Gupta, M. (2013). The gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. Chennai: Sri Ramakrishna Math. This book is a collection of recorded conversations of Sri Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors. Originally written in Bengali, it was translated in English by Swami Nikhilananda.
Mascaro, J. (1994). The Bhagavad Gita. New Delhi: Penguin Books India. Juan Mascaró’s translation of The Bhagavad Gita captures the extraordinary aural qualities of the original Sanskrit text that encompasses the whole spiritual struggle of a human soul.
Mascaro, J. (1994). The Upanisads. New Delhi: Penguin Books India. This translation of the Upanishads by Juan Mascaro reveals the spiritual wisdom of the rich ancient Indian texts.
Nisargadatta, Maharaj. (2008). I am That: Talks with Sri Nisargadatta Maharaja. (M. Frydman, Trans.). Mumbai: Chetana Publishing. Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj’s mission was to guide the individual to an understanding of his true nature and the timelessness of being. This book is a collection of his teachings and preserves his dialogues with the followers seeking his guidance. It is a testament to the uniqueness of the seer’s life and work.
Yogananda, P. (1946/1975). Autobiography of a yogi. Bombay: Jaico. In this modern spiritual classic, Paramahansa Yogananda narrates the inspiring chronicle of his life which gives the reader a penetrating and unforgettable look at the ultimate mysteries of human existence. It is a beautifully written account of an exceptional life and a profound introduction to the ancient science of Yoga and its time-honored tradition of meditation.
Nyinche, P. D. (1999). Awakening the sleeping Buddha: The Twelfth Tai Situpa. (L. Terhune, Ed.). Boston: Shambhala South Asia Editions. In this book, the most basic principles of Tibetan Buddhism are presented in commonsense terms, using down-to-earth examples—making this a perfect handbook for beginners as well as an excellent companion for long-time students.]
Gandhi, M. K. (1993). My experiments with truth. New Delhi: Beacon Press. In this classic autobiography, Mahatma Gandhi recounts the story of his life and how he developed his concept of active nonviolent resistance, which propelled the Indian struggle for independence and countless other non-violent struggles of the twentieth century.
Brunton, P. (1934). A search into secret India. London: Random House. Paul Brunton, in this book, narrates his journey around India, living among yogis, mystics, and gurus, some of whom he found convincing, others not and how finally meeting the great sage Sri Ramana Maharashi, he found peace and tranquility.
Brunton, P. (2009). The Maharshi and his message. Tiruvannamalai: Sri Ramanasramam. This books places before the reader, three chapters from Paul Brunton’s book “A search in Secret India”, recounting the story of his retreat in the foot of Arunchala and his extraordinary experiences in the company of Sri Ramana Maharashi.
Peck, S. M. (1978). The road less traveled: A new psychology of love, traditional values, and spiritual growth. New York: Simon & Schuster. In this book, psychiatrist Dr M. Scott Peck suggests ways for confronting and solving our problems that enable us to grow both mentally and spiritually. This book showcases ways to embrace reality and yet achieve serenity and a richer existence.
Khalil, G. (2001). The prophet. New York: Alfred. A. Knopf Inc. This Khalil Gibran’s masterpiece is a collection of poetic essays that are philosophical, spiritual, and, above all, inspirational and range from love, marriage, children to self-knowledge, religion and death.
Bach, R. (1977). Illusions. London: Arrow Books. The novel questions the reader’s view of reality, proposing that what we call reality is merely an illusion we create for learning and enjoyment.
Frankl, V. (2008). Man’s search for meaning. RHUK, Exported Edition. In this book, based on his own experience in a Nazi death camp, psychiatrist Viktor Frankl argues that we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose. Frankl’s theory, known as logotherapy, holds that our primary drive in life is not pleasure, as Freud maintained, but the discovery and pursuit of what we personally find meaningful.
