment. He also gives practical tips and strategies for how to use meditation to improve overall well-being and effectiveness. 

What’s it about?

Radically Happy (2018) is a practical yet personal guide to achieving true happiness. In it, timeless Eastern wisdom meets modern Western practicality as it teaches the keys to happiness according to a Tibetan Buddhist monk and a former Silicon Valley technologist. Packed with scientific insights and meditation exercises, it provides a toolkit for achieving a genuine, lasting sense of well-being. 

The Art of Stopping Time (2017) answers the questions on many of our minds these days: Where does all our time go? And how can we get it back? Fusing practical time-management principles with the philosophical ideas of mindfulness, author Pedram Shojai shows us how we can make the most of our limited time on Earth.

Journey of Awakening (1978) is a guide to establishing and solidifying a personal meditation practice. Combining insights from many spiritual traditions, it outlines a path to self-realization through meditation – offering sage advice on how to stay the course through doubt, fear, and ego traps.

The Urban Monk (2016) is a field guide for how to navigate modern life with a more monk-like mentality. Drawing on Eastern spiritual traditions, contemporary science, and the lives of our ancestors, it’s packed full of practical tips on how we can integrate ancient wisdom into our modern lifestyles. It addresses a wide range of personal problems, including stress, unhealthy diets, and a lack of time, energy, and sense of purpose.

The School of Life (2019) provides a set of philosophical, yet practical, lessons on emotional intelligence, compiled from the real-life institution of the same name. Offering insights on relationships, work, and life itself, it gives us the wisdom we need to understand ourselves and others just a little bit better.

Lovingkindness (1995) is a gentle guide to uncovering the profound meanings of love and happiness. With psychological insights and actionable meditations, it shows us how the Buddhist path to pursuing a liberated heart can help each of us tap into our inner radiant joy – allowing us to be kinder to ourselves and to others. 

Stress Less, Accomplish More (2019) shows how meditation can help busy people accomplish more in their fast-paced lives. In recent years, science has revealed what meditators have known for millennia: this simple tool can be practiced anytime and anywhere to relieve stress, gain mental clarity, and improve performance across your life.

Real Change (2020) is a guide to building a better world through cultivating inner strength. This manual teaches how meditation and mindfulness are key to navigating the stresses and pressures of modern life.

The Almanack of Naval Ravikant (2020) condenses the wisdom of philosopher and entrepreneur Naval Ravikant into actionable, bite-sized chunks. Although he covers many topics, this collection of insights circles around two profound questions – how do you build wealth, and how do you find happiness? Ravikant’s answer? Both are skills that need to be practiced.

Sovereign Self (2020) explores the Vedas. Revealed over 5,000 years ago, these texts are a cornerstone of Hinduism, Buddhism, and countless other religious traditions in the Indian subcontinent. Packed with spiritual insights, the Vedas revolve around a single central question: How to live in accordance with the true nature of reality? As you’ll discover in these blinks, the answer begins by discovering your own, true self. 

Hyper-Learning (2020) shows you how to adapt to a rapidly changing world in which technology threatens to make many skills redundant. By adopting a growth mindset, becoming less egotistical, and learning to collaborate, you’ll be ready to face the future. 

Bliss More (2018) outlines a radical and effortless approach to meditation. Whether you’ve found yourself restless while sitting on your pillow or more mindful of your backache than your oneness with the universe, this book outlines easy steps to help you find your meditative groove. 

The No-Nonsense Meditation Book (2021) explores the science behind meditation. As the latest neuroscience research shows, you don’t have to be a monk in search of nirvana to reap the benefits of meditation. In fact, it’s a great solution to many distinctly modern problems like stress and chronic anxiety.

The Art of Living (1987) details the Vipassanā meditation principles set out by the famed Burmese-Indian teacher S. N. Goenka. As well as describing the techniques of Vipassanā meditation, it delves into the deeper philosophy of Buddhism.

Meditation (1988) provides a valuable overview of Osho meditations – an approach to meditation that emphasizes awareness and uses movement as a way of preparing the mind and body. It provides the basic principles behind Osho meditation, as well as a few foundational techniques to get you started.

The 6 Phase Meditation Method (2022) is a ground-breaking transformational guide divided into six distinct phases. In as little as 20 minutes, you can reclaim your life and reap the many practical benefits of meditation.

Autobiography of a Yogi (1946) is a deeply spiritual yet light-hearted account of the life of India’s preeminent yoga emissary to the West. In this epic, Paramahansa Yogananda narrates his encounters with legendary gurus, swamis, saints, and astral beings that guided him toward the fulfillment of his mission to unite East and West under one God through the personal and scientific practice of Kriya Yoga.

Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It (2020) is an uplifting and enlightening account of one man's journey to reclaim his life and destiny. It shares hard-won wisdom and unwavering commitment to self-love through a powerful combination of personal stories, practical advice, and an accessible meditation practice.

Existential Kink (2020) invites you to transform your life by embracing your deepest desires and hidden shadows. Through a radical and intriguing journey, you'll discover the power of turning your “wrongness” into personal growth and self-acceptance. With the help of seven axioms and practical exercises, prepare to unleash your true potential and create positive change.

The Daily Dad (2023) is a philosophical meditation on the roles and responsibilities of parents. Presented as short passages to be consumed one day at a time, it draws on the author’s experiences of fatherhood, as well as the writings of history's greatest thinkers – from Plato to Bruce Springsteen. Whether you’re an expecting new parent or already living with a full nest, this wisdom and practical advice is timeless and applicable to all.

Peak Mind (2021) provides a cutting-edge overview of the science of attention – looking at the various ways your mind focuses and pays attention, as well as the factors that cause our mental vigilance to lapse and weaken over time. What’s more, it lays out a simple, easy-to-follow regimen to keep your mind in tip-top shape – even as you deal with the ups and downs of life.

Abundance (2022) offers a new way of releasing you from a life of lack and scarcity. By using its meditation techniques, you can transform your life from one dogged by limitations into one where you want for nothing.

The Highly Sensitive Person (1996) improves our understanding of that one-fifth of the population whose nervous systems pick up signals the average person can’t register. With greater self-awareness and society’s understanding, people with heightened sensitivity can flourish.

Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself (2012) shows you how to tap into your mind's unlimited potential and transform your life from the inside out. Get ready to break free from limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns and become the master of your destiny.

Becoming Supernatural (2017) explores how everyday people can become supernatural. It references breakthrough studies, ongoing research, and incredible stories from regular people that show how anyone can create incredible mental and physical changes within themselves and others by connecting to the unseen energies of the world.

The Creative Act (2023) is a meditative manifesto about what it really means to be an artist. It contends that artists don’t have a monopoly on creativity – everyone is inherently creative. To access that creativity you just need to commit to a creative practice. By cultivating an awareness of the world around you and allowing yourself to make lots of mistakes, you’ll be able to revel in the creative process, instead of fearing it.

The Art of Manifesting (2023) is a handy guide to the practice of manifesting, or bringing the life you envision into reality. Packed with actionable advice and easy exercises, it shows how you can start to tune into the universe and transform your life. 

How to Be Your Own Therapist presents highly-effective techniques from evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness. Funny and humane, it outlines a simple self-therapy program to free you from unhelpful habits and tendencies, as well as daily check-in sessions that can be completed in as little as ten minutes.  

Enchantment (2023) asks how – in a world of toxic social media, rolling news coverage, burnout, stress, and anxiety – we can spark feelings of wonder, magic, and miracle. It suggests that discovering a connection with nature and rekindling our connection to our own inner selves will awaken our ability to be enchanted by the world.

Life in Five Senses (2023) is a meditation on how activating and exploring the five senses can lead to a richer, more meaningful engagement with life.

Real Life (2023) is a guide to navigating life’s seasons with clarity and connection. While we all feel small and disconnected at times, we don’t have to remain stuck there. Drawing on a variety of voices, Real Life shares the possibility of a more expansive and aligned experience – even in the face of some of life’s most formidable challenges.

Peace Is Every Step (1990) offers profound and practical teachings on mindfulness in everyday life. It emphasizes the importance of being present in each moment, transforming negative emotions, cultivating awareness, and fostering compassion and understanding.

Be Water, My Friend (2020) is part inspirational guide, part intimate memoir, centered on Bruce Lee’s “Be water” philosophy. Drawing on Lee’s deep relationship with the element and his lifelong martial arts practice, it offers simple yet profound teachings on self-actualization. 

Yoga Nidra Made Easy (2022) explores the roots and techniques of the practice of Yoga Nidra, or yogic sleep. This practice of meditation exploring the hypnagogic state between wakefulness and sleep boasts an impressive list of verified benefits, from stress relief and better sleep to boosting critical thinking, self-reflection, and creativity.

Finding Your Way (2023) is a practical guide to living a fulfilling and purposeful life through the power of mindfulness and meditation. Through a collection of thoughts, reflections, and one-page meditation exercises, it aims to help readers shift their perspectives, nurture compassion, and foster connections with the world around them.

Be Here Now (1971) is the story of one man’s spiritual awakening in India. In addition to his learnings and insights, it contains practical guidance for anyone embarking on their own spiritual journey.

No Mud, No Lotus (2014) explores the paradoxical truth that suffering is essential for achieving genuine happiness. It presents mindfulness practices and meditation techniques that can help you turn toward, and embrace, your direct experience.

Mindfulness for Beginners (2016) teaches wholeness and contentment are qualities present within each of us, accessible through mindful awareness. It serves as both a practical guide to and philosophical exploration of mindfulness.

Staring at the Sun (2008) explores the universal human fear of death and strategies for alleviating death anxiety. It blends psychotherapy case studies with philosophical ideas to argue confronting mortality is key to living a meaningful, present-focused life. Through vivid patient stories, it illuminates how facing death enables you to prioritize what really matters.

The Lost Art of Silence (2023) is a captivating exploration of the often-overlooked power of silence in art, literature, nature, and spirituality. Drawing on wisdom from some of the world's greatest minds, it invites us to rediscover the profound quiet found both within ourselves and outside in the world. It explains that when we find silence, we find inspiration, insight, and an antidote to the cacophony of modern life.

Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! (2024) is a compilation of concise reflections and practical steps, imbued with spiritual wisdom, designed to support you through daily challenges, regardless of whether your experiences are positive, negative, or somewhere in between. Developed from a period of enduring chronic pain, it offers insights into navigating life’s obstacle courses, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and embracing both the highs and lows to foster resilience.

Love and Rage (2020) explores the transformative power of anger in the context of systemic racism and violence. It combines Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and mindfulness to offer a method for turning anger into a constructive force for justice and liberation. A therapeutic guide and a strategic manual for individuals grappling with deep-seated rage, it provides pathways to channel this negative emotion in healing ways.

Yoga for Better Sleep (2019) combines sleep science with age-old yogic wisdom, creating yoga sequences specifically designed to promote healthy, restorative sleep. It shares practical postures, breathing tools, and meditation techniques that can be easily incorporated into a pre-bedtime routine.

Chill (2022) presents scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of cold water swimming, challenging traditional skepticism in the medical community. It explores how this practice can alleviate various physical and mental conditions, offering guidance on safely incorporating cold water swimming into your wellness routine for improved overall health and vitality.

Intentionality (2024) delves into the concept of living a life with purpose and awareness, in order to make conscious decisions that align with values and goals. It explores how intentional actions can lead to greater fulfillment, personal growth, and a deeper connection with oneself and others. Through practical guidance and reflective exercises, it empowers individuals to create a meaningful and purpose-driven life. 

Original Love (2024) presents a fresh approach to spirituality in the modern world. Replacing the concept of original sin, it offers a practical guide based on four elements – “inns” – of contemplative practice to help people find inner peace and connection. 

Meditation for Mortals (2024) offers a refreshing approach to navigating life’s messy reality, urging us to stop waiting for perfection and start fully living in the present. Through thought-provoking insights and relatable examples, you’ll see how embracing imperfection can lead to deeper fulfillment, peace, and connection. Now’s the time to let go of endless striving and find joy and meaningful work in the here and now.

The Longevity Formula (2024) explores holistic practices and personalized strategies for enhancing longevity, blending ancestral wisdom with contemporary medical insights. Underscoring the importance of synchronizing your circadian rhythm, balancing your gut microbiome, and stimulating your vagus nerve, it offers a path to optimizing your health span and life span. 

The Practice of Not Thinking (2021) is a guide to quieting the mental noise that distracts us from living fully in the present. Drawing on principles of Zen wisdom, it offers practical techniques to short-circuit overthinking, reduce stress, and cultivate greater tranquility.

Celebrating Silence by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a profound exploration of the power of silence and its transformative impact on our lives. Through personal anecdotes, ancient wisdom, and practical insights, the book delves into the depths of inner peace and self-discovery. It offers a guide to harnessing the potential of silence to find joy, clarity, and fulfillment in our daily lives.

Mantra Yoga and Primal Sound by David Frawley delves into the ancient practice of mantra yoga and its profound effects on our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The book explores the power of sound vibrations, the science behind mantras, and provides practical guidance on how to incorporate mantra meditation into our daily lives. It offers a deep understanding of this transformative practice and its ability to connect us to the universal energy.

The Reality Revolution by Brian Scott is a thought-provoking exploration of the power of consciousness and its ability to shape our reality. Drawing on scientific research and personal experiences, the book delves into topics such as quantum physics, meditation, and the law of attraction to offer a new perspective on how we can manifest our desires and transform our lives. It challenges readers to question their beliefs and open their minds to the infinite possibilities that exist within the universe.

Yin, Yang, Yogini by Kathryn E. Livingston is a captivating memoir that delves into the author's personal journey with yoga. Through beautifully written anecdotes and reflections, Livingston explores how yoga transformed her life physically, mentally, and spiritually. It offers a unique blend of personal storytelling, yoga philosophy, and practical advice, making it a must-read for both yoga enthusiasts and anyone seeking inner balance and self-discovery.