Within the pages of meditation books, we discover a profound wisdom that can only be experienced through the stillness of our minds.

Meditation is all about boosting awareness and focusing your mind in the right direction. There are more types of meditation out there, and each of them comes with its own benefits.

We’re all aware of the benefits of meditation, but what truly got me into it was going through successful people’s daily routine.

I remember seeing Mark Wahlberg super pumped in a movie, and I went through his workout routine. Meditation was part of his daily practice, before even going to gym or starting his day. That was probably my starting point.

But if you’re like most people, spiritual self-discovery can be a bit tricky. You know you want it, but you have no idea where to begin. And then, you don’t feel like spending a fortune or lots of time to go to a meditation center and do it in a group…

I’ve done a bit of research and found some excellent books about meditation techniques, guidance and solutions for both new and slightly advanced users. If you’re not sure where to start or what to do first, I believe these books will clear it out for you.

What Are The Best Books on Meditation Techniques?

The Power of Meditation, by Lama Zopa Rinpoche (2024)

Learning meditation from Lama Zopa Rinpoche's teachings has been a genuinely transformative experience for me. Rinpoche, a respected teacher and co-founder of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition, simplifies the meditation process, making it feel within reach for everyone. He covers everything from choosing a quiet place to meditate to explaining why it's important to have the right motivation at the start. His guidance on how to sit and how to focus the mind offers a strong foundation for newcomers and adds depth for those who have been meditating for a while. His straightforward approach demystified the practices of shamatha and vipashyana for me, showing their unique techniques and benefits in a way that felt direct and accessible.

Rinpoche also teaches how the clarity and mindfulness developed through meditation can enhance our daily lives. He shows how these practices can make every aspect of our day more meaningful, urging us to apply mindfulness in all our actions.

This approach has changed how I go about my day, encouraging me to live with more awareness and intention. Rinpoche's advice on keeping this mindful state beyond the meditation session has been incredibly helpful, providing me with the tools to lead a more balanced and reflective life. His teachings have not only deepened my meditation practice but also enriched my understanding of its impact on personal growth and consciousness.

Mama-Meditation, by Swami Dhyan Vardhan (2023)

After reading Mama-meditation, I found it to be an excellent resource for individuals interested in new meditation techniques. The book provides a detailed, step-by-step approach that is easy to follow, even for beginners. It offers a transformative tool that can bring about positive changes in various aspects of life, including relationships, work and health. However, it is important to note that while the book makes things clear, dedication and consistent practice are necessary to achieve its full potential.

The first part will clear out the benefits of meditation and what you can achieve from it. Then, as you go through it and discover new techniques, you’ll understand the procedure of transcending the mind, not to mention identifying your true self.

It makes no difference why you want to meditate. For me, it was a matter of reducing stress from too much work, but also about the focus on my personal goals. Inner peace can help you keep cool and harvest the power of your mind.

The author takes you from an incipient stage and turns you into an experienced meditator. From this point of view, I believe the book is just as useful for advanced users. At the same time, your personal goals are irrelevant, and that's one of the things I love about it…

Whether you have a goal, you want to clear your mind, improve your focus, sleep better or reduce stress, Mama-meditation will help out. It teaches meditation, but it also gives readers the possibility to adjust everything based on their personal needs.

Breath, by James Nestor (2020)

This book has received plenty of praise from different authors and publications, but it’s also written by a bestselling author. So I thought there must be something good about it, right? Well, I’ve done the same for quite a few books and many times, I was disappointed. This one’s different though…

You can tell from the first chapter that James Nestor knows what he’s talking about. To summarize it, the book is focused on something we all overlook, whether it comes to meditation or just health in general. And that’s breathing… One of the essential things in our world, right?

Air goes in, does its job and goes out. It's natural, so we never pay attention to it. Unfortunately, over the past centuries, people have taken breathing for granted. These days, they no longer breathe correctly, and the consequences are quite harsh.

So, what happened then? The author has grabbed some valuable insights from all over the world. Unlike many readers’ expectations, this isn’t a medical thing. Instead, there are hidden secrets behind correct breathing practices, from Pranayama to Tummo.

And the best part about all these is that anyone can make such changes. Adjustments are slight and may seem insignificant, but trust me, you’ll notice immediate improvements once you improve your breathing. And that’s what makes this book one of the best books about meditation techniques in my opinion.

Strength in Stillness, by Bob Roth (2018)

Successful people from all over the world meditate and rely on meditation and spiritual self-discovery to fuel their success by finding their inner goals and desires. Take Jerry Seinfeld, for example… Not impressed? How about Oprah? Tom Hangs? Gisele Bundchen?

These are only some of the most successful names relying on transcendental meditation, and many of them turn to the same professor… Exactly, the author, Bob Roth! He's spent nearly half a decade helping people from all over the world identify their innate creativity and powers to reach success.

His expertise is incredible. The author has helped celebrities, prisoners, veterans and people from all walks of life. And to be honest with you, I do understand why. This is one of the most detailed books about meditation techniques, regardless of why you want to meditate.

You’ll learn how to battle stress, which is one of our modern enemies in terms of health and success. You’ll discover what emotional health means, and while there is no such thing as a general cure for everyone, you'll be able to adopt meditation in your own personal way.

Transcendental meditation is not a holistic approach. In fact, it’s backed by scientific research. Not only will it reduce stress, but it can also clear out anxiety, boost focus and improve sleep and creativity. It’s been doing it for thousands of years, so why not take advantage of it?

Wake Up to the Joy of You, by Agapi Stassinopoulos (2016)

This is one of those books about meditation techniques that will make meditation feel like a breeze. It’s one of the simplest and most straightforward books out there and can help you find the real meaning of your life in no time.

You might have heard of the author if you’re into spiritual self-discovery and self-help. The popular motivational speaker has a solid audience due to his lessons. Well, let me introduce you to her book, which offers a full guide over a full year. What better intro to meditation could you ask for?

This book offers guidance over 52 weeks. By the time they’re over, you should already know how to customize your meditation techniques. If not sure, simply go for another year based on this guide. Everything is fully accessible, so there’s no need for tools or prior experience.

The book goes in more directions and will help you find inner peace, but also overcome some obstacles. For example, you’ll learn how to ask for help in a more effective manner, how to stop trying to please everyone or what to ask yourself to find your calling.

To me, this book opened my eyes and helped me find my natural inner voice. I felt like taking a major leap forward. As you're walked through a guided meditation in every new chapter, you'll discover new themes, and soon, you'll realize your inner roadblocks are gone. It’s like a revelation, trust me.

The Three Pillars of Zen, by Roshi P. Kapleau (1980)

The Three Pillars of Zen is a classic in terms of books about meditation techniques. If you’re into Zen techniques and Buddhist meditation, this book is for you. And you don’t need me to tell you how effective and popular Buddhist meditation is, do you? I thought so…

The book is not written by someone with experience in meditation or someone who’s been meditating for decades. Instead, it’s written by the founder of the Rochester Zen Center and one of the most popular spiritual guides in the world, so you can’t go wrong with it.

It takes you through the introduction and foundation of Zen teaching. Then, you move on to different types of practices, only for you to identify what works better for you. Finally, the last step is the actual enlightenment. It’s not something you feel, but something you experience without knowing it.

The book is practically a personal account from one of the most influential Zen masters in the USA. It gives readers exclusive advice on how to discover different techniques, but also on how to customize them and develop their own practices. It’s been revised quite a few times overtime.

The newest editions come with pictures and more detailed explanations. To me, this is an eye-opening masterpiece that makes meditation a breeze. It takes you from a novice stage and turns you into an enlightened individual without even realizing it. Definitely a must-read!

The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness, by Andy Puddicombe (2012)

Looking to expand your inner self by implementing meditation into your life? Unable to do so because of a busy lifestyle? Whether family takes all your free time or you work a lot in order to build a career and a future, this book is ideal.

To be, this is one of the best books on spiritual self-discovery for those who struggle with time, and that included me back then. Working like a slave to take my career to another level and save for a mortgage, I had no time for anything. Stress was everywhere, and every single day was a challenge.

This book saved me, and I'm not just saying it. It literally saved me! And believe it or not, you only need to spare 10 minutes a day. If you spend 10 minutes a day reading the news or checking out social media, forget about these things and “waste” them on a bit of meditation.

It’s not me saying it, but a former Buddhist monk and one of the most influential meditation leaders in the UK, so you can leave yourself in good hands. The best part about it? This book is written from a personal point of view. Like many others, the author started meditating on a busy lifestyle schedule too.

Fully accessible, this book offers good value for time. You’ll become familiar with powerful, yet straightforward techniques to impact every aspect of your life. You’ll discover techniques to help with stress, anxiety, productivity, focus, relationships, weight loss, you name it.

Total Meditation, by M.D. Deepak Chopra (2020)

This wasn’t among the first books about meditation techniques I've been through, and I don't think it should be yours either. Unless you have a few clues about meditation and a bit of experience, you should start this venture with some of my previous recommendations.

I’ve noticed this book doesn’t take you from scratch, so it implies you know a thing or two about meditation. But if you’ve meditated before, you’ll find it to be one of the most useful guides ever. You’ll achieve a brand new definition of peaceful living, trust me.

The book comes from someone who has led the meditation wave in the western world for decades. It offers a full reinterpretation of everything associated with meditation, including all of its benefits, whether emotional, mental, physical or spiritual.

It’s a different approach that may seem a bit unusual at first, but it will transform the way you see this practice. The author guides you to discover totally new levels of awareness, a higher clarity of mind and a top notch transformation that will give you creative clarity 24 hours a day.

Plus, it offers a 52 week program to help you revolutionize your life.

The Book of Joy, by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams (2016)

Reading this book is like being part of a conversation with a few friends, and not just any friends, but some world renowned experts in spiritual self-discovery.

The question behind this book is fairly simple to understand. How can you find joy in life? And when such people come together and share their experiences, it’s like receiving a gift in the form of learning.

Intimate stories, spiritual practices, a bit of teasing and humor, as well as secret lessons on how to live a life full of joy… That’s pretty much what you’ll discover in this book.

It won’t give you any guides or programs, and it won't teach you any straightforward lessons. Instead, it will provide lessons through the authors' lives and happenings. From stress and illness to anger and fear, we can overcome all these. And this book offers the wisdom needed to get there.

Final Thoughts on Books about Meditation Techniques

Bottom line, these are probably my favorite books about meditation techniques, and if you truly want to be part of this movement, I believe I’ve introduced them in the right order.

Spiritual self-discovery is not a science, so you’ll need to explore, learn and find out what works for you, but these books will give you the guidance required to get there.

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