looking for a good spiritual/meditative book

[littledevil1908]

hey all, i have just begun life in the "real world" after recently graduating from college. i am definintely stressed out, worrying about finding a job and beginning a career that is almost certain to take me nowhere. so i'm interested in getting a book that will help calm me down and improve my ability to remain tranquil and at peace with myself and my surroundings, and i feel like a spiritual type-read would be best, something in the category of eastern religion, like zen or buddhism. can anyone reccomend some good books for me to get?

[Angela]

There is no better book for that than The Power of Now -- just dip into it at random, and get what you need: presence.

[jippykid]

If you're looking for a good story about a guy who has overcome the fear and desire associated with the "real world" as you put it, I'd check out Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac. It's filled with practical (and some not so practical) tips for the up-and-coming Buddha in you.

If non-fiction is your bag, a book I really liked recently was The Disappearance of the Universe by Gary Renard. I think this book has to hit you at the right time, but if you're ready for it, and you sound like you are, you may really enjoy it. Once you get into it, you can pick it up like Angela suggested with the Power of Now, open to any page at random, and find something that will challenge you. There are some major christian references throughout, but the thing I liked about it was that many of the big ideas in this book mirror those I've read in books about eastern philosophies -they're just relayed in a different way.

[oberlee]

Yeah, it's a point in your life when you need some guidance. It's not spiritual, and I did nothing more than read it for twenty minutes once at a bookstore, but there's a book called The Quarterlife Crisis. I can't say it gives much--or any--real guidance, but for me, I just liked hearing that the powerlessness i felt at that age was totally normal.

I agree with the others, too about Power of Now. In general, stick through it, have fun, and don't take yourself too seriously. That was my mistake. GL!

[Groundless]

PON is good.

Another fairly decent somewhat lighter read is Pema Chodron's When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times

[Jonathan Mead]

If you want a good book on Eastern Religion, I highly recommend any of Alan Watts books, The Way of Zen is particularly good. Any of Thich Nhat Hanhn's book are superb, very peaceful and very enlightening.

If you're looking for more direct life applying principles, I'd recommend anything by Don Miguel Ruiz, particularly The Voice of Knowledge.

As far as meditative material you can download Alan Watts - Teaches Meditation on iTunes, it's superb.

[breakthestatic00]

"Wherever you go, there you are"

i forget the author

[Mato Kinze]

Start with "The Tao of Pooh." Don't let the name fool you. It is one of those books that has meaning on so many different levels that you could read it once a year for the rest of your life and get something new and different every time.

I never have a stuck jar anymore.

Also, the new Pooh series on Playhouse Disney becomes like a Sunday morning evangelical show after that read.

After that, if Zen is your thing, try "The Places That Scare You" by Bhodisattva Pema Chodron. Also, "When Things Fall Apart" by the same author will reinforce much of what she shares in the first book.

Good luck!

[Subhi]

I found that Autobiography of a Yogi by Parmhansa Yogananda is avery good book to start your spiritual journey

Subhash