What book is on your list?  

I like reading different genres, in particular psychology, philosophy, novels and poetry. Some of the books I have found really interesting and influential and would like to recommend. They are beautifully written, profound, exquisite and relevant to quite a lot of situations we are going through. We may discover something important inside us which we have never been aware of. I especially like the language of the books that is slightly metaphorical, including descriptions, allusions, allegories that arouse imagination and self-reflection.

Each of us may discover something unique and valuable for themselves in these books:

Shiddharta

A 1922 novel written by the German writer Herman Hesse that tells about the spiritual journey of self-discovery of Siddharta during the time of Gautama Buddha. The word “Shiddharta” in Sanskrit is made up of siddha (achieved) + artha (what was searched for) that means “the one who has found meaning and who has attained their goals”  The novel was inspired by Herman Nesses’s trip to India where he was fascinated by the Eastern philosophy and Eastern mysticism.

The writer is telling about Shiddharta, the son of Brahmin, who one day realised that there was something important missing in his life, and he decided to go on a long journey of self-discovery. What he was lacking was peace and harmony inside himself. The book is written in a simple and, at the same time, profound language, conveying deep messages through visual images like the river, the forest and the moonlight, and through the conversations between Shiddharta and the people he met on his journey. I have found a lot of thoughts and life situations very close to myself and they may be familiar to many of us. I would certainly recommend it for a read. 

Shaolin: How to win without a fight

A powerful guidance, the book written by the Austrian author and Zen-Coach Bernhard Moestl. Bernhard Moestl has been practicing Shaolin kung fu since a young age, and was learning martial arts in the Chinese mountains with the martial monks of Shaolin. His self-discoveries during his life and travel in Asia had a big impact on his way of thinking, and the author is sharing his experience and his way of life. The rapid pace of life and constant global changes make most of us live on the fight-or-flight response, when we are reacting to stress or some difficult situation emotionally, willing to fight and protect ourselves.

Non-fighting means which I learnt in this book have become a big revelation for me.  Shaolin teaching actually discourages fighting and showing the value of the natural rhythm of life. It is sometimes worth simply letting it go without forcefully trying to change someone or something. I was reading this book very slowly, sometimes rereading the same page several times, as there is some hidden message and meaning in every sentence. 

Thinking like a Shaolin  

The other book of Bernhard Moestl that I have found very influential. It highlights the seven principles of emotional intelligence and emotional stability: the principle of inner balance, the principle of emotional distance, the principle of letting go the expectations, the principle of non-action, the principle of steadiness, the principle of self-defence and the principle of self-control. Every day we are getting different energy from different people, and I have found the principle of emotional distance in particular valuable. In the moments when we feel that the other person is trying to affect us in some way by their energy and emotions, we can learn to detach ourselves, not letting the outer emotions affect us in any way. It is crucial to be aware that these are the other person’s energy, emotions and experience, and not ourselves. All the seven principles are conveying some unique wisdom and value, and the author is sharing his own personal experience telling us about the situations which have brought him significant self-discoveries. 

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

An inspirational book written by Hector Garcia and Francesc Mirallesikigai conveying a deep meaning about the quality of our life in a simple and beautiful language. Ikigai is a Japanese word 生き甲斐 combining 生き, which means ‘life’, with 甲斐, which means ‘to be worthwhile’. Ikigai means “the reason for being”, “the sense of being connected to something meaningful”. Ikigai gives us an invaluable sense of purpose. When we follow our ikigai, we discover a passion inside us, a unique talent that brings meaning to every day and drives to share the best of ourselves with others.

Hector Garcia and Francesc Mirallesikigai have combined unique insights of their research and studies, which were in particular inspired by their journey to Japan visiting Okinawa, a small island in the south of Japan. The inhabitants of this island are widely known for their extraordinary longevity, and Hector Garcia and Francesk Miralles studied the secrets of the Japanese centenarians in person, in their rural villages, with people who speak ancient dialects.  According to the Japanese, everyone has an ikigai, and everyone has a potential to develop their ‘raison d’etre’. The authors are giving us valuable advice on what else we can add to our life to make it more meaningful and fulfilled. 

Man’s search for meaning

A 1946 book written by the Austrian author, philosopher and psychiatrist Viktor Frankl. No matter what is happening and how difficult the situation is, we always have a choice either to fall or grow from it. Viktor Frankl is telling about his experience as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps during World War II, and describing his psychotherapeutic method he called Logotherapy that centres upon the concept of looking for a meaning in any circumstances, even in the most difficult ones. The author is writing about our strength, the inner force of our spirit to grow despite and through challenges.

The book is written in such a way that I felt as is I was present there at that time, and it felt as if I was living this through.  And yes, in some moments it was quite difficult to read, as it is the time of Holocaust is described, but it is conveyed in a motivational encouraging way, focusing on hope and positive outcome. We cannot stay always positive, as there are some moments  in life we might suffer or be in pain. And it’s normal. The most important here to remember that it is all temporary. The pain will pass. I have realised that if we change the focus from something that may bring pain or suffering to some activity or some encouraging thoughts, we let this feeling go. The book has made a big impact on my life.

My family and friends have also recommended:

“Sri Aurobindo or the Journey of consciousness” by Satprem,

“The More of Less” by Joshua Becker,

“Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” by Robin Sharma,

“The Buddha, the Brain, and the Science of Happiness” by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche,

“Mindfulness in Plain English” by Henepola Gunaratana,

“How to Win Friends and Influence people” by Dale Carnegie,

“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel Van Der Kolk

What book would you recommend?