One of the most common reasons for embarking on a personal retreat is to re-discover our spirituality. And most often, we do this outside of a religious context. Here is a list of suggested spiritual readings to guide you on your way. Please feel free to share your recommendations.
The Tao Te Ching interpreted by Robert Brookes. This is an accessible translation that maintains the spirit and flow of the original text.
The Dhammpapada: timeless teachings of the Buddha translated by Eknath Easwaran, with a comprehensive introduction and helpful chapter notes.
The Gospel of Jesus issued by the Jesus Seminar, combines the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Thomas in one volume.
A highly readable edition of The Bhagavad Gita by Barbara Stoler Miller.
The wisdom of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus translated by Sharon Lebell.
The Hsin-Hsin Ming, a poem by Seng-t’san considered to be the first Chinese Zen document, translated by Richard B. Clarke.
The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, translated by Gregory Hays.
A contemporary version of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes translated by Rami Shapiro.
The earliest teachings of the Buddha on living in the present moment, beautifully translated by Thich Nhat Hanh with commentary.
A modern classic on mindfulness by Eckhart Tolle.
Dr. Carl Gustav Jung’s treatise on the ability of individuals to resist the collective forces of society.