Eight Great Spiritual Novels

All novels seek to elevate or entertain, but some authors use fiction to bring the reader a bit closer to enlightenment.

Here’s eight of the best (and bestselling) spiritual novels of all time:

"Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse (1922)

Tells the story of a young man named Siddhartha on a spiritual journey to find enlightenment during the time of Gautama Buddha.

Message: Don’t strive for spiritual heights, gain peace from accepting life as it is

"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho (1988)

Allegorical novel, 65 million copies sold, about a shepherd named Santiago who embarks on a journey to discover his true purpose in life.

Message: The universe puts out helping hands to help us achieve our dreams

"The Celestine Prophecy" by James Redfield (1993)

In this racy adventure that’s sold 20 million copies, the protagonist uncovers an ancient manuscript containing nine key insights into life.

Message: meaningful coincidences are a sign of human evolution

"Jonathan Livingston Seagull" by Richard Bach (1970)

A seagull named Jonathan seeks to break free from the constraints of his ordinary life and learn to fly higher and faster than any other seagull.

Message: the purpose of life isn't to survive, but to find perfection

“The Razor’s Edge” by Somerset Maugham (1944)

Larry Darrell returns from war and resists marrying his fiancee to become a wandering truth-seeker.

Message: Go beyond the need for survival or recognition and seek answers to the larger questions

“Journey to Ixtlan” by Carlos Castenada (1972)

When Castaneda imbibes psychotropic plants, it's the beginning of self-discovery.

Whether fictional or real, his encounters with a desert shaman are gripping.

Message: Respect the world by taking responsibility for your life

“Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” by Robert M Pirsig (1974)

Father & son American road trip turns into spiritual journey. The rationality of Western civilization prevents us seeing the oneness of everything.

Message: Look for the unseen truth behind appearances

"The Way of the Peaceful Warrior" by Dan Millman (1980)

Semi-autobiographical novel about a young athlete who meets a mysterious mentor named Socrates, leading him on a journey of self-discovery.

Message: Lose your self-importance and adopt an outlook of unreasonable happiness

Follow me for more book-list Memos like this

You might also like a Memo I wrote on Catherine Ponder. She's the author of many bestselling books on the link between spirituality and wealth: