I am looking for something new spiritually and am drawn to Krishna and Buddha but don't know much about either! Any idea's how I can get involved more?
Try reading some basic books on Buddhism and Hinduism - or check out web rescources - google it. If you have any specific questions I'm sure people here will be happy to answer you if possible.
Try Huston Smith's The World's Religions. It gives a nice and unbiased view on both Hinduism and Buddhism. As well as many other religions... its a nice intro and you can find it at almost any library.
Hello, I think, I can relate to how you feel. Start with getting acquainted with books that explain the basic principles. All spiritual paths involve some degree of meditation. Later on, you might want to seek out a qualified teacher. I began with Taoism a long time ago, then was drawn to Zen Buddhism, then my interest to learn more moved me on to Tibetan Buddhism. Now, I am exploring Hinduism (Krsna) and further on to Sufi mysticism. All I can say, is I am comfortable and at peace with my spiritual quest and to me, that is freedom. Namaste
Yes, as Bill said, some general and objective works on world religions are good to get basic concepts down. Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda is a classic first-read for those new to Hinduism and Yoga; a very colorful and deeply spiritual account of the life of a genuine Indian sadhu who was a pioneering Hindu guru in America. Make sure you get a pre-1970 edition; these are plentiful and readily available from online booksellers. Regarding Krishna in particular: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami's Bhagavad-gita As It Is, 1972 edition, is my top recommendation...read it cover to cover, including the introductions. Hare Krishna!
As Bro Joseph has recommended a book on Hinduism, and I fully agree with him, it's a great choice to get started on the topic, I'll recommend a good intro to Zen Buddhism - 'The Way of Zen' by Alan Watts. This is an excellent intro, and the early chapters give a good basic outline of the origins and development of Buddhism and the basic teachings and philosophy, as well as being very easy to read and understand.
Buddhism is vast. In the Zen Buddhist tradition, Shunryu Suzuki's book "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" was a starting point for me.
My first two books, I continue to turn as many people onto Autobiography as possible The YES album Tales from topographic oceans was composed on merley a footnote of that book. Hare Krsna
Too each his own buddy I personally love the album, but I think it only CAN appeal to certain people. Some call it pretentious, I call it love
Personally, I just think Yes were both boring and over-rated. Saw them live back in the late 80's and they were extremely disappointing. The gig was one of the most sterile rock concerts I ever attended. But each to his own.
5000 posts! Congrats haha I have only been alive long enough to see them in the 00's, and I've seen them 6 times, and they were amzing! I have seen video footage of them in the 80's though, and I can see why you would find them boring. Relayer to me is just music perfection, the 80's stuff is BEYOND rediculous, but that is because they were lacking Steve Howe. I was just raised on 70's prog by my mom, we are, SUPER fans haha. Sorry for going off topic here
When I saw them it was actually both bands - the old and new Yes with both guitarists. The only bit of the evening I enjoyed was Steve Howe's guitar solo. I might as well tell you that these days my conversion to electronic music is almost 100%. There's not much I listen to in the way of Rock music. Now and then I like a bit of classical though, and even some folkey or Country stuff. But overwhelmingly electronica. I just get such a positive energy from some of it....much more direct and pure music than stuff overlaid with allegedly meaningful lyrics. And you just can't dance to Yes. Now I've got to 5,000 posts + I think maybe it will soon be time to de-activate BBB and assume a new ID. that would be in line with the general changes I've been through over the last..3 years is it? since I started here...my own 'new directions'......:H
i'm a big fan of prabhupada's krishna book (gotta get the hardbound version) both for the story presentation and the pictures... begin with book one of the brindaban pastimes... a pure treat as an advaiten, i have my different perspectives on things but prabhupada has surely captured the pure nectar of krishna leela, thank you mr. prabhupada
