Travelling across the world is often a life changing experience as we discover different cultures, religions and philosophies of the countries we are visiting. Part of getting under the skin of a country is reading all about its people and traditions. We have looked into some of the more famous books regarding spiritual enlightenment from around the world and handpicked some of the best below.
Over the centuries and across the globe, wisdom seekers have turned to texts of mysterious origins and enigmatic meanings as guiding stars in an otherwise bewildering existential darkness. These are books often steeped in esoteric wisdom, coded language, or profound philosophical insights. They have challenged conventional understandings, sparked controversial debates among scholars, and provided endless fodder for the questing soul. People from all over the world have discussed these ideas over eons of time, through different religions or philosophies.
- The Tibetan Book of the Dead, also known as the “Bardo Thodol,” is a Tibetan Buddhist text that serves as a guide for the dying, dead, and those left behind. It describes the experiences that individuals are believed to encounter during the interim period between death and rebirth, known as the “bardo.” The book is traditionally read aloud to the dying or the recently deceased to help guide them through the various stages of the afterlife.
- “Possessed by Ghosts: Exorcisms in the 21st Century” by Wanda Pratnicka is a book that delves into the realm of spirit possession and exorcism from a contemporary perspective. The author, who claims to be a healer and exorcist, explores the idea that many psychological and physical problems may be attributed to spirit possession. She outlines her methods for diagnosing and resolving such possessions.
- “The Zohar” is a foundational work in the Kabbalistic tradition, a form of Jewish mysticism. Attributed to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, who is said to have received divine inspiration, the text was more likely compiled and written in medieval Spain in the 13th century by the Jewish mystic Moses de León. The Zohar serves as a commentary on the Torah (the five books of Moses), but it goes beyond surface-level interpretations to explore the deeper, esoteric meanings of the sacred texts. The book is written mostly in Aramaic and is structured as a series of dialogues and monologues, offering mystical interpretations on themes such as the nature of God, the origin of the universe, the structure of the soul, and the significance of numbers and letters in Hebrew scriptures. The Zohar places particular emphasis on the attributes of God, the unfolding of the divine aspects in the material world, and the interplay between the earthly and the spiritual realms.
- The “Tao Te Ching,” attributed to the ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi (or Lao Tzu), is a foundational text of Taoism. Composed around the 6th century BCE, the book consists of 81 short chapters and is divided into two sections: the Tao Ching and the Te Ching. “Tao” translates roughly as “The Way,” and “Te” means “Virtue.” The text is a philosophical guide that offers wisdom on how to live a harmonious life by aligning with the Tao, the essential, unnamable process of the universe. The “Tao Te Ching” covers a range of topics, including philosophy, ethics, politics, and metaphysics, all interwoven with poetic language. It speaks of the concept of “Wu Wei,” or “non-action,” suggesting that we should act in accordance with the natural flow of things rather than forcing our will upon the world. It also explores the balance of opposites, captured by the concept of Yin and Yang, and suggests that flexibility and humility yield resilience and strength.
- “The Kybalion” is a book published in 1908 that claims to be a distillation of ancient Hermetic wisdom. It is attributed to “The Three Initiates,” though the true authorship is unknown. The book serves as a guide to the Hermetic principles, which are foundational concepts in the esoteric traditions that claim lineage to Hermes Trismegistus, a mythical figure who is a blend of the Egyptian god Thoth and the Greek god Hermes. The text outlines Seven Hermetic Principles, which are the principles of Mentalism, Correspondence, Vibration, Polarity, Rhythm, Cause and Effect, and Gender.
In conclusion, the journey towards spiritual enlightenment is often one of profound complexity and enduring curiosity, a path illuminated by various teachings and texts that offer glimpses into the vast tapestry of existence. For those who dare to tread these enigmatic paths, the rewards are often immeasurable—a broadening of mental horizons, a deepening of spiritual insight, and perhaps, a clearer vision of one’s place in this expansive universe.
