Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, there’s always more to learn when it comes to meditation. There are so many different types of meditation: analytical, mindfulness, movement, loving-kindness, insight (or Vipassana), just to name a few. So you’ll never run out of new ways to grow your practice.
In this blog we share the best meditation books, written in plain English, for cultivating a daily meditation practice, enhancing well-being, and staying in the present moment through your everyday life.
1. How to Meditate by Pema Chödrön
“When something is bothering you—a person is bugging you, a situation is irritating you, or physical pain is bothering you—you must work with your mind, and that is done through meditation. Working with our mind is the only means through which we’ll actually begin to feel happy and contented with the world that we live in.” —Pema Chödrön
Pema Chödrön, an American-born Tibetan Buddhist nun, provides a thorough guide to a variety of meditation techniques. Her step-by-step instructions demonstrate to readers the power of letting go, embracing reality, and living life to its fullest. Pema Chödrön expertly leads us through recipes for well-balanced meditation practice, the art of calm abiding (shamatha), and how to constructively shift perspective on our thoughts and emotions.
2. The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh
“People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don’t even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child—our own two eyes. All is a miracle.” —Thich Nhat Hanh
Thich Nhat Hanh was a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, peace activist, and prolific author known for his teachings on mindfulness, compassion, and socially engaged Buddhism. In The Miracle of Mindfulness, he describes the power of mindfulness meditation and how to integrate a mindful attitude into everyday life. From washing dishes to peeling an orange, Thich Nhat Hanh teaches us that there is always an opportunity for us to slow down, become fully aware, and accept our present situation.
Another gem by Thich Nhat Hanh is The Art of Living, which delves into how other key Buddhist meditation practices can enhance our well-being.
3. The Heart of Meditation by the Dalai Lama
“If, with a warm heart and patience, we can consider the views of others and exchange ideas in calm discussion, we will find points of agreement. It is our responsibility—out of love and compassion for humankind—to seek harmony among nations, ideologies, cultures, ethnic groups, and economic and political systems.” —His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In his book, The Heart of Meditation, he masterfully highlights the complementary roles of compassion and wisdom in Buddhist meditation. The Dalai Lama provides clear instructions for connecting with our innermost awareness, and how to live in the present moment with a clear mind. His instructions are suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners alike.
4. Zen Mind, Beginners Mind by Shunryu Suzuki
“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.” —Shunryu Suzuki
Shunryu Suzuki’s classic book is a cornerstone of Zen Buddhism, offering profound insights while using simple, accessible language. This book emphasizes the importance of maintaining a “beginner’s mind”: letting go of preconceptions to fully open your mind with attention and curiosity. Suzuki Roshi presents the details of meditation postures, breathwork, and the perception of non-duality in this remarkably clear and insightful meditation classic.
5. Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn
“Give yourself permission to allow this moment to be exactly as it is, and allow yourself to be exactly as you are.” —Jon Kabat-Zinn
Jon Kabat-Zinn demystifies mindfulness meditation in this practical guide for cultivating mindfulness in one’s own life. This book is full of insights and exercises to help you stay in the present moment, reduce stress, and make the most of life’s quiet moments. Wherever You Go, There You Are is a great book for a new generation of readers interested in finding their true self.
6. How to Train a Happy Mind by Scott Snibbe (foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama)
“For Buddhists, meditation’s deeper purpose is to strengthen the positive qualities we all naturally possess, like openness, compassion, kindness, generosity, patience, gratitude, and joy. The type of meditation that actively steers your mind toward these qualities is called analytical meditation.” —Scott Snibbe
Eager to share the life-enhancing benefits he found in Buddhism, skeptic Scott Snibbe presents an 8-step program that allows anyone to build positive mental habits. Inspired by Tibetan Buddhism, yet firmly grounded in modern science, How to Train a Happy Mind is the first mainstream book to show how to achieve happiness using analytical meditation.
Breaking the path to enlightenment into clear steps and written in a relatable tone, this is the ideal book for the modern person interested in meditation.
7. Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation by Sharon Salzberg
“Meditation is a microcosm, a model, a mirror. The skills we practice when we sit are transferable to the rest of our lives.” ―Sharon Salzberg
Sharon Salzberg, a prominent meditation teacher, offers a 28-day program backed by Western science and ancient wisdom to cultivate the power of meditation. Real Happiness is a complete guide that explains how and why meditation works. Its twelve meditation practices are easy to learn and immediately beneficial, including mindfulness meditation and walking meditation.
8. 10% Happier by Dan Harris
“There’s no point in being unhappy about things you can’t change, and no point being unhappy about things you can.” ―Dan Harris
Former ABC news anchor Dan Harris chronicles his journey from skepticism to discovering the transformative power of meditation in his #1 New York Times Bestseller, 10% Happier. He blends neuroscience, spirituality, and practical meditation techniques, making them accessible and applicable to everyday life. Through relatable anecdotes and insightful research, Harris shows how small, mindful practices can lead to significant changes in our lives.
9. Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana
“Somewhere in this process, you will come face to face with the sudden and shocking realization that you are completely crazy. Your mind is a shrieking, gibbering madhouse on wheels barreling pell-mell down the hill, utterly out of control and helpless. No problem.” —Bhante Henepola Gunaratana
Bhante Henepola Gunaratana’s book offers a clear, straightforward guide to the benefits of meditation and how to start a regular practice. It’s perfect for beginners interested in Buddhism who are looking to develop a deeper understanding of their mind, inner peace, and clarity. This book is an excellent resource for anyone seeking to integrate meditation into their daily life.
10. How to Meditate: A Practical Guide by Kathleen Mcdonald
“Meditation should be a satisfying and productive experience, not a burden.” ―Kathleen McDonald
Western Buddhist nun Kathleen McDonald shares a comprehensive resource for both beginners and experienced meditators that offers step-by-step instructions on Tibetan Buddhism’s powerful, authentic meditation techniques. Her approach is practical and insightful, helping readers seamlessly integrate meditation into their daily routines for increased peace and mindfulness. McDonald draws on years of experience to provide nuanced advice, making this book a valuable tool for those looking to deepen their meditation practice.
11. Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson
“How about making a personal commitment never to go to sleep without having meditated that day, even if for just one minute?” ―Rick Hanson
Rick Hanson is a psychologist, Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, and a New York Times best-selling author. In Buddha’s Brain, Hanson blends ancient Buddhist teachings with modern neuroscience, offering practical techniques to rewire our brain for greater emotional well-being, more fulfilling relationships, and spiritual insights. Readers will learn many exercises they can use in everyday life that harness the unused potential of the brain and rewire it over time toward its greatest potential for good.
12. Meditation for Beginners by Jack Kornfield
“To meditate is to discover new possibilities, to awaken the capacities of us has to live more wisely, more lovingly, more compassionately, and more fully.” —Jack Kornfield
Jack Kornfield, a renowned meditation teacher, offers a straightforward approach to beginning a meditation practice. His clear instructions demonstrate how to use breathing, posture, and attention to enter a meditative state. Kornfield’s writing is both accessible and practical, drawing on his extensive experience to make meditation come alive for newcomers. He breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring that even those new to meditation can benefit. With his guidance, readers will learn to cultivate a sense of calm and focus, making meditation a valuable tool for everyday life.
Bonus: Audiobooks and Podcasts
For those who prefer listening rather than reading, many of these titles are available as audiobooks on Amazon.
Additionally, podcasts by meditation teachers like Dan Harris, Scott Snibbe, and Tara Brach can provide weekly inspiration and fresh guided meditations to support your practice.
Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris
On this show, Dan talks with eminent meditation teachers, top scientists, and celebrities. Guests include everyone from His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Brené Brown to Karamo from Queer Eye. This podcast offers practical advice on integrating mindfulness and meditation into everyday life.
How to Train a Happy Mind with Scott Snibbe
How to Train a Happy Mind draws on modern science and psychology to bring the ancient inner science of Buddhist meditation to twenty-first century people hungry for happy, meaningful lives. It bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary living, offering practical tools to cultivate mindfulness and fulfillment in today’s world.
Tara Brach
Tara Brach, Ph.D. is an internationally known meditation teacher and author of the bestselling Radical Acceptance and True Refuge. She shares a weekly guided meditation and talk that blends Western psychology and Eastern spiritual practices.
For a full list of our recommended meditation podcasts, click here!
Whether you are new to the practice of meditation or looking to deepen your discipline, these bestsellers offer valuable insights and practical guides, making them essential companions on your meditation journey. Let us know which book you’ve found most helpful in your meditation journey!
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