Before we get to the list that I have prepared for curious and interested readers, books you must read in July 2020, let’s discuss the backstage that inspired me to prepare this list – a list of spiritual and philosophical books which will certainly stir you towards positivity and self-discovery. Around four months into corona pandemic and nature is exhilarating in its, long-neglected, own existence. Sky has turned blue again. Once again stars are visible from the terrace. The layer of pollution has faded almost completely but we are not very sure how long this might be maintained. Birds have come alive. Instead of honking vehicles, tweeting of birds reverberates in the surrounding. Rivers have become clear. Isn’t it a time for celebration? Nature has restored its health, its beauty, on its own! Nature is at its best – singing, swinging, rejoicing! Then, why can’t we revive ourselves? Instead of discussing Covid19 all the time and feel low at energy, shouldn’t we focus on our mental health along with the physical heath? Spiritualty cures sufferings and improves mental and physical health. And, naturally, one can acquire spiritual inspiration and knowledge by reading good spiritual books. These books and the knowledge they reflect would indeed fire one’s imagination, stir the soul and open mind and heart to future wonders of life. Here we go with the list:
Powerful Quotes from Sankara by Adi Shankaracharya: Who doesn’t know Adi Shakara and his teachings and philosophy! He is the one credited with the revitalization of fey Hinduism, its survival and regeneration through establishing of Mathas and Peethas. Powerful Quotes from Sankara reckons in quotes that lead the readers in the direction of realization and revival of Self, the underlying reality. Each quote written in the book would, step by step, tear all the traps of the false perception that, perhaps, has been created by oneself, either by ignoring the reality unknowingly or by not accepting the reality; transport oneself to their inner world where there exists emptiness and in that emptiness one finds the ultimate peace.
Autobiography of A Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda: You guys wouldn’t believe, same as it was hard for me to believe too, that Autobiography of A Yogi (in Hindi) is one of the best-selling individual books (on the basis of the number of copies sold) by an Indian author clocking a sale of 20 million copies. And also, this is the only book which is on the list of international bestseller books to date! Tough? huh! Satisfying! The book encompasses the remarkable beginning of Yogananda, life-lessons he learnt, his Gurus, ordinary and extra-ordinary events he experienced and whatever he lived in his lifetime. This is not a book, rather an exceptional odyssey of Yogananda, written with conviction and open up new dimensions for the readers to get a feel of yoga and spiritualism.
Bhagavad Gita As It Is by A.C. Bhaktivedanta: I have heard many people saying Bhagavad Gita, like other religious texts, brainwashes people. Though it does not. Bhagavad Gita is a great counsellor, an eye-opener. It cleanses the rusty mind, broadens thinking and helps one to look beyond Oneself. It teaches you to live for the welfare of the society and fulfil the entrusted responsibilities without thinking about the outcome as the thoughts of outcome scare you and distract you from putting your 100%. The knowledge imparted in this great epic contains fundamental laws of life which keep one away from all kind of sorrows and pains. ‘Bhagavad Gita As It Is’ is a perfectly translated version by A.C. Bhaktivedanta which helps users to get a better understanding of this timeless epic.
Sex Matters: From Sex to Superconscious by Osho: Guys, do not get confused with the title. It is not about sex and its position. It is far beyond that. Sex is nature’s course – it has with humans as well as with birds and beasts. And it, certainly, is important. However, today’s generation has changed the definition of this sacred experience, limited it to just physical pleasure that cannot last for long. Physical intimacy may offer a certain fulfilment; it is also the biggest outlet for losing energy, says OSHO. This book describes how raw energy can be channelized and transformed into a realization of the eventual consciousness where we receive life’s bliss and peace. This book presents wide avenues of being in love and relationships.
The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda: Swami Vivekananda must have inspired many of us. I am sure! He was and he still is a great teacher. Divided into nine volumes, The Complete Works of Swamiji comprises of his lectures delivered to length and breadth of the globe about Hinduism, Vedic Heritage of India, Spirituality, and Yoga. It is a treasure trove of wisdom which, if absorbed, may change the perspective of a human being towards life and satisfies moral and philosophical queries of the readers rationally. I must say these volumes fill Life in our lives.
Freedom from the Known by Jiddu Krishnamurti: The title itself speaks about the book! Leave everything behind and move on. Afresh every moment! Let the mind be free, rather empty, from the events of yesterday and worries of tomorrow. The book tells you not to get indulge in too much of thinking. Instead, it advises you to concentrate on experiencing life moment to moment, in and around you, and learn from those experiences. Eventually, it would you who can unfurl your Truth. Nobody else could it for you. Freedom from the Known is a spur to try and make things possible.
Secrets of Relationships by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: When it comes to relationship, the mind immediately overflows with a number of whats, hows and whys. Because the relationship is what matters the most in everyone’s life. And a healthy relationship is key to blissful life. However, the relationship is very delicate. A gust of misunderstanding or doubt can fracture or even break it easily. To save it from getting fractured, one must learn ways to protect it from any kind of obstacles. Secrets of Relationships by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a must-have for those aspiring to learn the secrets to a successful relationship.
You can get all these books and also many other books from Amazon India by clicking the link below:
Buy the books mentioned above: Amazon Inda
I would conclude my article with this beautiful quote – “Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination and the journey. They are home.” Says Anna Quindlen. So readers, in this July, get ready to step into these spiritual planes/trains/cars and move forward in the direction of self-realization to know who you are, to know the purpose of your being and to attain the ultimate peace. Make the best possible use of this SLOW time (due to Corona outbreak) for your inner development and growth.
by Nidhi Parikh for Literature News