For some interesting research look into the Essenes. This was a sect of Judaism that many believed Jesus was from. They taught baptism instead of animal sacrifice. The other two sects are more well known, the sadducies and the pharisees. Many believe the Gospels are told from the view point of the essenes. Also look into the history of the three magi, the tree of life in the kabbalah, and Christian mysticism. An interesting book to read is the Aquarian Gospel.
An interesting book to read is the Aquarian Gospel.
---
Is that a Gnostic Gosepel? I have read some of the Gnostic Gosepels and found them to be quite fascinating. Some of them have meditational type practices in them that are similar to eastern thougth.