Best Books about Spiritual Awakening and Non-Duality
I already have a list of the best books about meditation and mindfulness, but I thought I might compile a list of the best books about Spiritual Awakening and Non-Duality. It’s a subject I’ve developed an interest in over the past year and I’ve been reading/listening to a lot of books about it.
Perhaps there will come a time when there is no me to read these books (of course to take this further, there never was a me to begin with) but until then I can’t get enough of non-dualism, Advaita Vedanta, call it what you want. If I’m not watching YouTubes on the subject, I’m reading a book about it.
I’m going to include the books that resonate with me. Whilst I’m still a seeker, I suspect that I’ll continue to lap up books featuring those who have undergone the same search and are writing about it. If you notice this list isn’t updated, perhaps I’ve become self realised and I no longer need to read anything about it. But I suspect that even if that does happen, I’ll still have an interest -the steps towards spiritual awakening that people take is fascinating to me.
Not all of these will be what others consider to be amongst the top spiritual books - that’s ok, we all have our favourites. Let me know below in the comments if you think there are some I should check out.
Longer reviews to the books I’ve read are linked in the title.
What is Nonduality?
NonDuality simply means Not Two. For a more detailed answer, Rupert Spira says it much better than I can.
Non-duality is the recognition that underlying the multiplicity and diversity of experience there is a single, infinite and indivisible reality, whose nature is pure consciousness, from which all objects and selves derive their apparently independent existence. The recognition of this reality is not only the source of lasting happiness within all people; it is the foundation of peace between individuals, communities and nations, and it must be the basis for any sustainable relationship with the environment.
Speaking of Rupert Spira, his book is the first one I’m including.
Being Aware of Being Aware by Rupert Spira
I have attended an online retreat hosted by Rupert, and enjoy his online YouTube talks. He’s precise in his explanations, clear and for me easy to understand.
What Rupert repeats throughout the book is that awareness is our natural state, but we’ve forgetten this. And there’s something about this repetition that my mind finds intuitive, that bypasses the conceptual mind and pierces somewhere deeper. And it becomes easier to become aware, of being aware.
This is a superb introduction to Rupert’s teachings on advaita non-duality. It’s short and compact, and very accessible. I was able to read this in a couple of afternoons (slowly) but it has a deeper wisdom seems timeless.
Awake - It’s Your Turn by Angelo DiLullo
This is one of the most practical Nonduality books that you will find on this list. Angelo DiLullo writes in such a lucid way that it feels like a manual - an awakening book for beginners so speak.
One of it’s strengths is that it doesn’t contain any jargon, so you won’t get bogged down in arcane spiritual terms that you don’t understand. There is work to be done here - on thoughts, emotions and beliefs, and Angelo also covers a number of meditative practices you can try. This is one of the fairly recent books on my list, but I honestly think it’s destined to become a modern classic on spiritual teaching.
This documentary will tell you all you need to know.
Start to investigate the subject of Nonduality and it’s inevitable that you will find the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi. The 20th century Indian guru is famous for his realising his self at the age of 16 (with no guidance) before moving to Arunachala where he attracted a following, with a stream of visitors keen to learn more about his liberation.
These non-duality books are in the form of question and answer sessions with Maharshi. One of his most famous ‘teachings’ (he didn’t see himself as a teacher) is self enquiry, and asking the questions Who am ? Who is the one thinking the thoughts? If you’re lucky, this might be the only book you need.
One of the top spiritual books of all time for a good reason.
Awareness by Anthony De Mello
Awareness by Anthony De Mello isn’t your typical spiritual self-help book — it’s more like sitting in on a bracing, unscripted talk from a wise but mischievous teacher. Drawing from Christian mysticism, Eastern spirituality, and a sharp psychological edge, De Mello invites us not to “improve” ourselves, but to wake up to the truth of what we already are. He’s not offering tips or techniques, but dismantling illusions — about happiness, control, and the roles we perform unconsciously.
What I love about this book is that it reads like a long series of non-dual pointers — short, clear, and often uncomfortable. He challenges everything we cling to for identity or validation, often with humour and a storyteller’s tone. Awareness isn’t something you “get” from reading this; it’s something the book keeps pointing back toward. I found myself nodding, resisting, laughing — and most of all, pausing.
Pouring Concrete: A Zen Path to the Kingdom of God by Robert Harwood
I read ‘Pouring Concrete - A Zen Path to the Kingdom of God by Robert Harwood post retreat and it was the perfect book for me. Bob is an enthusiastic and honest narrator, and his story makes for a fascinating read.
Each person’s ‘steps of spiritual awakening’ story is a personal one, and Bob goes into detail on the ups and downs on his path, such as his Christian upbringing, his marriage and working as a contractor whilst attending zen retreats. He also includes a lot of information on what worked for him, and I personally found it very useful. I really like reading non-duality books about spiritual journeys and Bobs, though maybe not as well known as some of the others, has been one of my favourites.
Perfect Brilliant Stillness by David Carse
As David Carse writes early on in ‘Perfect Brilliant Stillness,’ this isn’t a self-help book. Instead, it’s the story of his instantaneous enlightenment and his reflections on nonduality. There are no instructions here, and what he is describing cannot be described.
There’s an uncompromising, repetitive, profound, stark beauty to this book. It was the right book at the right time for me, and I’m in no doubt I’ll be returning to it again. Link in the title.
David Bingham - Effortless Being
At 59 pages long, this is the shortest book on the list. Crystal clear and concise, David Bingham points us to the true nature of our effortless being. There are two simple exercises to practice, but really, it’s so incredibly accessible. It’s difficult to add anything else, but I did try with this review.
John Wheeler - You Were Never Born
Reading or listening to John Wheeler is the equivalent of getting hit over the head with a non-duality hammer. He is uncompromising and relentless in his message and if it seems incredibly simple, it’s because it is. There is no ‘person’, only awareness. Thoughts, sensations, emotions, sounds, all arise in awareness and that’s all there is.
‘You Were Never Born’ is the closest to an actual book that John produced, and the first thirty pages are a great introduction to his material. The rest of his work is made up of short pointers, and email correspondence. I’m currently working my way through all of them, and he’s the one non-duality writer that I return to daily.
All of John’s material is available for download at his website. He no longer writes or talks about non-duality, and seems to have ‘retired’ and doesn’t have an online presence. Really, he said all he needed to say, dropped the mic, and much like David Carse above, disappeared.
I love some of his talks online, especially his conversation with Allin Taylor or his chats with Charlie Hayes. Some of his audiobooks are on there too, easily found. He’s so incredibly clear, and uses language that is uncomplicated. I can’t praise him highly enough, and if you’re out there John, thank you.
This isn’t a book you sit down and read with a cup of tea. I Am That is a spiritual slap in the face — in the gentlest, most paradoxical way possible. It’s a collection of dialogues with Nisargadatta Maharaj, a humble Indian shopkeeper who speaks with such radical clarity that it’s hard not to feel something being undone in you as you read. There’s no fluff here, no spiritual entertainment — just pointer after pointer, cutting through the mind like a blade. This is non-duality without decoration.
What struck me most is how direct and unyielding Nisargadatta is. He doesn’t want you to feel better — he wants you to wake up. He keeps bringing you back to the one question that matters: Who are you — really, before thought? It’s not a warm, fuzzy read, but it’s the kind of book that can change your inner weather permanently. You might resist it. You might close it and come back weeks later. But if you're drawn to spiritual awakening, this is a book to sit with in the silence, again and again.
Stillness Speaks - Eckhart Tolle
Stillness Speaks by Eckhart Tolle is one of those small but mighty books that’s perfect for dipping into during a quiet morning or as part of a daily spiritual practice. Unlike heavier non-duality classics like I Am That or Awareness by Anthony de Mello, this one is incredibly accessible — written in short, meditative bursts that are easy to absorb but often stop you in your tracks. If you’re exploring books about spiritual awakening or want something to help you stay present and grounded, this is a gentle but powerful companion.
Tolle doesn’t try to explain or convince — he simply points. Again and again, the book invites you to rest in the stillness that’s already here, beneath the noise of thought. There’s a beautiful clarity to it, and it often feels like the kind of book that meets you exactly where you are. Whether you’re new to non-duality or deep in the weeds of self-inquiry, Stillness Speaks belongs on any list of the best spiritual books to deepen presence and awareness.
Meditation is an essential part of any spirtitual awakening, so here’s one from the man himself
Summary
Hopefully by reading some of those books about spiritual awakening you’ll have a better understanding of the question: ‘What is non dualism?’ When you start exploring the subject, be prepared to go wherever your intuition leads you. Discover new teachers, new non-duality books, videos and immerse yourself in them. If you can find a teacher in online, or even better in your local area, get in touch with them.
This is your path, and you’ll ultimately find your own way. There’s no definite list of books to read during a spiritual awakening, but I think there are some spiritual classics that can offer some direction. I think I’ve included a few of them here, but everyone will have their favourites. But these are the books that changed my spiritual path.
Ultimately though, you don’t want to get stuck in seeker mood. All of these sources are just pointing you back to your one true nature, which is what you are. Don’t be getting lost in more concepts or building a spiritual identity around non duality.
You are what you are looking for. That’s it.