Here is our list of the top 16 meditation books of 2023
Meditation is a practice of focusing one’s attention on a specific object, thought, or activity to cultivate a calm and clear state of mind. It often involves sitting or lying down in a comfortable position, closing one’s eyes, and directing one’s attention inward.
These days, information on meditation appears to be available everywhere as interest in this old art form has grown in recent years, which is why we have crafted a list of the best meditation books available in 2023. The meditation books listed below can either assist you in starting your own meditation practice from the beginning or provide you with essential guidance as you progress.
The list includes:
- Books for meditation beginners
- Books about Vipassana meditation
- Books about Buddhist meditation
- Books written by meditation experts
- Books about Zen meditation
- Meditation books for the skeptics
Let’s get into it!
List of Best Meditation Books of 2023
From meditation books for beginners to meditation books for the skeptics, check out some of the best meditation books of 2023 in the below list.
The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation by William Hart
The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation by William Hart is a comprehensive guide to the ancient meditation technique of Vipassana. The book is based on Hart’s own experience with Vipassana, as well as his extensive knowledge of Buddhist teachings and practices. Exploring the benefits of Vipassana meditation in depth, The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation provides step-by-step instructions on how to practice the technique, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in meditation, mindfulness, and spirituality.
Learn more about The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation at Amazon.
10% Happier by Dan Harris
10% Happier is a combination of a story and a meditation guide by Nightline Anchor Dan Harris. After having an on-air breakdown, Harris came to the conclusion that he needed to modify his way of living. His exploration of self-help and brain research, as well as his eventual adoption of meditation and comprehension of how it might improve mental relationships, are all chronicled in his book.
Check out 10% Happier at the book’s website, Ten Percent.
Meditation for Beginners by Jack Kornfield
Meditation for Beginners is a worthwhile read if you’re having trouble getting started with your meditation practice or dealing with overload. Jack Kornfield, one of the best experts on the subject, is the author of this book which focuses on the Vipassana meditation technique. Check out Meditation for Beginners if you’re looking for a simple method of meditation that will enable you to simply establish your own practice and reap the advantages of meditation right away.
Read more about this book and author at Jack Kornfield’s website.
The Experience of Insight by Joseph Goldstein
The Experience of Insight by Joseph Goldstein describes how you can comprehend and practice Buddhist meditation while offering helpful guidance. Recognized as a contemporary classic, The Experience of Insight discusses several forms of meditation, such as sitting and walking meditation, the connection you can have with your breath, many types of perception, such as feelings, ideas, and emotions, as well as the nature of awareness. This calming yet informational guide also discusses the relationship you can have with your breath and a variety of subjects that are connected to the history of Buddhist meditation, such as karma, the four noble truths, enlightenment, and much more. The Experience of Insight is worthwhile to start reading if you have the slightest interest in Buddhist meditation.
See more about this book at Amazon.
Breath by Breath: The Liberating Practice of Insight Meditation by Larry Rosenberg
Larry Rosenberg’s Breath by Breath: The Liberating Practice of Insight Meditation is an in depth guide to the practice of Insight Meditation, also known as Vipassana. This acclaimed book offers clear and concise instructions on how to cultivate mindfulness, develop concentration, and gain insight into the nature of our minds and emotions. Rosenberg’s writing is accessible and engaging, making this book an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced practitioners. The author’s emphasis on the importance of compassion and kindness towards oneself and others adds a valuable dimension to the practice of Insight Meditation.
Read more about Breath by Breath at Good Reads.
How to Meditate by Pema Chodron
Numerous books about meditation have been written by Pema Chödrön. A kind and sympathetic teacher, Chödrön’s books are gentle, simple to read, and practically helpful. She is an accomplished writer as well as a skilled meditation instructor. In How to Meditate, Chödrön explores what it takes to develop a meditation practice that lasts a lifetime. The fundamentals of meditation are covered in this book, including posture, breathing exercises, and developing inner compassion for your mind. How to Meditate also teaches us how to maintain our composure in the face of adversity.
Learn more about this book at the Pema Chödrön Foundation website.
The Science of Meditation: How to Change Your Brain, Mind and Body by Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson
The Science of Meditation: How to Change Your Brain, Mind and Body by Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson is an informative and engaging exploration of the latest scientific research on meditation. The book offers a clear and accessible overview of the ways in which meditation can impact your brain, body, and emotional well-being. Goleman and Davidson draw on their extensive experience as scientists and practitioners to present a compelling case for the benefits of meditation, and offer practical advice on how to incorporate meditation into one’s daily life.
Read more about The Science of Meditation at Good Reads.
Turning The Mind Into An Ally by Sakyong Mipham
The majority of the time, our minds do nothing except make us insane. However, we must first become friends with our minds in order to accomplish our objectives and even find harmony with our lives. In this timeless work, Sakyong Mipham demonstrates to us the universality of the pursuit of inner tranquility. Turning The Mind Into An Ally combines Buddhist teachings with tales of American society. Anyone interested in meditation will find this book easy to use because of these powerful ingredients.
If you are looking for a way to turn your mind into an ally, instead of the usual enemy, then check out Turning The Mind Into An Ally at Amazon.
Real Happiness by Sharon Salzberg
Beginner meditators can learn a lot from this straightforward meditation breakdown and guidance by Sharon Salzberg. Real Happiness will assist you in setting the groundwork necessary to begin a daily meditation practice if you have been looking for a means to do so. Fantastic for newbie meditators, Real Happiness covers a variety of meditation practices, such as mindfulness and loving-kindness, and includes a 28-day meditation schedule.
Read more about Real Happiness at Sharon Salzberg’s website.
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki
One of the most cherished meditation books in the library of any Western meditator is Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki. This best-selling book is brief and gets right to the point about meditation and is frequently suggested as the first book to read if you want to learn about Zen meditation. Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind describes the fundamentals of zazen meditation in a remarkably precise and perceptive manner. This is an amazing book to have nearby, whether you’re searching for inspiration or insight into your practice.
See more about Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind at Amazon.
Why Meditate? Working with Thoughts and Emotions by Matthieu Ricard
As a molecular biologist who converted to Buddhism, Matthieu Ricard is able to approach meditation from a completely different angle. Why Meditate? Working with Thoughts and Emotions is a fantastic introduction to meditation that takes the reader through its advantages, philosophies, and practices. In this remarkable book, science and meditation are combined, uniting the East and the West. Why Meditate? is for you if you’re seeking a simple-to-read resource that examines the most recent leading ideas and research regarding meditation as well as in-depth meditation methods.
Learn more about Why Meditate? at Good Reads.
Practical Meditation for Beginners: 10 Days to a Happier, Calmer You by Benjamin Decker
Getting started with meditation is made easy with the help of Practical Meditation for Beginners by Benjamin Decker. You can develop your meditation practice by using this very simple-to-follow book. Practical Meditation for Beginners discusses various forms of meditation, including Zen, walking meditation, and more. You will discover a brand-new meditation technique every day, along with how to work it into your daily practice. If you have been struggling with where to start, this book is worth reading.
Check out Practical Meditation for Beginners at Amazon.
Become What You Are by Alan Watts
Philosopher Alan Watts has included a number of thought-provoking pieces in his book Become What You Are. The mechanics of meditation are not covered in this book, but it will assist you in expanding your mind and starting the process of becoming the person you were meant to be. The collection focuses on living in the present and exploring the daily activities of our minds. Become What You Are is a wonderful addition to your normal meditation routine.
Read more about this book at Good Reads.
Freedom from the Known by Jiddu Krishnamurti
Freedom From the Known is not a book about meditation in particular. However, this best-selling book will enhance your thinking in incredible ways by enabling you to live a more tolerant and thoughtful life. The goal of Freedom From the Known is to provide you with the tools you need to take back control of your life and feel empowered.
Read more about this book at Medium.
8 Minute Meditation by Victor Davich
Whatever your background is, mindfulness meditation is the ideal tool for you. 8 Minute Meditation by Victor Davich combines the ideas of meditation and mindfulness to provide a simple, 8-minute exercise you can do daily. If you are the type of person who believes that meditation is not suited for them or that they are unable to do it, then this book is the answer to all of your problems. After opening 8 Minute Meditation, you will discover that meditation can be enjoyable, even for you.
If you are skeptical about meditation, or simply have not been able to start, then we recommend checking out this book at Aroma Web.
The Mind Illuminated: A Complete Meditation Guide Integrating Buddhist Wisdom and Brain Science for Greater Mindfulness by John Yates
The Mind Illuminated: A Complete Meditation Guide Integrating Buddhist Wisdom and Brain Science for Greater Mindfulness by John Yates is a step-by-step guide for the different challenges you must face to achieve complete mindfulness while adhering to the teachings of Buddhism. The Mind Illuminated includes chapters between some of the steps that go into the science of meditation and the Buddhist notion of mindfulness in addition to the 10 steps. Yates, the book’s primary author, has some of the most remarkable qualifications on our list because he is a recognized meditation expert with more than 40 years of experience as well as a neuroscientist.
Check out this multi-author meditation book at Amazon.
Conclusion
Finally, that concludes our ranking of the top meditation books currently available. There are dozens of excellent pieces of literature on the market for anyone wishing to start, deepen, or even broaden their meditation practice, and the list above is a great place to start.
FAQ’s
Who should meditate?
Anyone interested in trying meditation to see if it might enhance wellbeing is encouraged to do so. People of all ages can benefit from it. Some individuals might find it simpler to develop the habit. Some people might discover that it is ineffective for them. For instance, some people with particular medical disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), find attempting to include mindfulness or meditation into their routines may transform the practice into a compulsion and have a negative impact on mental well-being.
Do the meditation books in this list teach you how to meditate?
It depends on the book that you choose to read. A step-by-step introduction to meditation is included in several workbooks. Some people might focus more on the philosophical foundations of meditation. We made an effort to include some variety in our compilation.
What are the benefits of meditation?
During meditation, the mind is mostly working on regulating emotions and paying attention. Because of this, studies have shown that meditation greatly lowers stress, despair, and anxiety. Additionally, this gain in mental health may possibly help lower the chance of Alzheimer’s disease.
