Meditation Calms Your Mind and Soothes Your Soul: Check out the Top Meditation Books for All Levels, to Discover Tranquility, De-Stress Yourself and Enhance Your Productivity (2022)

Sometimes you may find yourself struggling with a problem or a phase of life that seems endless. No matter how hard you try to get out of that seething situation, it just gets stuck with you like a quagmire. The more you want to get out of it, the more it pulls you towards it. Well, meditation can be one of the solutions that can help you with such situations. The great healing property of meditation practices are proven to be one of the most effective ways of handling a difficult situation and rejuvenating yourself. However, the right way of meditation is not easy to learn which is why meditation books play an important role. Knowing the right way of performing meditation is the first step towards self-discovery. So, let us understand what factors should you consider when selecting a meditation book.

Here are a few considerations that you should make when selecting a meditation book:

From beginner to expert, there are various stages in meditation as well. Often, some of you may make a mistake of thinking that if you jump directly to the expert level meditation, it will save you time and be more effective. However, that is not the case as meditation requires years of practice and should be started from basics in order to get effective results. So, if you are a beginner and want to learn the basics of meditation then start with a beginner's book. This would be a more enjoyable and holistic experience.

It is not just the stage of meditation but also the type of meditation that plays an important role in selecting the book. Let’s say you want to include meditation in your daily routine. In that case, it is better to buy a book that talks about how you can segregate your time to include meditation as part of your routine. The ‘I will manage somehow’ attitude hardly works when you plan to include something as life changing as meditation into your routine. Doing it the right way will give you better experience and also show the benefits.

Even though it might sound a bit judgemental but you should still ensure that the author of the book has relevant experience of writing a book on meditation. There is plethora of books out there in the market and it could be a little challenging to get your hands on books written by genuine authors. However, dig deeper and you will come across many bestsellers in the meditation category. Based on what you want to learn, you can buy the best-selling meditation books from reputed authors to get started with. Eventually, you will have the necessary experience to understand if the book is worth buying just by going through the preface and foreword.

Choose the language that you are most comfortable with, because only when you understand the concepts, you will be able to put them into practice. You might be fluent in a couple of languages but that one language that you ace in reading, writing and speaking should be the preferred language. Basically, the language of the book should be the language in which your mind thinks so that you do not have to convert and understand. Initially, this might sound as a silly advice but do give it a try by buying books in the language which you are most comfortable with. You will definitely have a better understanding of the concepts.

Last but not the least, decide the money you want to spend on buying a meditation books. So, you may just want to test the waters and in that case go for a decent priced book with clear concepts of meditation. Do not jump on the book that is too fancy and highly priced because, you are still in the experimental phase. Once you are comfortable with the basic and simple concepts of meditation, go ahead and look for the books containing more advanced concepts available in some high-end books.

We have curated this list based on certain parameter for easier selection:

If you are a complete beginner and practicing meditation looks like a distant dream to you, then this simple book is the perfect pick. The book contains simple instructions on practicing meditation along with quotes from the author. Furthermore, you also get blank pages inside this book for maintaining a journal. The idea is to reveal to you 1 meditation practice every week and gradually add it to your daily life. Use it to learn simple but effective meditation techniques or gift this beautiful book to your loved one. The book runs into 160 pages and is in English. You can buy this book on Amazon for just ₹ 900.00.

In everyday life, you often get so busy that there is hardly anytime left for self-reflection. While spirituality in itself is a vast topic and requires elaborate discussion, you might feel a little too deviated due to your hectic life. Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach helps you reconnect with your spiritual self. The philosophy of the book is to find abundance in simple things that you do on a daily basis. The 528 page book will help you to realise the expression of your real-self. You can buy the hardcover version of this book on Amazon for just ₹ 1,439.00.

Trauma, anxiety or some sort of emotional distress are some of the things that many of you do not share with anyone. However, meditation is an excellent way of doing away with the left behind scars due to these factors. To understand this healing process better, you can consider picking Worthy Stokes’ The Daily Meditation Book of Healing. With this book you can unlock your full potential by overcoming the undue stress that is pulling you back. If you are looking to include meditation daily in your routine, then this could be your go-to book. Buy the paperback version of this book on Amazon for just ₹ 1,232.00.

In his book, Practicing Mindfulness, Matthew Sockolov talks about unleashing the power of your mind. There are several chapters in this book and each chapter has a step-wise description of how to invoke the mindfulness in your life each day. The author argues that bringing mindfulness into the daily routine can bring around a more consistent state of presence. Moreover, the book talks about how it should be practised daily in order to make it a habit. Buy this wonderful book on Amazon for just ₹ 1,247.00.

The essence of this book is Tao, as the author Ming-Dao-Den suggests that you need to bring Tao in your life. The much celebrated author who has already written eight books, states that everything is a part of Tao and therefore it is a way of life. The idea underlying this book is harmonious living which can be achieved by daily practicing. You can buy this book on Amazon for just ₹ 549.00.

Addiction to anything is not good and if it is something that is life threatening like drugs, you might want to leave it. However, it is easier said than done, and it requires the help of the experts. The book, Just for Today can also help you a great deal in overcoming your addiction through various meditation techniques. The book is thin and easy to carry in the purse or handbag comfortably. The book has helped many patients in uplifting them from dark places and is available on Amazon for just ₹ 1,627.00.

The book is inspiring in many ways as it talks about the journey of the author, Jay Shetty, as a monk. You will experience a fine blend of the author’s experience and the ancient wisdom as a solution for the daily struggles. The book is a guide towards alleviating negativity in your mind, stopping overthinking, and avoiding relentless comparison and many other aspects. You can buy the paperback version on this book on Amazon for just ₹ 2,249.00 and give your life a new direction.

First published in 1994, this book went on to become a surprise bestseller and has sold over 7.5 lacs copies till date. Even today the book holds a lot of relevance and is referred to those of you who are looking to bring mindfulness and meditation in your daily routine. The book talks about how being in the present moment you can experience your life fuller and deeper. For those of you who struggle with accepting your present or being mindful about it, this book is a huge help. You can buy this book on Amazon for just ₹ 890.00.

There are some life questions common for everyone. Questions like what is the purpose of what you are doing, where you are and so on. Well, your hectic life does not lead you to the answers to all these questions and hence an expert is always required. Tiny Buddha by Lori Deschene is that book which can give you an insight about a lot of such mind boggling questions. The 304 pages of this book are full of wisdom as these are the responses from Deschenes' social media followers when they were asked to respond to certain questions. This amazing book is available on Amazon for just ₹ 299.00.

In this book, author Pema Chodron talks about the most basic issue i.e. How do I start meditation. According to Chodron, whether it is some issue that you cannot shake off from your mind, a physical stress or an emotional one, meditation is the answer to everything. This book has a step-wise guide for realising the maximum benefit of meditation. Be it the basics of meditation, Shamatha (calm abiding) or any other technique, you get to know vast concepts of meditation in this book. The book is available on Amazon for just ₹ 236.00.

Finding inner peace might sound cliché but the truth is that not even 1% of people find that much required feeling in the heart. Thich Nhat Hanh in his book Peace is Every Step attempts to lead you towards finding inner peace. The world renowned Zen master talks about making positive use of every situation and leads you towards mindfulness. Get your hands on this beautifully written book for just ₹ 899.00 on Amazon.

The pioneer of Zen techniques in the United States, Shunryu Suzuki in his book, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind talks about the right attitude and mindset to achieve perfection in meditation. There are lot of snippets in this book that talk about the do’s and don'ts, experiences and techniques of the right way of doing meditation. If you want to get practical insights on the zazen technique then this book is worth buying. Buy this book on Amazon for just ₹ 1,785.00.

What could be better than reading a book about meditation in plain English. Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Gunaratana is that one book that talks about the myths, realities and advantages of meditation. The book is very easy to read and understand from even the beginners’ perspective. Buy this bestselling book on Amazon for just ₹ 1,057.00.

Your thoughts at times consume the better of you thus leaving you exhausted and more worried. This book by S. J. Scott talks about de-cluttering your mind and relieving it from anxiety through the power of meditation. Written by S. J. Scott and Barrie Davenport, the book throws light on the techniques to stop worrying and enjoying your daily tasks. Buy this book on Amazon for just ₹ 289.00.

This bestselling book gives you a holistic understanding of living in the present. Furthermore, the entire book talks about the benefits of living in the present. If you are expecting a step-by-step guide then this book might not be for you. However, if you are a level above beginners in meditation and need a broader view on mindfulness then do not miss out on The Power of Now. Buy this book on Amazon for just ₹ 1,261.00.

Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche truly recognises in his book that meditation is more than just sitting and concentrating. It is instrumental in building the foundation of compassion, creativity and awareness in every aspect of life. Talking about 6 essential activities, Rinpoche suggests that through a simple and direct approach it is easier to attain focus. If you are also interested in reaching goals by simplifying the approach then buy this book on Amazon for just ₹ 746.00.

Yet another masterpiece from Thich Nhat Hanh, No Mud, No Lotus talks about embracing the suffering rather than running away from it. Hanh talks about the techniques of concentrating, breathing and being able to improve the quality of life. Buy this book on Amazon for just ₹ 798.00.

Specifically categorised into a 28 days program, Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation is on a mission to transform lives. Written by famous spiritual author Ms. Salzberg, this book addresses the basics as well as the more intricate aspects of meditation. Furthermore, commonly asked questions are also included towards the end for those of you who have just started the practice. You can buy this book on Amazon for just ₹ 899.00.

This book by Dan Harris has won in the 2014 Inspirational Memoir category at the Living Now Book Awards and rightly so. Harris has poured his experience into this book where he realises his greatest weakness being what he believed was his asset. The never-satisfied voice in his head leads him to take some drastic decisions thereby derailing his life. It is worth a read for those of you who want to tame the voice in your head just like Harris did. Buy this book on Flipkart for just ₹ 599.00.

Zen is a widely known and practiced form of meditation globally. So, if you are wondering where this method arrived from, its influence on the world and the correct techniques, then this book is for you. In this book you can learn about the concepts such as Taoism, Buddhism and Zen. Moreover, the book also explains the religion and cultural aspect of Zen along with its connection with the arts such as haiku calligraphy. This read is available on Amazon for just ₹ 499.00.

Here are the top suggestions for meditation books at the expert level:

If you are an expert in meditation and want to learn a new form, then this book can guide you through Zen meditation. Being one of the most popular meditation methods, Zen is made simpler to learn in this book through practical instructions. Moreover, you also get to read about the entwining nature of the Zen method and the Western philosophy and psychology. Boost your Zen meditation techniques through this book available on Amazon for just ₹ 1,116.00.

Anna Wise has beautifully narrated the way in which you can understand 4 types of brainwaves. She also reveals the techniques for meditation in order to master all the 4 types of brainwaves. This practice when done on a daily basis can improve the concentration, focus and overall memory. Wise has suggested a few superb techniques of meditation to help you achieve an "awakened mind". If you are interested in activating the Alpha, Beta, Theta and Delta waves of your brain then consider buying this book on Amazon for just ₹ 949.00.

The name Deepak Chopra is synonymous with spirituality and motivational conversations across the globe. In his book Total Meditation, Deepak talks about the holistic exploration and reinterpretation of the mental, physical and emotional benefits that can be achieved through meditation. You will be introduced to the methods wherein you can cultivate a whole new level of self-awareness for bringing an emotional and spiritual balance. Furthermore, the book also talks about the new research on meditation and its benefits. This book is available on Amazon for just ₹ 1,523.00.

Through this book, Rick Hanson has made a great effort at blending the modern cognitive neurobiology and the ancient practices. The book helps you to find a mental balance by resorting to spiritual and modern techniques. Furthermore, the author delves deeper into conversations about neuroscience of meditation thus putting across his point that meditation has a scientific base. If you are someone who has been curious about understanding the science that meditation involves then this book could be a great fit for you. You can buy this book on Flipkart for just ₹ 1,511.00.

Many of you know that meditation is a stage-based process such that you need to start at the beginner’s level and go all the way to becoming an expert. However, there are a few books that can guide you to the entire process at every stage. The Mind Illuminated by Jeremy Graves, Matthew Immergut and John Yates is that book which provides the details about this stage-based process. The book is written in simple English which makes it easier to understand the nine-stage based model explained. Furthermore, there are illustrations and charts for easy understanding of even the complex concepts. This book is available on Flipkart for just ₹ 360.00.

Meditation can do wonders and film-maker David Lynch has talked about just that in his book Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness, and Creativity. The director and the author of this book talks about the way meditation has helped him in capturing and executing the ideas creatively. He goes on further stating that meditation boosts your creativity and has immense benefits. As Lynch shares his personal experience of meditation and how it has helped him, the book is both entertaining and inspiring. If you want to sharpen your creative self then this book on meditation is a must read. This book is available on Amazon in the paperback and Kindle version. Furthermore, you can also get the audible version on Audiobooks for just US$ 12.00 (about ₹ 950.00).

Across the globe there are people who are practicing mindfulness in different forms. While some are doing mindfulness based stress reduction, others are immersed in mindfulness based cognitive therapy. The risk however is that once these therapies and courses are complete, some of you may tend to forget and quit the practice. If you are looking to continue such activities and make it a part of your daily life then Nigel Wellings’ Why Can’t I Meditate? would be a good start. Not only does the book identify the core problems related to the new meditators, it also offers practical solutions. For those of you who face difficulties concentrating, this is the best book that can make your journey smoother. The audio CD of this book is available on Amazon for just ₹ 11,274.00.

If you have sat for meditation and cannot shut your brain off then honestly we all have been there. However, if this happens on a daily basis, then it is only natural for you to lose interest in meditation. Dan Harris in his book – Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics addresses exactly this problem. Harris’ own journey is quite interesting as during his TV anchor days, he suffered a panic attack on live television. That made him curious about meditation. Once Harris realised the immense benefits of meditation, he became one of the strongest proponents of meditation. In this book, along with interesting facts, you will find very practical instructions on how to do meditation and overcome your ever-talking brain. You can get the Audible version of this book on Amazon for free.

In this book, the author and Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh talks about the 7 transformative meditations that open doors to a new perspective in life. According to the author, these 7 meditation techniques can help you to live a fuller life and be gentler towards your relationships and the world around you. A fine blend of Gautam Buddha’s teaching and Hanh's own advice, this book is a breakthrough for those looking to overcome troubled times. The 224 page book is written in English and is available in four formats on Amazon including the audible version.

This book explains the techniques of inhalation and exhalation to the relaxing sounds of the crystal bowls. The audio experiences will help you in creating a soothing environment that will help you in sleeping. Sleeping, is one of the most difficult parts when you are under stress. The exact synchronisation techniques mentioned in this audio book are something that will help you to relax and wake up with a fresh mind the next day. On Audible as of now, this audiobook is free to listen.

The answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding meditation that you might have are: