Gideon Posted December 17, 2014 (edited) Hello everyone,My name is Gideon and I would be incredibly thankful if others here could help direct me towards literature about Buddhism, Hermeticism, Taoism and any literature you personally find interesting. I've had somewhat crippling medical issues since I was born, and that's left me with a childhood built entirely on literature and not experiences. That's not a complaint, reading is absolutely wonderful; trinities of beasts or otherwise abound, gorgeous skies of varying hues, marvelous architecture and otherwise remarkables... But, this is the first time I can remember where I have a handle on my medical issues, not complete, but it's enough to formally attend university next fall. I just don't know what books I should read, what schools of thought conflict with one another, which schools of thought I agree with at this time, etc...I'm still not well enough to meditate for a very long time, I just shake uncontrollably, which is why I'd be thankful if others here could recommend some literature. At this point I've read basic religious/spiritual texts through and through, but nothing beyond that point.Thank you for reading, and helping. Edited December 17, 2014 by Gideon Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chang Posted December 17, 2014 Hello and welcome to the forum. Glad to have you as a member. You will find plenty of advice here regarding reading material but you may find that it is best to simply browse the various sections of the forum and see what takes your fancy.  Please take the time to read the two posts pinned at the top of this Welcome page and take a look at the forum terms and rules. This covers all you need to know when getting started.  For the first week you will be restricted to ten posts per day but after that you can post as much as you like. Also, until you’ve posted fifteen times in the forums, you’ll be a “Junior Bum” with somewhat restricted access and will be allowed only two private messages per day.  Good luck in your pursuits and best wishes to you,  Chang and the TTB team ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gideon Posted December 17, 2014 (edited) Hello and welcome to the forum. Glad to have you as a member. You will find plenty of advice here regarding reading material but you may find that it is best to simply browse the various sections of the forum and see what takes your fancy.  Please take the time to read the two posts pinned at the top of this Welcome page and take a look at the forum terms and rules. This covers all you need to know when getting started.  For the first week you will be restricted to ten posts per day but after that you can post as much as you like. Also, until you’ve posted fifteen times in the forums, you’ll be a “Junior Bum” with somewhat restricted access and will be allowed only two private messages per day.  Good luck in your pursuits and best wishes to you,  Chang and the TTB team ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thank you very much.  Immediately after reading this, I went to the Textual Studies section, I thought I would be able to comment on the Tao Teh Ching chapter discussions, and geeze... it will be a fair while until I can comment on any of them. But it's something to aspire towards, which is good. Edited December 17, 2014 by Gideon Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aetherous Posted December 17, 2014 What type of meditation causes you to shake? Are you sitting in a formal posture during it?There are many types of meditation...some don't require sitting in a posture. The overall purpose of all of them is just to calm and clear the mind.Welcome! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RiverSnake Posted December 17, 2014 Qigong is noted for its health benefits. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gideon Posted December 17, 2014 (edited) What type of meditation causes you to shake? Are you sitting in a formal posture during it? Â There are many types of meditation...some don't require sitting in a posture. The overall purpose of all of them is just to calm and clear the mind. Â Welcome! When there's excess pressure on my ankles or lumbar spine. Yes, formal posture. Â I don't know much about the different sorts of meditation. The one that I have been hoping to try over the next few weeks is, I think, called Zuowang. If nothing else I am hoping that, with time, meditation could let me be of more use to myself and others; please recommend a specific type of meditation, or text you think would be helpful, if you do not mind. Thank you very much! Qigong is noted for its health benefits. I don't know much about qigong, but it seems very interesting. I have difficulties with more movement related exercises, but can begin slight meditative practices and breathing exercises; do you think these are okay introductory areas? Edited December 17, 2014 by Gideon 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RiverSnake Posted December 17, 2014 (edited) Sure. You will find much of valu on TTBs in all those areas. Edited December 20, 2014 by OldChi Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
