Vipassana practice, the basic concept of Buddha that set me on the path ‘Counting Breaths’ and complementary practices. A small book named ‘Art of living’ describing the ancient practice as taught by S. N. Goenka that I picked up in 1997, planted 2 seeds in my mind. One was ‘focusing on breathing’ to train the mind to focus on whatever is chosen as a target instead of wandering all over. Second was focusing on the ever changing body sensations to realize the ever changing nature of the physical self. I could begin focusing on breathing the same day. It took me many years to graduate to body sensations. The results for mind and body have been beyond my wildest expectations.

Eknath Easwaran: His book ’Meditation‘ and his ides on using a ‘Mantram’ (chanting a chosen word) deeply influenced my thinking and practice. His thoughts keep ringing in my mind even after many years of reading them.

Wayne W Dyer’s books helped me get over some of my mental blocks, specially his forgiveness experience described in one of his books.

Louis L Hay’s books about accepting and loving oneself before you can love others have helped me at critical times.

Sylvia Boorstein‘s books are great for the advanced practitioner.  I am able to absorb such teachings only after many years of regular meditation.