Since 2018 I’ve started reading Advaita Vedanta materials and it has helped me a lot in my life. when it comes to Spirituality or self-help these teachings are of the highest level there is. I’ve read many books within this category and below are in my opinion the best non-duality books out there-
4. I am That by Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
Sri Nisargadatta gives it straight as it is and to the point with no fluffs and fillers. You can feel the truth and power in his words through this book and will help you on your spiritual journey. I have highlighted many lines in the book and below are three of my favorite quotes from it-
“When you demand nothing of the world, nor of God, when you want nothing, seek nothing, expect nothing then the supreme State will come to you uninvited and unexpected.” page 187
“The gnani is afraid of nothing” page 175 (first page of chapter 41)
“Fear and greed cause the misuse of the mind. the right use of mind is in the service of love, of life, of truth, of beauty.” page 123
3. Be as You Are by Sri Ramana Maharshi (translated by David Godman)
Sri Ramana Maharshi was one of the most revered and honored Gurus to have ever graced the Earth. His original teachings were in Tamil and this book was translated by David Godman. It is a book I open every now and then and as with all the other books on this list I usually have to close it after a page or two. The words are so powerful and profound that I had to sit in silence and let the teachings sink in. Below are some of my favorite quotes from this book-
“Realisation is nothing to be gained afresh: it is already there. all that is necessary is to get rid of the thought ‘I have not realised. Stillness or peace is realisation.”
“The experience of silence alone is the real and perfect knowledge”
2. Silence of the Heart by Robert Adams
This book holds a special place in my heart because it was the first Advaita Vedanta book that I ever read and I remember sitting outside in the sun and reading this (especially on Sundays) and feeling such a profound deep peace within me. The words in the book made me feel like all was well in this world- always has been and always will be.
Robert was actually a devotee of Sri Ramana Maharshi. But for me personally, I enjoyed reading the student’s book more than the teacher’s. Besides the book, there are also hundreds of satsang recordings that you can listen to. In my opinion they have a more powerful effect than reading the book as you actually hear Robert’s voice. You can listen to his talks on the website robert-adams.info . Here are a few of my favorite quotes from Silence of the Heart-
“When you take refuge in your Self you become happy. When you take refuge in your Self you have peace. When you take refuge in your Self you have harmony, you have joy.” page 128
“There is no thing that has ever transpired in my life that can hurt me. I forgive everyone and everything, and especially myself. I am the power and the presence and the glory. If I am That, so is everybody else. So is everything else. All is well.” page 5
“Empty yourself out, and it is then that you will find that you are already free.” page 127
1. Astavakra Gita
Despite the above three being deep insightful books this one is leaps above them. I can’t describe why that is the case you’ll just have to read it for yourself and understand its power. There are many versions of this book but I find the one by Bart Marshall to be the best. I got it in ebook format and it was included in the collection “The Perennial Way” which consists of 10 books of a similar nature. I highly recommend it. Below are some of its quotes-
“You are not earth, water, fire, or air. Nor are you empty space. Liberation is to know yourself as Awareness alone- the witness of these.” (1.3)
“Leave the opposites behind. Be content with what is. Perfection.”
“Only by detaching from the world does one joyfully realize Self.”
Here is a collection of 30+ Ashtavakra Gita Quotes with images
So there you have it. The best books to help you on your spiritual journey. You can choose any one or read all four of them, either way, it will be good. But if you had to choose only one then I’d recommend Astavakra Gita– it is the most direct and to the point and will guide you straight on your journey to Self Realization.