6+ Favorite Books on Eastern Philosophy and Mindfulness (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on eastern philosophy and mindfulness (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
$8.87

In Radical Acceptance, Tara Brach focuses on helping readers overcome feelings of inadequacy and connect better with their emotions. The book offers a blend of personal stories, meditations, and Buddhist wisdom, aiming to bring mindfulness and compassion into our lives. I found it engaging and can see how it would be beneficial for many. However, I struggled to finish it since some parts felt too heavy and didn't resonate with my own experiences. Overall, it has valuable insights, but it might not hit home for everyone.
Pros:
Engaging and helpful for many readers
Offers a toolkit for relating to thoughts and emotions
Draws on Buddhist teachings and personal stories
Cons:
Did not resonate with me
Some parts were very heavy and difficult to read
I didn't finish the book
Buy Now Read My Review

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

02/02/2026 11:01 am GMT
What The Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula
$9.99

In What The Buddha Taught, Walpola Rahula offers a straightforward look at Buddhism, breaking down its core teachings like the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. I found his personal take on these concepts refreshing, especially his emphasis on self-realization over divine intervention. The book highlights that truth transcends religious labels and stresses the importance of controlling one’s mind for true happiness. It’s a solid read, and I appreciated how Rahula navigates the complexities of Siddhartha Gautama's teachings, making them accessible. Honestly, I didn't find much to criticize here—it's definitely worth checking out!
Pros:
Reliable introduction to Buddhism
Provides solid foundation on essential teachings
Uses quotes from sutras for personal interpretation
Addresses the importance of personal realization of truth
Excellent exploration of Siddartha Gautama's teachings
Cons:
Not a whole lot - solid read.
Buy Now Read My Review

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

02/01/2026 06:07 pm GMT
Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh
$10.77

In Peace Is Every Step, Thich Nhat Hanh focuses on mindfulness and its power to bring peace and joy into our everyday lives. He offers practical exercises, like conscious breathing, to help us connect with ourselves and the world around us. The book is divided into three parts, covering mindful living, the importance of breathing and smiling, and engaged mindfulness for social action. I found it to be Hanh's best work, filled with valuable insights. While some parts feel repetitive, I think that's intentional. Overall, it's a worthwhile read with practical wisdom.
Pros:
The book offers practical exercises for mindfulness.
Thich Nhat Hanh's writing is accessible and easy to understand.
It emphasizes the importance of conscious breathing and its benefits.
Cons:
Large parts of the book are repetitive.
Buy Now Read My Review

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

02/02/2026 01:01 am GMT
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami
$9.27

In What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, Haruki Murakami shares his reflections on running and how it intertwines with his life as a novelist. The book, structured like a memoir, chronicles his year-long preparation for the New York City Marathon and includes insights from his 25-plus years of running. It’s not a thrilling page-turner, but rather a steady, engaging read that captures the essence of running—its challenges and joys. I found it inspiring and relatable, making it a great pick for fans of Murakami, runners, or anyone who enjoys a thoughtful memoir.
Pros:
Engaging memoir format that intertwines running and writing.
Consistent and simple prose keeps the reader interested.
Captures universal feelings of runners and provides motivating insights.
Cons:
No significant plot or climaxes.
Buy Now Read My Review

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

02/01/2026 10:01 pm GMT
Awareness by Anthony De Mello
$11.79

In Awareness, Anthony De Mello dives into spiritual awakening, blending tough love with practical insights. The book is structured around short, impactful chapters that cover themes like self-awareness, change, and understanding others. I loved how De Mello challenges readers to confront their conditioning and encourages personal growth without the fluff I expected from a Jesuit priest. His approach feels grounded and relatable, reminiscent of Stoicism and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. However, some stories can be a bit unsettling, which caught me off guard. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that pushes you to reflect on your life.
Pros:
The format of the book is short and aphoristic, making it easy to digest.
The author is an independent and grounded thinker, challenging expectations.
The book offers practical strategies for self-awareness and emotional growth.
Cons:
Some stories are uncomfortable and ethically fraught.
Buy Now Read My Review

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

02/02/2026 01:02 pm GMT
Siddhartha by Herman Hesse
$0.99

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse follows a young Brahman on his quest for self-discovery and inner peace. I love how Siddhartha's journey reveals the importance of personal experience over teachings. The book beautifully explores themes like the search for enlightenment and the contrast between reality and what we learn. I honestly can't find anything I didn’t like about this classic—it's one I've read three times! It reminds me of Benjamin Franklin's approach to life: you can do everything, just not all at once. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking read, this is it!
Pros:
Classic and timeless novel
Deep exploration of self-realization and enlightenment
Relatable themes of life’s journey and experiences
Cons:
Nothing - amazing novel.
Buy Now Read My Review

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

02/02/2026 11:04 am GMT
No Nonsense Spirituality: All the Tools No Belief Required

$19.99

Buy Now

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also, check your local library. Thank you!

02/02/2026 11:00 am GMT