I never had a teacher until July 2007 when I found my guru. Prior to this I read every book possible on anything that interested me and absorbed and practiced as much as I could. Over these years I had various experiences and when I met my teacher they all made sense.
This is my personal experience and from my own understanding I would say to read as you wish, keep your eyes open to possibilities, learn as you go and clarity comes in its own time.
Sages, gurus, swamis, Buddhas speak to many people and not all of them obtain enlightenment :) or Absolute Realization so this tells you that it is IN THE HEART OF THE MEDITATOR to understand when they are open to understanding.
Thank you for the thoughts you share on your website.
Of the books that you have read on meditation, which have been most significant to your meditation practice?
Posted by: Jonathan Erdman | October 13, 2010 at 11:02 AM
The most influential books for me have been ANYTHING written by Swami Muktananda. Period! I can recommend others but this is what did it for me.
The wise teachers say that it is almost best to read the lives of saints (in any tradition) because by doing this you will see how they lived and that they were no different from us in that they too had a body but they were able to go beyond. Through learning about their lives we realize that we too can go beyond.
Blessings in your journey.
Posted by: Gaurang | October 22, 2010 at 06:20 PM