I'd like to recommend Freedom from the Known by J. Krishnamurti. It's quite a thin book, but every sentence can be savoured for deep and true wisdom. I particularly liked his thoughts on violence, and how subtly it can creep into our attitudes to others and how damaging it is.

Although I've read quite a few books in the mind/body/spirit genre, only a few really stand out for me. I'm delighted to say that Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch easily fits into that elite category.

The form of the book is pretty much what it says in the title: the author entered into a kind of Socratic dialogue via "automatic writing" where he wrote out key questions and received answers to be transcribed.

Now, exactly to whom or what he was communicating we can I think leave as an open question: more importantly, what sort of things were discussed? To give you a flavour, we have for example, why do we suffer, are there before- or after-lives to our current one, what is the purpose of relationship, what is our goal?

I won't here reveal any of the answers, but simply say that I found them deeply original and insightful, and that they sparked many moments of mental agreement and delight. Really, I think this book is a must-read for anyone on the spiritual path and there are few others I'd say that about.

There are in fact three volumes, and my comments refer to Book One. I shall be reading the others as soon as I can!

More information at Amazon. Enjoy!

"Surrender" aka Andi asked about book recommendations and I felt inspired to revive this thread. Thanks Andi as synchronistically I'd just looked at this thread yesterday! I'd love to hear of any other book recommendations that people may have...

Way of the Peaceful Warrior is a gem of a book, with many beautiful lessons and reflections, while at the same time it's an easy, enjoyable book to read.

It is based on the story of Dan Millman, a world champion athlete who journeys into the realms of flesh and spirit, romance and terror, light and darkness, laughter and magic. He is guided by a powerful and wise old warrior named Socrates and falls in love with a woman called Joy. Join Dan as he learns about life, spirit, belief, mystery, success and love, it is bound to evoke something within the reader, a book that made me laugh and cry.

A film based on the book (same title), has also been created and is an Openhand favourite.

Here are some great quotes:

"There are no ordinary moments!"

“To be authentic literally means to be your own author.”

“When we feel stuck, going nowhere -even starting to slip backward- we may actually be backing up to get a running start.”

Love, Fiona

Mutant Message Down Under is the story of an American woman who finds herself on "walkabout" with an aborigional tribe, the "Real People", across central Australia. During her epic journey, she learns how these people live and thrive with profound respect and appreciation for the natural world. I found this book utterly fascinating, it illustrates what may be possible and is an inspirational message for how we can each learn to respect all living things and live in harmony with the earth.

Again an easy book to read!

Om shanti

The Invitation is a wonderful book based on the poem of the same title both by Oriah Mountain Dreamer, you can read the poem here... The Invitation. I found it an inspiring read. Each chapter of the book, takes a small section of the poem and looks in detail at how it relates to our lives and the personal experiences of Oriah.

The Call and the Dance are two similiar poems/books.

Here is a quote from the Dance

"Tell me a story of who you are,
And see who I am in the stories I am living.
And together we will remember
that each of us always has a choice.

Don't tell me how wonderful things will be... some day.
Show me you can risk being completely at peace,
truly OK with the way things are right now in this moment,
and again in the next and the next and the next..."

Love, Fiona