Top Three Books to Begin Your Spiritual Journey: Reading Your Way to Enlightenment

There comes a point in nearly everyone's life when they need something more. It feels almost like an unquenchable thirst for truth, for knowledge, and for peace. Whether this longing comes early or late in life does not matter. All that matters is that the moment does come. There are many, many ways to begin a spiritual journey. Some seek religion and find their answers there. Others take off on literal journeys that lead them around the world and back again. And some begin their quest to enlightenment through study and books. Books are more than mere words put together in a cover with a price tag of $14.95. Books hold energy in their words, the energy that the author felt while writing and the energy that the author has the intention of putting across to the reader. So beginning a spiritual journey through books is indeed a wonderful way to begin.

#1: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

Whenever asked by friends which book they should read first to begin their journey of self discovery I always tell them The Four Agreements. Written by Don Miguel Ruiz, a shaman of ancient healing and teaching of the Toltec, this book is the perfect starting point.

Ruiz explains the wisdom of the Toltec in a very deep yet clear way. He uncovers many truths that are hard for people to admit, breaking down the vast amount of agreements that we have made with ourselves over the years. Agreements and beliefs that we weren't even aware that we held and that have depleted us and caused pain in our lives.

Ruiz lists the four agreements that we should adopt into our lives;

- Be Impeccable With Your Word

- Don't Take Anything Personally

- Don't Make Assumptions

- Always Do Your Best

These agreements, that replace the old harmful agreements, bring an unparalleled level of freedom to life. They may sound simple, but Ruiz's in depth explanations and beautiful clarity convey the truth behind the agreements. By understanding and using these four agreements, our lives can truly be transformed.

"Using your imagination and your new eyes of perception, I want you to see yourself living a new life, a new dream, a life where you don't need to justify your existence and you are free to be who you really are" (Ruiz, 124).

#2 The Power of Intention by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

This is another life-changing book. It is based upon the idea that intention is a force that we are all a part of rather than an action we take. Dyer offers a very moving perspective of intention/Source or that which some call God, showing that we are all made up of the energy of Source and can never be disconnected from it, or each other.

Dyer calls us to pay attention to how we feel and what we think in order to line up with Source and achieve all that we desire in life. "Whatever you wish to accomplish is an existing fact already present in Spirit. Eliminate from your mind thoughts of conditions, limitations, or the possibility of it not manifesting. If left undisturbed in your mind and in the mind of intention simultaneously, it will germinate into reality in the physical world" (Dyer, 18).

Dyer touches upon "The Law of Attraction" with "Continuously contemplate yourself as being surrounded by the conditions you wish to produce". Calling people "connectors" that are in a state of unity with the Source of all life, Dyer shows that if you "stay tuned vibrationally to the Source of all life that intended you, and everyone else here and all of the powers of that field of intention will cooperate with you to bring into your life what you desire" (Dyer, 245-249).

This book takes you on an enlightening journey from recognizing and understanding Intention to incorporating the power and beauty of it in your life.

#3 Ask and It Is Given by Esther and Jerry Hicks (The Teachings of Abraham)

This book is extremely powerful. It is best read slowly, but is so full of wisdom that one can't help themselves from devouring it completely. Written by Esther and Jerry Hicks and channeled by the spiritual teachers called Abraham, this book is the end-all be-all of spiritual books.

The reader is reassured that they are the creator of their own life experience; "...within you today lives the knowledge that you are the creator of your own life experiences, that absolute freedom exists as the basis of your true experiences, and that ultimately the creation of your experiences is absolutely and only up to you" (Hicks, 12).

While some have heard of "The Law of Attraction" through many different places, there is no other material that explains it so purely and clearly as the Abraham materials do. Explaining The Law of Attraction as a consistent formula, Abraham states that "That which is like unto itself is drawn. And so, you might see the powerful Law of Attraction as a sort of Universal Manager that sees to it that all thoughts that match one another line up" (Hicks, 25).

"Whatever you are giving your attention to causes you to emit a vibration, and the vibrations that you offer equal your asking, which equals your point of attraction" proving that our thoughts and feelings create our reality (Hicks, 26).

The book goes on to describe the creative process that we are an integral part of to receiving whatever we desire. Abraham explains how to manifest everything we desire in our lives, giving processes that help lead us in the direction of what we want.

"Life is supposed to be fun, you know" (Hicks, 305).

These three books are all very powerful and helpful on your path towards enlightenment and spiritual growth. They are each unique yet touch upon the same basic fundamentals of the Universe. They vary greatly in focus and depth, but are equally valuable and informative. If you or someone you know is looking to begin their spiritual journey towards self growth and enlightenment, these books are the perfect place to begin. Read them, digest them and live what they have taught you, you won't regret it!

Sources:

Dyer, Wayne W. The Power of Intention: Learning to Co-Create Your World Your Way. Hay House, 2004

Hicks, Esther and Jerry. Ask and It Is Given. Hay House, 2006

Ruiz, Don Miguel. The Four Agreements. Amber-Allen Publishing, 1997.