Best Books on Metaphysics
Why do I exist? What is my purpose of living in this world? Is there God? Is the creator cause of all the creation? Why are there so many religions? Who am I?...These are just some of the questions whose answers are given by studying metaphysics - a branch of philosophy. Till date, it hasn't been possible to exactly define what actually is 'metaphysics'. Even the coining of the word, 'metaphysics' has countless number of theories and lots of confusion. As a general definition, we can understand that metaphysics is the study of existence, our being. In today's world, metaphysics is studied to understand the relation of spirituality and religion, man, body and soul. Many sci-fi thriller movies like the Matrix deal with issues that are debated in metaphysics like reality, simulated reality, dreams, universe, subconsciousness and other aspects of our inner self. Similarly, spirituality, arts, healing, inner psychology and self healing - everything comes under metaphysics. It is indeed difficult to give an exact definition of metaphysics!
Best Books Highlighting Metaphysics Concepts
There are a large number of metaphysical writers especially in the science and fiction segment. The following five books, that are my personal favorites, closely deal with the questions our inner being raises, time and again. They are some of the best books to read.
1. Meditations on First Philosophy
This popular and extremely insightful philosophical treatise on "six meditations", by the greatest French philosopher, Rene Descartes, is a must read for those who have deep interest in philosophy. The six meditations discussed in this books will expose you to some timeless ideas in the field of philosophy. The nature of knowledge, the relation between mind and body, rational thinking, objectivity, self freedom - and what not. Published in 1641, this phenomenal book will provide you with food for thought, for your entire life, to say the least.
2. Autobiography of a Yogi
An autobiographical work of the Indian Yogi and guru, Paramhansa Yogananda, this book was an answer to the search of westerners for the Eastern meditations and Yoga. Published in 1949 and rated amongst the "100 Most Important Spiritual Books of the 20th Century", by international critics, Autobiography of a Yogi, is a live account of the experiences of Yogananda in his quest to search the ultimate truth. It is this single book that has introduced yoga and methods like "Kriya Yoga", to the western world. A must read for all lovers of yoga and those who wish to experience the Indian culture and its deep roots. The book is now also available online so that people all across the globe can have access to it.
3. Metaphysics
If you say, you are really interested in metaphysics, you simply can't avoid reading this book at any cost. Regarded to be one of the most influential works of the Greek philosopher, Aristotle and hailed to be one of the greatest philosophical works ever written, Metaphysics as a philosophy book, sums up some of the most basic questions that form the very foundation of metaphysics. In this detailed analysis about existence, Aristotle questions about how to understand this world and how to perceive the existence. Although it is a difficult to understand book for beginners, if you have been reading about metaphysics for sometime, you must not miss this one!
4. The Artist's Way
One of my personal favorites and I can bet, if you love creativity, in any form of art, this one is for you. Authored by one of the finest self help American authors, Julia Cameron, this book will unlock your creative potential. No matter you are a painter or a writer, this book has that magical effect to boost your confidence and get in deeper touch with your self. After all, knowing yourself is the most celebrated form of spirituality in the modern-day world! With a 12 week creativity course mentioned in this book, it is simply awesome, the way you will find yourself, improving your creative quotient. If creative thoughts fuel your imagination, don't delay my friends, just read this book. Try it, it will show you tremendous results!
5. Self Reliance and Other Essays
With the popular quote, "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.", in background, Ralph Waldo Emerson's, Self Reliance essay is one of the best pieces of work in essay literature. I included them in this list of top metaphysics books because its motivates us to be in touch with our real self. Several sets of essays by Emerson constitutes all that we require to follow in life, with confidence and honesty. To get closer to yourself, do read them. Some of the essays you can find online by doing little research.
Some Other Top Metaphysics Books
- Tao of Physics - Fritjof Capra
- How to Build a Time Machine - Paul Davies
- Web of Life - Fritjof Capra
- The Fountainhead - Ayn Rand
- On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy - Carl Rogers
- The Holographic Universe - Michael Talbot
- The Science of Mind - Ernest Holmes
- Ask and It Is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires - Esther Hicks, Jerry Hicks
- Quantum Mind: The Edge Between Physics and Psychology - Arnold Mindell
- The Secret - Rhonda Byrne
- Power vs. Force: The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior - David R. Hawkins
- The Biology of Belief - Bruce H. Lipton
- Fractal Time: The Secret of 2012 and a New World Age - Gregg Braden
- The Disappearance of the Universe - Alexander Marchand
- Jesus: A Story of Enlightenment - Deepak Chopra
