Important Books

1. Ramcharitmanas - One of the sweetest depiction of Lord Rama by his great devotee, Goswami Tulsidas. It has got the power to positively change your life. In north India, when people talk of Ramayana, they are actually referring to this text. In a very simple language, Goswami ji explains the deepest truth of life. Gitapress version of this text is very popular in India. This is the book I want to have with me all the time.

2. Valmiki Ramayan - Original story of Lord Rama by sage Valmiki. His descriptions are accurate and intelligent, many time you will feel as if it is happening before him (or you, if you are lucky). The text of this book is in Sanskrit but you can easily get its translations in your native language.

3. Adhyatma Ramayan - This story of Lord Rama is written by Sri Vyasa in Brahmand Purana. It is famous for its philosophical depth. Lord Rama is depicted as the Parabrahma of the Upanishads. It is praised by Sri Ram Krishna Paramhansa. The story of Ramcharitmanas is mainly based on this text.

4. Kamban Ramayan - Beautiful depiction of Lord Rama by Sri Kamban. It is considered the Ramayana of Tamilnadu. Evokes many emotions in you with its wonderful descriptions.

5. Gita (Interpretations by Sri Ramanuj) - Sri Ramanuja gives you the strength when you are vulnerable and need it the most. In his interpretations, Ramanuja accepts the devotion to God as the ultimate means of liberation. His ideas are very refined and he offers a practical approach to attain the divine excellence. (Available at Gitapress in Hindi, at Ramakrishna Mission in English)

6. Gita (Interpretations by Sridhar Swami) - This is probably the simplest and the deepest interpretation of Gita in my opinion. Sri Sridhar Swami provides enlightening connections between the shlokas which makes you understand the essence of Gita easily. His interpretations are praised by Lord Chaitanya himself and are respected by all sects of Vaishnavas. (Available at Ramakrishna Mission in English)

7. Srimadbhagwat Puran - If books could be sweet, it would easily be the sweetest among them. It is the highest devotional scripture for the devotees. It is embodiment of Lord Krishna himself while, in comparison to it, Gita just contains his words. If you think, you understand Vedant philosophy, turn to its Eleventh Skandha. It will blow away your mind. Bhagwata interpretations by Sridhar Swami and by Sri Vallabhacharya are of the highest quality but are not easily available in Hindi. Someone needs to write them! Till then, you can refer the simple translation published by Gitapress.

8. Dhammapad - Gives a succinct and to the point view of Lord Buddha in its purest form. A must read for everyone. A short book which will introduce you to the peace within you. ( (Available at Chaukhamba, MLBD)

9. Sayings of Sri RamKrishna Paramhansa - As pure as Gita! Simple but infinitely deep. One of the simplest teacher of the mankind, interacts with us in a language which we can understand.

10. Ashtavakra Gita - An authoritative text on the path of Knowledge. There are very few books which can match the heights set by this book. If your mind works more than your heart, this is the book you must refer. Even if you cannot understand it in your first try, you should come back to it again and again. Reading it every time will make you wiser.

Books which are interesting:

1. Tripur Rahasyam (Gyan Kandam) - A favorite of Sri Raman Maharshi. Enlightenment is explained through an interesting dialogue between an enlightened queen and her husband. Very different and a classic in its own league.

2. Mahabharat - Sri Vyas himself says - whatever spiritual knowledge is there in the world or beyond, it is all inside Mahabharat. If it is not inside Mahabharat, it does not exist. Gita is also a part of Bheeshma Parva in Mahabharat. There are many other short Gitas in Mahabharat as well. A short Ramayan is also depicted in Mahabharat. Even after reading it many times, I cannot believe that so many interesting stories can be combined in a single scripture. There cannot be a book more interesting and vast than Mahabharata.

Devotional Classics

1. Narad Bhakti Sutra - A succinct treatment of devotion by Sage Narada.

2. Sri Vachan Bhushanam - How correct it is, how methodical it is and how sweet it is, I do not have the words to express. A classic of Vishistadwait Sect of Vaishnavas.

3. Divya Prabandham

4. Shandilya Bhakti Sutra

5. Eknathi Bhagwat - A classic interpretation of Eleventh Skandha of Sri Bhagwat Puran. Sri Tukaram studied it before his enlightenment.

6. Tukaram Vachan Sar - If you read Sri Tukaram ji even once, I can bet, you are bound to read him all your life. He will captivate you in his love of Lord Vitthala without you ever noticing.

Gyan Yoga Books

1. Ashtavakra Gita

2. Other Gitas - Avadhoot, Uttar, Pandav, Hans, Ganesh, Shiv, etc.

3. Upanishads - Each Upanishad tells you a unique and practical way to know yourself. Logical and succinct.

4. Brahma Sutra - The ultimate authority in Vedant Philosophy! Essence of all Upanishads. Respected by all the Gurus.

5. I Am That by Sri Nisarga Datta Maharaj