Hermes, Buddha, Jesus, Rumi, etc; spiritual teachers have been with us for as long as the world has been around. We have read their books, listened to their word (as songs or poetry), and created religions around them. They are vital for the evolution of the human soul as they provide necessary wisdom to help us move forward in our spiritual journeys.

Spiritual teachers also happen to be different. There is no “one size fits all,” and each provides golden nuggets in one area or the other. Eckhart Tolle will teach about the power of the present moment, while Neville Goddard teaches about the power of imagination. Owing to their differences, we have compiled a list of the ten best spiritual teachers to help you on your own spiritual journey.

1. Allan Watts

Born in 1915 in Chislehurst, England, Allan Watts would become a controversial spiritual teacher and somewhat of a cult leader in the west. He was a renowned philosopher who popularized Zen Buddhism in the West, creating “a fascinating entry into the deepest ways of knowing.” Allan asserted that “Zen is the liberation of the mind and not a rebellion against convention.”

Other than his teachings, he is also renowned for his pivotal book The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety. We recommend him for anyone who desires to learn Zen Buddhism.

2. Eckhart Tolle

Best known for his bestseller, The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle offers a wondrous perspective about the trappings of the egoic mind. He insists that all problems stem from the mind, and it is until we can go beyond it (the egoic mind) to the seat of consciousness that we can find peace, love, and joy. He also provides a pragmatic approach to practicing his teachings in his book Practicing the Power of Now.

Oprah Winfrey is a big fan, and he is one spiritual teacher we recommend for anyone struggling with the egoic mind.

3. Wayne Dyer

Wayne Dyer happens to be the father of motivation focusing on self-empowerment. He centers on positive thinking as a means of creating the life you desire. For quite some time, Wayne resisted what he would later call his true calling-spiritual work. He is also a prolific writer with over 30 books but is best known for Wishes Fulfilled: Mastering the Art of Manifesting. The book teaches about your amazing manifesting powers. Though he might seem a bit woo-woo, his work is pretty grounded.

4. Neville Goddard

If you are interested in understanding the power of your imagination, Neville Goddard is the spiritual teacher for you. Neville teaches us to discipline our minds by focusing on our desires. Somewhat pragmatically, he provides techniques that we can follow to manifest our dreams or longings. He also happened to be a prolific author, with blockbusters such as The Power of Awareness, and Feeling is the Secret.

5. Rhonda Byrne

If you have read The Secret, then in a sense you know what Rhonda Byrne is about. Rhonda is a spiritual teacher who focusses on the Law of Attraction. Her teachings are straightforward, and we recommend them for people who are starting their spiritual journey. She also happens to be a TV producer and has been on Time Magazine’s list of 100 people who shape the world.

6. Deepak Chopra

Deepak marries spirituality and science and specifically medicine. However, he is multi-faceted focusing on meditation and history of most spiritual teachers. He has written over 50 books with The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success being on the New York best seller list for more than 72 weeks.

7. Abraham Hicks

We channel in all sort of ways from meditation, prayer, or when we are in “the zone.” Abraham too happens to be a source energy that Esther Hicks can channel. Abraham is an infinite intelligence that flows through Esther Hicks or as Jerry describes them the “the purest form of love I have ever experienced.”

If you so desire to meet the source, then Abraham is the spiritual teacher for you.

8. Barbara Marx Hubbard

Referred to as “the voice for conscious evolution of our time” by Deepak Chopra, Barbara Hubbard is credited for bringing futurist concepts into society. Her teachings were so influential that she was nominated for Vice President by the Democratic party in 1984. She believes in creating a peace room where we can build better connections as humans, and also achieving Christ-like consciousness as we are endowed with Christ-like powers.

9. Jaggi Vasudev

Commonly known as Sadhguru, Jaggi Vasudev is the founder of the Isha foundation which has gone to garner millions of followers worldwide. He is an Indian Yogi and author who teaches about life and inner change. He has spoken in places such as Google, UN, Harvard, and Oxford.

His primary focus is in acceptance of things as they are. He encourages us to accept what we do not know, to speak only of what is in our experience, and to accept things as they are, not as we wish them to be.

10. Neale Donald Walsch

Spiritual teachers have gone on to change the world, but few have had the same impact as Neale Donald Walsch. Famous for the Conversations with God trilogy, Neale redefined religion and God in a way never thought of before. Similar to Esther Hicks, he could channel God into what would culminate as the three books.

His teaching emphasizes our interconnectedness with the divine and that God is always communicating with us if only we are willing to listen. He teaches that Love is all there is and that we are the creators of our realities. He also went on to write The Only Thing That Matters and What God Said.

There are many more spiritual teachers who could on this list, but these are the top ten. If there is a spiritual teacher we missed, let us know in the comments below.

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Some people argue that the secret to success is having a grand vision, above par intelligence, learning from failure, and luck. Though these are important and do play a role, the real secret lies in your mind, and specifically your subconscious mind.

The subconscious mind regulates body functions from breathing and heartbeat. However, it also governs the mind through the reticular activating system. The RAS acts as a filter of the more than 8 million bits of information flowing through your brain. Only relevant information enters the cerebrum and further converted into conscious thought.

But this begs the question, what does the RAS consider relevant? Well, whatever is important to you. So by keeping your desires top of your mind, your subconscious mind will work towards getting them. Below are five ways you can hack your subconscious mind to get what you want.

1. Meditation

One of the ways to hack your subconscious mind is to meditate. Researchers at Harvard found that meditation increases the cortical thickness of the hippocampus which is responsible for learning and memory. Thus you learning new skills will be a breeze and you will retain more of what you read.

Moreover, it reduces fear, anxiety, and stress, by decreasing the cell volume in the amygdala. Finally, seeing as meditation involves focusing on the same object for extended periods, it improves concentration and cognitive skills.

2. Hack your Subconscious Mind through Positive Reinforcement

Neurons that fire together, wire together.

When neurons in our brain communicate, they create a neural pathway connecting distant parts of our brains. One common path is the reward pathway that automatically encourages us to seek activities essential for survival.

Positive reinforcement releases dopamine which strengthens the pathway thus driving the desire to do that activity again and again. We are compelled to repeat the thought-word-action pattern leading to success.

So, change your alarm message to “YOU ARE GREAT,” read books and listen to music/podcasts that bring you positivity and hopefulness. Keep an inspirational note on your computer, and make your newsfeed a place that catalyzes your growth.

3. Positive Affirmations

Another way to hack your subconscious mind is through positive affirmations. According to Dr. Phil Shapiro, “they work by implanting powerful commands in your subconscious mind, which, over time, reprogram it at the core level.”

Therefore, make a definitive statement about yourself daily, as if it is already true. Over time, your subconscious mind will take over and start acting by those beliefs.

4. Visualization

Visualization is one of the ways athletes hack their subconscious minds. They visualize running a course in a particular time and are later able to accomplish the feat. Visualization stimulates the same region of the brain as when we act. Lifting your right arm and visualizing lifting your right arm stimulate the same area.

If you can envisage yourself as successful, your mind will subconscious mind will process that as reality.

Seeing is believing.

5. Start a Gratitude Journal

Finally, hack your unconscious mind by starting a gratitude journal. The fastest way to put yourself in a headspace where you have over want is to practice gratitude. Appreciating what you have is shifts your mindset to one where you are satisfied, and magnetizes abundance to you.

Once you believe you have enough, you will receive more and more.

Wrapping Up

Hacking your subconscious mind takes practice. Don’t feel the need to put all the methods above into action simultaneously. Pick what works for you, and incorporate the rest as you advance.

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Unlike any other human resource, you cannot borrow, save or store time. We have the same hours each day, and it’s only until you understand the importance of time, that you realize you must manage it to live your best life.

But how often do you spend time overthinking, fearing, distracted, and procrastinating? How many hours are you spending on things you shouldn’t? It’s easier said than done, if you don’t know what to spend less time on. Below are 8 things you must spend less time on to live a truly great life.

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1. Spend Less Time on Distractions

Distractions surround us, rarely do we realise how tempting and damaging they are. With social media, television, video games, music, etc.. you can quickly lose track of your time. You could be working, and you are tempted to check twitter and snap – 30 minutes are gone.. According to Roy Morgan, the average Australian spends 6 hours on social media a week, while the average American spends 11 hours per day on social media.

Distractions result in forgetfulness, waste your time, and reduce your productivity. To avoid them, plan your day, break down tasks for simplicity, focus on one thing at a time, and create a focused workspace.

2. Self-Doubt

“Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt.” Shakespeare

Self-doubt is that persuasive voice in your head that says you can’t achieve your desires and it is one of the things to spend less time on for a better life. It damages your will and drive to move forward, results in procrastination which is the thief of time, you miss out on opportunities, and it kills personal growth.

To overcome self-doubt, open yourself to more opportunities: more yeses, and fewer nos. By doing so, you develop an iron will to go after what you want.

3. Procrastination

We are not strangers to procrastination. We are familiar with it, only that some are lucky to identify it in time, but unfortunately for others, it steals their time and dreams.

Procrastination not only steals your time but your health, your wealth and your success. Spend less time on it, lest you blow your opportunities, ruin your career, or worse damage your reputation. You can conquer procrastination by getting organised, planning your day, and timing yourself.

4. Spend Less Time Fearing Failure

Also known as “atychiphobia,” the fear of failure is when we stop doing things that move us closer to our goals because we are afraid we might not succeed. Fear of failure has many causes from unsupportive parents or a traumatic event. Nonetheless, it is one of the things to spend less time on for a great life.

Instead of being intimidated by failure, ask yourself: What if I succeed? That should be enough motivation to keep you going.

5. Vacillating

Vacillating is to waver in mind. Always questioning your decisions. Do you ever have questions such as: is this the right career for me? Is this the right business to pursue? Is this the girl for me? This is vacillating.

Once you make a decision, be committed to it. Never back down even if there are a few scary moments and it is best you decide based on core values. Will it improve the mastery of your passion, your freedom, and your relationship with other people?

6. Spend Less Time on Delusions

Have you heard of the “smoking crack bias?” It is where one thinks they will never smoke their crack only to become the worst addicts. The same happens in life, whether in business or your career. You delude yourself that your product solves a problem when it doesn’t cut it.

We recommend being the scientist of your life. Do not take anything at face value and dissect your performance, your business idea, your product to know whether it meets the requisite standards.

7. Un-healthy Lifestyle

If you want to live a great life, it starts here. You have to give up the unhealthy lifestyle. An unhealthy lifestyle leads to fatigue, increases irritability, increases stress and depression, causes poor mental health, and finally reduces your ability to think clearly and work efficiently.

The good news is that a healthy lifestyle requires only two things: a healthy diet, and physical activity.

8. Lack of Self-Discipline

Self-discipline involves acting according to what is right and not following your impulses. It is sacrificing immediate pleasure for what matters most in life. However, most lack this skill resulting in a life that is in complete disarray.

To cultivate self-discipline, start small. It could be doing your dishes after every meal, or making your bed every morning. These small rituals result in trained self-discipline, and eventually, you’ll become naturally capable of doing what should be done.

Conclusion

If any or all the signs check out, fear not as you can change. Seeing as you’ve acknowledged these traits, you are well on your way to step away from this state.

Follow the steps provided, to live a great life.

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Failure and unexpected setbacks can result in us feeling down. Moreover, re-living the tragedies (something we are often guilty of) can affect our performance in the future leading us down a dark rabbit hole.

Failure and unexpected setbacks are not the only issues that can have us feeling down, but there is a consensus that feeling sad is no way to live.

Feeling down is acceptable, but remaining in a state of depression is not healthy. Here are some few ways you can pick yourself up.

Focus on the Positives

According to a study by British Columbia, individuals are more likely to remember emotional occurrences, particularly negative ones. This explains why we look at the world through a negative lens. However, if you are to bring yourself back up, you have to be optimistic.

Think about the great things in your life from your family, and friends to the small things such as having food and a roof over your head. We also recommend journaling as it enables you to remember the positive things in your life. Furthermore, it (journaling) reduces stress and clarifies your thoughts and feelings.

Make a To-Do-List

Often, you become overwhelmed owing to the sheer number of things you have to do. Trying to remember everything is a mental burden and tasks seem unfeasible when held mentally for too long.

Creating a to-do-list releases you from the burden of having to remember everything. Also, you can break-up the tasks into small achievable chunks. There is also the bonus of accomplishment when you cross-off an item from the list.

When Feeling Down, Change your Perception

Perception is an attitude, a mental position that determines how you react to a stimulus. It is how you see the world. However, similar to how you can adjust the angle of a photo, you can change your mental position.

Yes, you may not have the money to buy a new car, but you can change your perception and start appreciating the vehicle you have.

Yes, you may not be in a position to move to a better neighborhood, but why not be grateful that you have a roof over your head.

Physical Activity

John J. Ratey, a Harvard Medical School psychiatrist, insists that every day there is more and more evidence that exercise is the best way to treat mild depression. Moreover, exercising releases endorphins that are a feel-good factor.

Therefore, when feeling down, go for a jog, join an exercise group or even lift weights at the gym. You can take up a sport (preferably football, baseball, or tennis), and ensure you add walking to your daily routine.

Change your Self-Talk

We are always talking to ourselves. Self-talk is that voice that says you look good when you look in the mirror. It is the voice that has you believing you will ace that test. However, 80% of all self-talk is negative, and most people don’t realise what they are saying to themselves is what has them feeling down

Engaging in positive self-talk, on the other hand, introduces positive thoughts that save you from depression. Tell yourself you are worthy of joy, fulfillment, and happiness. Look in the mirror and remind yourself of something you are proud of. Finally, list the things you are proud of and go back to that list when feeling down.

Live in the Moment

The feeling of being down is often caused by ruminating over the past or worrying about the future.

Rarely does the present moment cause depression or anxiety. Eckhart Tolle insists that human suffering is the result of us living in our minds instead of the present moment. Living in the past results in pain for something you did or did not do while the future results in fear owing to uncertainty.

However, the present moment lifts you and connects you to the calm of our essential being.

Talk to a Friend

Friends are there for the good and tough times, you’ll need them even more when feeling down. Therefore, ask a friend out to lunch and talk about what is bothering you.

You might get solutions to your problems but getting things off your chest also makes a huge difference. You can also ask them to talk about the positives in your life, or how your life is better than you think.

Interacting with friends releases endorphins in the system and will give you a lift.

Wrapping Up

Feeling down is only human, but staying down is not. Get started on one of the actions above to lift yourself. Finally, we love hearing from our readers so leave a comment below and do share.

Never Be Afraid To Be The Real You

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Telling apart a spiritual master from pretentious teachers is an arduous task.

First, we can’t take everything at face value, as any ragtag and bobtail can claim to be a spiritual master.

Moreover, most confuse gurus for spiritual masters. While the former will teach you the ways of this world, a spiritual master has freed themselves from the worldly desires. They will not only guide you through tough times but if you are willing, they will put you on a path of enlightenment.

Should you come across one, you will notice these traits of a spiritual master..

1. Spiritual Masters Are Free From Attachment

One trait of a spiritual master is that they are non-attached. No, not indifferent, only that they do not derive value from worldly or materialistic things.

You can tell an indifferent individual from an enlightened fellow in that the former is insensitive and dispassionate about the world while the latter still loves, is passionate, and excited about things around him without being attached to them. Instead, a true master recognizes the temporary nature of worldly possessions and chooses to focus on embellishing his heart and soul.

2. They Do Not Judge

You can recognize an awakened fellow by their non-judgmental nature. It is one of the traits of a spiritual master. Judging a person boils down to the fact that they have a character that does not tickle our fancy. It is natural for we cannot know what acceptance is without being judgmental.

A spiritual master though accepts you as you are. They recognize you are unique, that that’s what makes you beautiful and they embrace and love everything about you.

3. They Are One With Nature

Another trait of a spiritual master is that they are one with nature. Unlike the world around that treats nature as a resource to be exploited, a master appreciates every part of it. They understand the interconnectedness of all life and that the world is our common home. They treat nature with respect and live as equal participants realizing that we are all children of the universe.

4. A Spiritual Master Is The Embodiment Of Love

I believe that all the other traits of a spiritual master flow from the fact they are the personification of love. Unlike most people who find it challenging to love unreservedly, enlightened folks love unconditionally. They have a deep appreciation for all people and nature and understand that love is the universal language. Understood by man and nature alike.

5. Spiritual Masters Are Sensitive But Non-Reactive

Feelings are overwhelming. How often can a person offend you without you defending yourself? We have perfected the art of giving people a taste of our minds whenever we are affronted. We are quite sensitive but explosive. As a countermeasure, we choose to numb ourselves to the world.

However, another trait of a spiritual master is that they are sensitive but non-reactive. They have managed to cultivate the perfect balance and are at a point where they understand that not everything needs a reaction. They let the emotions flow through them without generating a reaction.

6. Teaching Others Is Natural

Rumi was a spiritual master back in the 13^th century who blessed us with poetry. However, it was his student who wrote down his poems, and often Rumi could not remember what he taught. This is characteristic of any spiritual master. They speak from the heart and teaching comes to them naturally. They engage with others effortlessly, and their lessons resonate with most folks.

Wrapping Up

Spiritual masters are rare, but that should not keep you from looking for one. Though we cannot all be at their level of understanding, there is a lot we can learn from them for a truly fulfilling life.

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Stephen Hawking, Albert Einstein, Judit Polgar, and Garry Kasparov. If any of the above names ring a bell, then you are aware of their success and their contribution to the advancement of humanity.

Stephen Hawking is renowned for his contribution to the “Big Bang Theory,” and discoveries in theoretical physics. Albert Einstein is famous for jumpstarting theoretical physics and his theory of relativity. The latter two; Kasparov, and Polgar are chess grandmasters.

What these individuals all had in common was high IQs which contributed greatly to their success.

Even though a high IQ does help, there is much more to achieving success than simply being smart. You too can outperform your IQ by upgrading these habits.

Read, read, read.

Other than experience nothing beats studying when it comes to outperforming your IQ. It helps you expand your mind, understand yourself, and comprehend the world around us. Studying also happens to be the first step towards developing a new skill as you learn from the past, understand the present, and prepare for the future.

Furthermore, you learn what works and what doesn’t, saving you from potential pitfalls. Finally, it fires up your brain, increases your confidence and betters your interpersonal skills. All necessary ingredients for success.

Focus to Outperform your IQ

“Quality requires attention” Eckhart Tolle

Focus rarely gets the recognition it deserves when it comes to success or growth. There is a lot of talk about teamwork, motivation, and hard work, but seldom about focus when it is the foundation to everything.

First, focus is the gateway to thinking. It influences your decision making, problem solving, perception, and memory. Also, paying attention increases your efficiency resulting in quality work.

To improve your focus and outperform your IQ, master your technology (phones, and tablets), create a focused workspace and de-clutter your mind.

Tenacity

It took John Legend 6 years from 1998 to 2004 before he could get his big break. Most people would have given up because they did not have what it takes. Because they lacked tenacity. Tenacity is the determination, persistence, and perseverance in the pursuit of a goal and it is vital if you are to outperform your IQ.

First, it allows you to place short-term difficulties in the context of the long term goal. It enables you to see beyond an obstacle and perceive it as a learning opportunity. Finally, it is what will keep you going to outperform your IQ.

Face your fears

”Underneath the raised sword, there’s hell, but fear not, for bliss awaits on the other side.” Allan Watts

Fear is natural and justified as it helped keep us alive through evolution. However, you have to overcome it if you are to outperform your IQ. Facing your fears enables you to develop resilience, and thus you can do things you only have dreamed of. It allows you to fall and bounce back. You are okay with failure as you can see the bigger picture, and it is the only way to live your best life.

Work Harder to Outperform your IQ

The harder you work, the luckier you become.

Though hard work and tenacity are closely related, they are different. Tenacity is the drive to keep going while hard work is putting in more effort.

However hard work is more mental than heavy lifting. It is doing the things that don’t register with consistency and quality. Put your back into those tasks that don’t inspire you as they are vital to your goal, i.e., to outperform your IQ.

Wrapping Up

A high IQ surely does help, but there is more to success. A growth mindset makes it possible for you to learn and grow to outperform your IQ.

We love hearing from you so leave your thoughts in the comments below, and do share.

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Technology and social media were created to serve us, improve our lives, and increase our interconnectedness.

Social media also felt like a novelty, and we were all dying to join.

However, social sites that were first designed to improve our lives, quickly became our masters.

When was the last time you went a whole week or even a day without checking your social media?

How does the thought of a social media detox feel?..

Well, if you feel distressed or depressed at the idea of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram vanishing, then you might need a detox.. Below are some mindful benefits to get you started..

Social Media Detox

1. End the comparison cycle

Reality is lost on social media, as people are showcasing the best aspects of themselves over their real selves.

This quickly triggers self-disdain as we second guess our appearance, skill set, and even our personality.

The comparison cycle is supported by scientific research that discovered people who use social media often are likely to compare themselves with others resulting in a negative impact on self-esteem.

A social media detox breaks the comparison cycle and reconnects you with the remarkable things about yourself and in your life.

2. Break the narcissistic tendencies

Wait, what? Yes, social media provides the conditions to develop narcissistic behavior, and a social media detox will curtail that affect.

Social sites allow us to self-promote, cultivate a particular image, and present ourselves to other people seeking their approval.

The approval comes in likes and shares on Facebook Reels, upvotes on Reddit, and retweets on Twitter and this reward system leads to a situation where it is all about your satisfaction and gratification.

3. Social media detox will better your mood

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media sites are a quick way to reconnect with friends and might seem like an excellent way to improve your mood.

However, a recent study revealed that increased social media use resulted in increased depression.

One reason is that we are perusing other’s curated photos and thus we fill inferior in comparison, and the more disconnected we are from the real world.

By and large, if you feel depressed or stressed out, it is high time you cut your social media use. You will feel much happier when you break the cycle.

4. Reconnect with the real world

We need person-to-person contact, and though Facebook preaches increased interconnectedness, in reality, it drives a wedge between people.

People who spend more time online are more likely to have weakened immunity and feel isolated and lonely in the ‘real world.’

Well, the good news is you can improve your mood by going out in public, or meeting like-minded people.

It is also high time to start a social media detox as it allows you to live in the moment, and to free up time to develop new skills or enjoy that hobby you’ve been putting off.

5. A social media detox will protect your privacy

We are social creatures, and there is nothing new to sharing what we do.

However, social media is insidious in that we have lost control over who we share our privacy with..

It might seem inconsequential, someone discovering a few facts about you; but we see the trees and miss sight of the forest, in that someone can create a penetrating profile about us going through the information we put online; thus we are unguarded against manipulation.

The best way to protect your privacy, is to delete your sensitive information and take a social media detox.

Of course, it is not all doom and gloom with social media, but there are instances the cons outweigh the pros, and it is in such cases we encourage a social media detox

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My spiritual journey began with a chance encounter with the book Conversations With God Book 1.

Ever since, I’ve had a high regard for books on spirituality; and as Francis Bacon aptly put; “Some books should be tasted, some devoured, but only a few should be chewed and digested thoroughly.”

These ten books on spirituality are those you should devour and take your time to truly digest, and internalize the teachings. They are for spiritual beginners, as well as people further along on their spiritual journey.

1. Conversations with God: An Uncommon Dialogue, Book 1

If you were to read only one spirituality book on this list, then let it be Conversations With God Book 1. Authored by Neale Donald Walsch, this work is truly life-changing.

The author has a different take on what God is, and the work is easy to follow and understand the subject.

The book tackles common questions, from money, to love, to why the world is the way it is. It also offers answers on how you can live a better and more fulfilling life.

2. The Power of Now

Authored by Eckhart Tolle (of course Eckhart had to be on this list), the book recognizes how we are preoccupied with the future, or burdened by the past and urges us to come back to the present moment.

It also teaches us to go beyond the mind-consciousness to the true self; for letting go of the mental insanity is the first step to enlightenment. It is also great for people on the hunt for a self-help book that will alleviate depression and anxiety.

3. A New Earth

“Every Ego wants to be special. If it can’t be special by being superior to others, it’s especially happy with being miserable.” Eckhart Tolle.

A New Earth is another of Tolle’s work but one that revolves around letting go of your ego. It gained popularity thanks in part to being recommended by Oprah, A New Earth is a must read if you wish to reduce your inner & outer conflict.

4. The 40 Rules of Love

The 40 Rules of Love is not as famous as our other top picks, but it’s just as good as any of the other books on spirituality.

It is more of a fictional work, albeit with a lot of spiritual teachings.

It is an excellent work on Love, with a beautiful story, “Fantabulous” quotes, and is a valuable educational experience.

5. The Untethered Soul

Written by Michael A. Singer, The Untethered Soul gives a perfect example of how we are lost in a dreamlike state.

It is one of the best books on spirituality, if you want to understand how your mind runs your life and what you can do to get out of that illusion and get to the seat of the soul; to consciousness.

6. The Secret

The Secret focuses on the law of attraction and teaches us how we can use it in our day to day lives.

One takeaway from the book is that you can have virtually anything you focus your energy on.

Therefore, be sure to focus on whatever you desire and not what you don’t want.

7. The Tao Te Ching

The Tao Te Ching is a 4^th Century  B.C. work by the founder of Taoism, Lao Tzu, and offers insights on duality, balance, compassion, etc; lessons that are still applicable today. As far as classics are concerned, it takes the cake.

The book seeks harmony and will free you from the caustic effects of greed, desire, and judgmental thinking. The Tao Te Ching is both a quick read and a long study, you will gain much from both.

8. The Celestine Prophecy

If you can get over the fact that it is not well-written, you will appreciate the wealth of ideas in The Celestine Prophecy.

Unlike, The Power of Now, it encourages you to look at yourself both in the present and the Future, while also offering insights on how to take a more positive and active approach.

If you like spiritual books with a tad of fiction, then check out The Celestine Prophecy.

9. The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success

Deepak Chopra is renowned for his ability to take Vedic teachings and present them to a western audience.

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success happens to be one of his best works and emphasizes the importance of success.

The laws themselves aren’t groundbreaking but rather, familiar, but that is precisely what makes it appealing; the fact that they are easy to relate to.

10. The Alchemist

The Alchemist is more than a book and has taken on a life of its own, inspiring movements across the globe.

Santiago’s Journey, as he pursues his legend, is one most of us can relate to, and the book shows how the universe conspires to help you achieve your dreams.

It is well written with tons of spiritual lessons to absorb, no wonder it’s gained such a cult following.

It is only when the student is ready that the master appears.

So if you have found your path to this list, welcome, and we hope that you have found what you are looking for. If you wish to recommend any books on spirituality, please share with us in the comments below and may joy and peace find you every minute of every day.

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The 7 Hermetic Principles: The Ancients Guide to Spiritual Self-Mastery

The universe is built and runs on laws. The sun rises in the east sets in the west, and an apple falls, while a butterfly flies. These laws are ever constant and certain, and for millennia, the wisest among us have been united in pursuit of knowledge about them and how we can use them to live a more fulfilling life.

This pursuit would culminate in the seven Hermetic principles.

The Principle of Mentalism: All is mind, the universe is mental

The principle of mentalism is understanding that everything exists in the mind of THE ALL, and all that is was once a thought. By and large, the mind is the operating system. This knowledge enables one to apply their mental faculty to leverage all the other laws.

Therefore, to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life, you must recognize the power of your mind and use it to create the experience you want. For thoughts become things, and there is nothing under heaven that is not subject to the shaping spirit of your imagination.

The Principle of Correspondence: As above so below; as below so above

Your external experience is solely a reflection of your inner world (as within so without) and one has to change for their life to change. Remember that every negative experience starts from within before it can manifest externally, and the only way to improve this is to alter your inner world.

First, take responsibility for everything in your life, for it is only from the acceptance that you can be able to change part of it. Next, transform your inner world despite the condition of your external world. Maintain a state of positivity and cheerfulness, and eventually, the pieces will start falling into place. Your outside world will in due course change to reflect your inner world.

The Principle of Vibration: Nothing rests, everything moves, everything vibrates

Everything that is, is in constant motion, and the only difference between different manifestations (matter, energy, spirit) is their level of vibration.

You too are in constant movement, and the state of your thoughts and emotions determine your rate of vibration; whether you are pulsing at a higher level or lower level. Lower vibrations manifest in negative experiences while higher vibrations manifest in pleasant experiences, and the ability to achieve desires faster. This incredible phenomenon is evident in masters who can change forms of energy by altering their vibration — otherwise known as miracles.

You too can raise your vibration for a better life by acts of kindness, watching your thoughts, or finding something beautiful and truly appreciating it.

The Principle of Polarity | Hermetic Principles

Polarity personifies that everything is dual; everything has opposites, only that the opposites aren’t opposing but complementary. The only difference is the degree. They are two sides of the same coin.

Take hot and cold, they might seem different, but they are a measure of the same thing, temperature, tall and short are a measure of height, and the only difference is the degree. This principle is vital since you can change an emotion by varying the degree. Change hate into love, anger into peace.

The Principle of Rhythm | Hermetic Principles

“Everything flows, out an in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall; the pendulum-swing manifests in everything; the measure of the swing to the right is a measure of the swing to the left; rhythm compensates.” – The Kybalion

The principle of rhythm is evident in all areas; from the rise and fall of nations and dynasties to the changing seasons (winter to summer and back again). Even in our personal lives where we see highs and lows. Take how a period of enthusiasm results in a period of depression, or how fear ensues a period of courage.

Nothing escapes the pendulum motion. Understanding the Principle of Rhythm helps one attain mastery over their emotions and moods despite their external experiences. It empowers you to maintain a state of blissful serenity whether in profit or loss; in sickness or health.

The Principle of Cause & Effect | Hermetic Principles

“Every cause has its effect; every effect has its cause; everything happens according to the law; chance is but a name for law not recognized, but nothing escapes the law.” The Kybalion

Nothing in this world is an accident or happens by chance. Chance is the name of a law not yet known. However, most of us are the effects and not the causes. We are swayed by other people, our emotions, and our environment. A great example is how we are dejected or infuriated after watching some negative piece of news. We are at the mercy of our external world, or better yet we are like pawns on the checkerboard of life.

The principle of cause and effect, calls you to be your own master. To be the cause and not the effect. To be the mover and not the moved.

The Principle of Gender | Hermetic Principles

Gender is universal. Everything has its masculine and feminine principles. At the physical level, this manifests as sex, but gender is also present at the mental level, and it is in everyone.

The masculine principle is the causation. It gives out and expands; it is the sun that scorches everything but still gives life, it is the desire to achieve something. The feminine, on the other hand, is the receiving; absorbing. It is the creativity, feeling, and imagination.

The two must work together. There must be a balance otherwise the masculine will result in a chaotic world without the feminine while the latter is likely to stagnate without the masculine. However, there is success when the two act together thanks to thoughtful action.

These are the seven hermetic principles; the path to self-mastery, and the key to a fulfilling life. If there is something we might have missed, please let us know in the comments below. Otherwise please share.

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