Enlightening Books
Twenty Seven Most Enlightening Books
These books are aids towards enlightenment or illumination
Presented in the original order of reading, with comments on progress as it occurred.
Celestine Prophecy - The Science of Breath
Nuclear Evolution - Fourteen Lessons - Hatha Yoga
The Kybalion - Raja Yoga - Psychic Healing
Gnani Yoga - Mystic Christianity
An Advanced Course in Yogi Philosophy and Oriental Occultism
Mind Power - Conversations With God - The Art of Living
The One Straw Revolution - Supernature - The Cloud of Unknowing
Das Energi - The Great Aids Hoax - The Power of Now
The Truth Shall Set You Free - Life in the World Unseen
Quickstep to Enlightenment - Thought Vibration - Life Beyond Death
The Divine Pymander of Hermes Mercurius Trismegistu
At The Feet Of The Master
The first book to initiate my curiosity was The Celestine Prophecy. It intrigued me and created the need to know.
Each of the nine insights found in this book are a revelation. The first one or two are easily understood and accepted, with the later ones opening my mind to new possibilities.
The concept of talking with plants at first seemed strange, but soon took on its full meaning. This books started me out on the path, making me eager for more.
"Celestine Prophecy is quite important because it puts those Eastern-spirituality ideas into an easy-to-read Western novel! There are many correspondences between the nine insights (well the first 8 at least) and the work of Carl Jung, who spent the second half of his life dedicated to building bridges between Western and Eastern religious traditions"
Nuclear Evolution is a huge book that took months to digest.
It confirmed the knowledge I had gained through personal experience, and provided a solid foundation for deeper understanding.
The author was first a yogi, and then became a scientist in an effort to help the world to understand how the human body really works - like a Rainbow body.
The way in which light affects the mitochondria, and hence the chakras is explained in scientific detail. Spirituality and science are brought together in a logical and understandable way - a real must for anyone wanting to know how their body really works.
The author was able to demonstrate the basic yogic principles to scientists by explaining how the body uses the seven colours in the spectrum of light to play on the chakras, and produce our life.
"An encyclopedia for many techniques and approaches into holistic healing, meditation, and discovery."
Surprisingly, I didn't even know how to breath properly, and had hardly conceived of the benefits that would be reaped many years later after constant practice
"Amazing life changing book if you choose to follow the exercises. Can't say enough good things about it, a must order if you are looking for a healthier life style".
Fourteen Lessons provides an insight into the content of many later books. It is written in an understandable style, and includes exercises through which the reader can experience the effects for himself.
Fourteen lessons in Yogi Philosophy and Oriental Occultism
One of the first books written by Yogi Ramacharaka, and covers in summary many of the subjects which form specialist topics in his later books. A wonderful introduction to the enlightened world of Ramacharaka.
The Science of Breath was the first book written by Yogi Ramacharaka, and explains how through breath control we can achieve miracles, including psychic healing
The Oriental Breathing Philosophy of Physical,
Mental, Psychic and Spiritual Development.
"First in a series of books that presents all areas of Yoga philosophy. To fully appreciate this book you must finish it as the last few chapters tie everything together. To fully appreciate the author, you must read the whole series of his books, which covers Hatha, Raja, Gnani etc. I believe the author would be the first to admit that in the volumes of books (eight, I believe) he has written, he has just scratched the surface. This is not a meditation book, but the beginning series of a foundation course in yoga philosophy that can make a difference in your life and make further study of yoga more meaningful. "
I was surprised to find that I knew so little about my body. Unlike many Hatha Yoga books, this one concentrates on the breathing, digestion and blood systems of the body, and especially hygiene.
Yoga of the BodyThis is an amazing book that gives step by step instructions for a healthier, more aware life. If you are interested in changing your life physically, mentally and/or spiritually, this is a must read.
Hatha Yoga, the yoga of the body, will teach most readers something about their body that they did not know. Practising what is described is a prelude to excellent health and understanding
The Kybalion is an unusual book, covering topics that most readers will not have heard of. It describes the most ancient writings of Hermes, and provides the seven basic principles to which everything conforms.
An occult classic Since its first publication in 1908, The Kybalion, Hermetic Philosophy by Three Initiates, has been in constant demand by students and investigators of the Secret Doctrines. It is a modern addition to the body of work devoted to Hermes Trismegistus, an icon of ancient teachings that reveal the path to self transformation. In this revised edition, we have corrected many editorial issues inherent within the original text, creating a clearer presentation of the book's message: The Seven Hermetic Principles, or axioms: • Principle of Mentalism • Principle of Correspondence • Principle of Vibration • Principle of Polarity • Principle of Rhythm • Principle of Cause and Effect • Principle of Gender These principles complement other Hermetic teachings and provide a foundation for your own spiritual awakening. As the book states, "The lips of wisdom are closed, except to the ears of understanding".
Raja Yoga helps readers to gain control of their mind so as to use it as a tool, instead of being used by it.
RajaYoga A Series of Lessons in Raja Yoga - The Yoga of the Mind Mental Development
This book is a real eye-opener into the way our minds work. It introduces us to meditation, the "I Am" is explained, and we learn how to control our mind to avoid negative thoughts, and so advance our personal progress.
"This guide into merging the lower self into the higher is absolutely brilliant. Anyone who aims to achieve bliss and has no access to a guru/teacher must obtain this book."
"This book beautifully lays out the entire Highest Yogi Philosophy. It also parallels that of the Hindu Philosophy of Atman joining Brahman. Yogi Ramacharaka's argument goes to the absolute limits of reason, encompassing every single logical possibility of the nature of reality. His style of argument itself will vastly expand your mind, even if you do not fully grasp his argument. He will make you think on deeper levels than you have ever before thought, and will guide you into these truths ever-so-gently. Beautiful exposition on the nature of reality!"
How to heal yourself and others using your mind.
After we have read this book, understood it, and put its advice into practice, we really understand the power of the mind. This understanding leads to the redundancy of most of the modern era's pharmaceutical ideas.
"Mind over matter... The natural over the artificial... These were the unspoken mantras of the proponents of New Thought, the mystical movement at the turn of the twentieth century that sought to unleash the forces of the universe within humanity. One of the most influential thinkers of this early "New Age" philosophy promises here, in this 1909 book, to show the reader how to "to spread the glad tidings of Health and Strength," by using the body's Prana, or Vital Force; by direct control of the body's cells via the mind, or mental healing; and by calling the light of "higher thought" down on the body, or spiritual healing.
An appreciation of our "higher nature," the yogi reminds us, will result in an healthy sense of physical rejuvenation. A century later, it's a lesson many of us--in our anxious, stressful times--can continue to benefit from."
Lessons in Gnani Yoga (The Yoga of Wisdom.)
"Joining the dots" is a modern day euphemism for these lessons. We are able to examine all the facts that we have accumulated as a result of personal experiences, and fit each one into a larger yet more understandable picture.
A deeper look into the life of Jesus Christ
Whilst never touching on religious aspects, this books reveal many facts about the life of the greatest yogi of them all.
"I first read this book 15 years ago and have just finished reading it for the nth time(lost track). This is one of those books that you will want to read over and over because each time your eyes will be opened in new ways. Mystic Christianity will give you a new vision to the concepts and misconceptions taught about the Christ. If your are someone who believes there is more to Christianity than they teach you, if you want to see "the bigger picture" then this book is a must."
"The twelve lessons forming this volume were originally issued in the shape of monthly lessons, known as "The Advanced Course in Yogi Philosophy and Oriental Occultism" during a period of twelve months beginning with October, 1904, and ending September, 1905."This beautiful book breathtakingly conveys not only how, but why, to look inside ourselves for the light (read "goodness/enlightenment/god-knowledge/energy")that is truly and uniquely inside each one of us to help us as our lives/souls unfold. If our children could begin, at the youngest of ages, to develop a sense of their own personal power and creative (meaning to create) potential, and could know deeply the feeling of personal peace and satisfaction at their own accomplishments, each one would realize that practicing bigotry, humiliation, aggression, greed or any such negativity is destructive most of all to the perpetrator. The answers are all here. This text is brilliantly written and may seem at first more incomprehensible than it is. Would that more people could read and digest this incredible work. It is truth!
William Walker Atkinson
Oriental Breathing Philosophy of Physical, Mental, Psychic and Spiritual Development.
The little book Light on the Path written by "M.C." is analysed in detail, and through its logic and clarity, demonstrates that many of our beliefs are misunderstandings.
"For all lovers of truth,metaphysical and(otherwise)this is "The book to read"!. BUT BEWARE!. Mr.Atkinson is for the serious reader,for he is no joke!!.This book is deep!,I bought the copy I own in a used bookstore in Europe 20 years ago;an original hardbound copy. I'm glad to see it's still in print for all to enjoy in this century.Mental magic in animal life and mental magic in human life(chapters in the book) are both fascinating but so are mental atmosphere,personal magnetism,channels of influence,a glimpse of the occult world,self protection etc.This book had to be mind blowing in it's day 1912 the first copyright year given. And it still is!! when you read it you'll see for yourself!!!. On pages 114-115 in a chapter called mind power in action,"Many of these great centers of desire force-these successful men, who attract to them that which they want,and those whom they need".... GET THE BOOK!."
Conversations With GodSimple logic, but so profound that we realise we must have a rethink.
"When I was very young, I did what all other christians do- i accepted Jesus into my heart. I believed 100% in the Bible. One night, at the age of 27 my husband (who is also christian) brought this book home for me. He believed it to be just another christian book. I found it fascinating. I read it in one sitting and could not put it down. The next morning I was very confused. I had NEVER before doubted my religion. I prayed and prayed for God to show me the truth that night and every night since. After all of that prayer, I have to admit that I have felt "led" to keep searching for answers not found in my church or The Bible. These answers and "this God" make more sense. This book and others like it do not give you an "okay to do everything you want" like many of the reviews have said. I do not believe that these reviewers have actually read and tried to understand the full content of these books. They are just scared like I was. Some are scared that the book is wrong and the work of the devil. Some are scared that the book is the truth and that what they have always been taught and believed in is wrong. The latter is how I now see it, and though it has caused me some anguish(due to sifting out a lot of what I used to believe in),it has mostly brought me joy and helped me truly experience the wonders of God and this world. The world is now a much more beautiful place than it ever was before."
"S.N. Goenka was a businessman who suffered from migraine headaches. He turned to meditation as taught by the Buddhist community in Burma. He relieved his symptoms and embarked on the journey to share the successful technique of Vipassana meditation with others. What a magnaninous gift! Basically, this book, written by one of his students, teaches one how to be "aware" and track the thoughts which arise and ultimately are the root cause of one's negative feelings, i.e. suffering. Since all thoughts arise and diminish, it is a matter of *not* forcing or trying to change things as they are ... but instead to *observe*, witness what is truly happening. In and of itself, sounds simple enough ... but anyone who knows what sitting still and quieting the mind is like ... will tell you ... *not* so simple or as easy as it sounds. The book concerns itself with "ultimate reality" which we all share. It concerns itself with the part we play in this world and where our happiness resides ... To quote the Buddha: "If with a pure heart you speak or act, then happiness follows you as a shadow that never departs." [p. 37, Harper SanFrancisco, c. 1987]
William Hart the author covers basic Buddhist concepts of the cause of suffering, training of moral conduct, right behavior, training of concentration, training of wisdom, training of equanimity, right thought, right understanding, eradicating old conditioning, and penetrating ultimate truth ... He does a superb job of clearly articulating basic principles of the Buddhist viewpoint. He provides techniques for developing awareness and thereby more happiness in one's life. In conclusion, another quote from the Budda (who said it best) ..."When faced with all the ups and downs of life, still the mind remains unshaken, not lamenting, not generating defilements, always feeling secure, that is the greatest happiness"
This book is the best I have ever read on Vipassana meditation. The day after I closed the last page, I went and spent eight days in a cave, and practised the advice given here. It works.
"Masanobu Fukoka was a laboratory agricultural scientist who worked on fighting plant diseases. He also had many unanswered questions about the interrelationship between man and nature. After a long sabbatical he resigned his position and took over his father's rice and mandarin orange farm. Fukuoka thought that by putting the subjects of his questions into actual material challenges he might find the answers he sought.
Fukoka was immediately drawn to organic and natural farming methods, and over the years developed a type of natural farming that he refers to as "do-nothing farming". Contrary to what you may imagine, this method does involve work, much of it menial, but at least in Fukoka's experience the benefits outweight the negatives. His method of farming is thus:
After the seasonal heavy rains, the rice is planted by scattering it by hand throughout the farming area. The planting rice is rolled in a type of clay that will help prevent animals from eating it but will not inhibit sprouting. Clover seeds are also sewn at the same time in the same method. The clover acts as a natural barrier to the young rice shoots, and helps the soil from eroding.
The rice will grow naturally over the course of the next few months without constant pools of water as are often seen in traditional(from 1600-1940s) Japanese rice farming, albeit shorter and stockier than the cultivated rice. After the rice harvest, the leftover straw is scattered over the field to decompose, adding nutrients back into the soil. Afterwards, barley is planted as a winter crop and to further enrich the soil for the next rice season.
Fukoka does not use compost on his rice fields or on his citrus orchard as he finds that the byproducts of the plant provides all the soil nutrients needed. He does maintain a small compost pile for his vegetable garden, however. Outside of the rice season, he tends to his mandarin orange orchard, which is also kept on a "do-nothing" method of growth. From using this technique, he has not only kept up with modern(tractor, fertilizer, pesticide) farmers in quantity, but has a much higher quality of rice, barley, and oranges. He spends very little out of pocket and sells his produce for a very fair price.
The great thing about this short book (192pp) is that it is not exclusively about farming. In fact, there are many pages where Fukoka expands on philosophy, history, nutricion, intentional communities, and sustainibility. There is also an excellent forward by Wendell Berry, one of my favorite authors(Jayber Crow is a must read) Highly reccomended although it seems to be out of print. I borrowed mine from a local library."
One of the earliest authors to recognise the value of nature and natural growing, Masanobu Fukuoka treats us with anecdotes of the good and bad times of farming in Japan.
The techniques he developed are in line with Permaculture policy, and strongly recommended to all those who prefer to eat healthy food.
The terrors that occurred to a Christian monk as he de-materialised all the monsters within him.
Something similar happens to all of us.
"This is the best book I have ever read on the life of prayer, and it has transformed my prayer life. It was originally written as a series of letters to teach mystical prayer to one particular monk. This book tells us that our minds are too small to grasp God, and when we try to approach him intellectually, we freeze up, entering into a "Cloud of Unknowing" which our minds can not penetrate. Yet God is approachable - "Because he may well be loved, but not thought. By love he can be caught and held, but by thinking never." We are told to long for God, to "strike that thick cloud of unknowing with the sharp dart of longing love". This longing love calls us to give up everything else for the sake of God - "a naked intention directed to God, and himself alone, is wholly sufficient".
Lyall Watson treats us to an insight into unusual experiments with unusual results, all of which enable us to understand nature a little deeper.
"This is a book that may get one thinking of just how much we know of nature's wonders.
As the book's author Lyall Watson states: "Between nature and the supernatural are a host of happenings that I choose to describe as Supernature".
Within the book you will hear of such things as circadian rythms; the effects of the sun, moon and planets on the lives of various lifeforms, including humans; the scientific facts behind astrology; mysterious properties of Egypt's pyramids; psychic powers such as psychokinesis, telepathy, and "eyeless sight"; how the mind can physically influence the body; and much, much more.
I found the book to be packed with intriguing facts. I was particularly intrigued by Watson's brief suggestion that evolution was influenced "by a pattern of information that lies half hidden in the cosmic chaos".
This unusual book presents facts that immediately become self-evident.
A relaxing read amongst some of the heavier stuff.
"Das Energi by Paul Williams lives on my bookshelf between Richard Bach's Illusions and Hugh Prather's Notes to Myself. I got this book as a gift when I was in my twenties, and it changed my whole view of the world. Since then, I have given multiple copies to other people as gifts.
Paul Williams wrote Das Energi originally in the early '70's as a series of journal notes. The collection of thoughts soon developed an underground following for its insight, challenge to the dominant paradigms of truth, and breezy me-decade prose. Beauty, God, fear, truth, money, good, evil--these are just some of the topics dealt with in this browsable amalgamation of brief paragraphs and good humor.
Paraphrasing one thought from the book: you don't grow just from getting up and getting another beer from the refrigerator; you grow when you do things you don't know if you can do. This particular thought stuck with me and has come back to inspire me to face what is difficult from time to time.
Definitely worth your time...one of the few books that I keep in my permanent collection! "
This is where I first learned about the duplicity of the pharmaceutical industry, which caused the death
"If you think you know the cause of disease, then think again. T.C. Fry's "The Great AIDS Hoax," is one of the most eye-opening works I have ever read. It's not just about AIDS, but the cause of all disease, which will make you think twice the next time you think you can catch a cold or the flu. Even sexually-transmitted diseases don't escape Fry's logic, which is right up there with the greatest of scientific minds"
Just when it was getting difficult, along comes this well explained peace of reality, authored by Eckhart Tolle.
"I have refrained from writing a review of this book for nearly a year and a half, being content to simply practice what Tolle has expressed so simply - remain in the present moment for that is all we have. After nearly three decades of practicing meditation to become enlightened (some day) I found it disheartening to conclude that I wasn't really getting anywhere, yet I was reluctant to give up the effort. Then Tolle popped into my life like a much needed life preserver, showed me who I really am, and put an end to my thrashing about in self-created whirlpools of despair - when you discover you are the ocean itself the whirlpools peter out in embarrassment.
Don't read this book in order to feed your mind, stroke your ego or validate your beliefs. Read it in order to learn to free yourself from pain and delusion. It is obvious when reading certain reviews that some people are looking to add mind stuff to their inventory and then to demonstrate what a fine mind they have with an erudite and academic rebuff. They will have to remain content with a mind dominated life, always looking for something outside themselves to give validation and meaning. At some point, however, if they are lucky they may tire of that and take the opportunity to practice living in the now. It takes courage to jump into the unknown and discover the freedom and joy in living life moment to moment.
Perhaps you are ripe for this book like I was. Even so it was not always easy to let go of cherished beliefs and practices, but ultimately it is the only thing you can do if you really want freedom. Tolle shows how conditioned we have become in a gentle and easy manner, leading you by the hand all the way to the door of freedom. But it is up to each one of us to open that door. At first you may spend only moments of clock time in the sweetness of the now. If you keep at it you will become more skillful in accessing the now, and you will find yourself dwelling there for extended periods of clock time. And then upon reflection you will realize the peace that is always available - that we ARE peace.
So, are you willing to see what life will be like without a mind and ego to steer your every move, as you have been so conditioned to do all your life? (and if you are, don't worry, you will always have access to the mind and ego). Are you willing to let go of everything and to simply BE and let life unfold naturally? (it will anyway, but not resisting it reveals the peace that underlies all phenomena). If you are you will not find a better guide than Eckhart Tolle."
"David Icke has been researching the 'Illuminati' or 'enlightened ones' aka those with 'all the knowledge' for over 25 years now. These people are the same few that control all global events and the world money system. With this type of power, anything is, and has been possible.
Icke's research and references are solid. He doesn't make stories up, but rather puts together factual pieces of information and looks at similarities and starts building puzzles that become clearer and clearer.
Give this book a chance, if you are a skeptic or not, read it from cover to cover, then start criticising, this book one very well written, well researched text that will blow your mind and give you some real 'enlightenment'..."
A detailed explanation by David Icke of how so few people manage to control world society
A report from the spirit world by the deceased son of the Archbishop of Canterbury
"I love this book. It answers multiple questions and assigns comfort for the soul. I would encourage everyone to read this work and suggest that your friends and family's read it as well. This book brings hope and a promise of salvation to every soul. It also provides a detailed glimpse of the glories of an eternal life. It offers an explanation of the purpose of existence and describes part of the journey each soul must take on the road to salvation. It challenges the teachings of orthodox religions, but offers hope and reassurance that the kingdom of heaven awaits us all."
Quickstep is intended to help those in the process of a lifestyle change.
Some of life's small problems are addressed and simplified in every day terms which will be recognised by all readers who are searching for more understanding in life.
Quickstep provides a quick and easy read to get you started on the path towards a more enlightened lifestyle. It will help you feel comfortable as you take your first shaky steps on the path which every one of us eventually walks along.
Quickstep can provide some of the answers that help to maintain a steady progress as we proceed with our search for a more meaningful way of living.
"Thought Vibration written by legendary author William W. Atkinson is widely considered to be one of the top 100 greatest books of all time. This great classic will surely attract a whole new generation of readers. For many, Thought Vibration is required reading for various courses and curriculums. And for others who simply enjoy reading timeless pieces of classic literature, this gem by William W. Atkinson is highly recommended. Published by Classic House Books and beautifully produced, Thought Vibration would make an ideal gift and it should be a part of everyone's personal library."
Especially useful for helping to come to terms with a bereavement.
"This is a most fascinating reprint of material first published almost 100 years ago. It gives clear and detailed information of the Astral Plane, with greater insight into this realm of consciousness and experiences of the soul after death. It covers information and teachings now available (some for the first time) with great clarity and as such, I feel it is superior to many later books on this subject. I certainly commend it to anybody interested in the progression of personal onsciousness after death, or whose inclinations or spiritual path inclines them to explore the Astral Plane and its inhabitants".
"All who have experienced this illumination, even in a faint degree, recognize the like experience in the tale, song, or preaching of another, though centuries may roll between them. It is the song of the Soul, which when once heard is never forgotten."
"Though it be sounded by the crude instrument of the semi-barbarous races or the finished instrument of the talented musician of to-day, its strains are plainly recognized. From Old Egypt comes the song - from India in all ages - from Ancient Greece and Rome - from the early Christian saint - from the Quaker Friend - from the Catholic monasteries - from the Mohammedan mosque - from the Chinese philosopher - from the legends of the American Indian hero-prophet - it is always the same strain, and it is swelling louder and louder, as many more are taking it up and adding their voices or the sounds of their instruments to the grand chorus."
Yogi Ramacharaka (1862-1932).
The Enlightenment discussed here has been experienced by many people, some of whom have articulated that experience. Here is a fine example:
The Divine Pymander of Hermes Mercurius Trismegistus
A translation of possibly the world's oldest writing, which provides a deep understanding of how things really are, and are not.
The Find Yourself series will help you to find your path to enlightenment. First in the series, Fundamentals gives insight into topics such as Meditation, Chakras, Mind training, Love, Mind body & spirit, Polarisation, and Consciousness.
This first volume of four provides assistance towards a strong and regular meditation practice, and reveals some secrets regarding unseen planetary control. The deeper understanding helps to make the mind a tool instead of a master. The deeper meaning of mind over matter becomes more clear.
This little-known book was written by Alcyone aged 14, and now better known as Krishnamurti.
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He provides detailed advice about beneficial behaviour and thinking, and for most readers provides an insight into the changes necessary to becoming a wiser person. Small book, great words
