Our Teachers' Favorite Books on Mindfulness and Meditation
There’s nothing like reading a great book to inspire your practice, so we asked some of our teachers to share their current favorite books. They came back with an unusual list! Some will help you deepen your personal practice; others are an invitation to expand your awareness of the cultures that mindfulness comes from. All of them are worth a read!
The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael Singer
Recommended by: Landra Eliopoulos
“I love how it described how you can begin to distinguish your self from your ego. Taught me how to tap into my inner energy, expand beyond myself and flow with life instead of resisting it.”
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Recommended by: Hannah Knapp
“Eckhart Tolle’s laser-sharp focus cuts through all the excuses we can come up with for not being here, now. He offers a radically different worldview from the one I grew up with, one I find tremendously hopeful and inspiring.”
I Am That by Nisargadatta Maharaj
Recommended by: Devon Pipars
“This book is a compilation of questions from spiritual seekers and answers from a Realized Being on the nature of Truth.”
Dharma, Color and Culture: New Voices in Western Buddhism edited by Hilda Gutierez Baldoquin
Recommended by: Priya Iyer
“It's a book that profiles teachers of color with ancestry from around the world. It's fascinating to read about how each of these humans began a practice of mindfulness meditation, and how each of their own ancestral practices has a component of meditation embedded.”
The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living by The Dalai Lama
Recommended by: Renée Colby
“Another classic by one of the most revered beings on the planet who lives the practice. Just seeing into the mind of the Dalai Lama is worth the read in and of itself. I like hearing what the masters have to say.”
Death and the Art of Dying in Tibetan Buddhism by Bokar Rinpoche
Recommended by: Lida Tohidi
“One of my fave books on mindfulness, as it covers a topic that's very taboo for most folks: death, and does so with a focus on mindfulness.”
Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha by Tara Brach
Recommended by: Landra Eliopoulos
“Highlights the trance of unworthiness and self judgement that many of us in the Western world struggle with. Radical acceptance enabled me to see more clearly and to learn how to hold my experiences and myself with compassion. Tara does a great job explaining how Buddhism and meditation can bring you greater contentment and happiness.”
When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chodron
Recommended by: Hannah Knapp
“Pema Chodron’s vulnerability about her own difficult times is beautifully interwoven with her knowledge of dharma. The result is a contemporary take on applying Buddhist philosophy to everyday life.”
Women Who Run With the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Ph.D.
Recommended by: Natasha Durel
“Every sentence makes me feel as if my heart is exploding open.”
Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love and Wisdom by Rick Hanson, PH.D. and Richard Mendius, MD
Recommended by: Renée Colby
“One of the most powerful books for me - to have both a scientist and psychologist explain how our minds work, and the effects on the brain, and how we can actually reprogram and change the pathways through meditation and mindfulness.”
Fragrant Palm Leaves by Thich Nhat Hanh
Recommended by: Adam Moskowitz
“This is a beautiful, poetic collection of some of Thich Nhat Hanh’s journals from the early 1960’s.”
Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation for Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Recommended by: Renée Colby and Hannah Knapp
“Classic book and one of the originals in the mindfulness community that is still relevant today as more and more people are being introduced to mindfulness and practice.” (Renée)
“Jon Kabat-Zinn’s gentle, persuasive style makes you want to get out there and try the simple, yet powerful practices he suggests.” (Hannah)
We hope these books fuel your meditation practice, and engage your curiosity.
What books inspire you? We'd love to hear them! Share your favorites in the comments, below.
Ready for more? Join us for a class and get real-time guidance directly from our teachers. We’ll give you tools, techniques, and community to help you develop your meditation practice, right in our studio in downtown San Francisco.