Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #79 in Books
• Published on: 2006-06-29
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

Synopsis
Eckhart Tolle's first full length book in eight years will be a cornerstone for personal spirituality and self-improvement for years to come. Taking off from the introspective work that he began with "The Power of Now", Tolle provides the spiritual framework for people to move beyond themselves in order to make this world a better, more spiritually evolved place to live. Shattering modern ideas of ego and entitlement, self and society, Tolle lifts the veil of fear that has hung over humanity during this new millennium, and shines an illuminating light that leads to happiness and health that every reader can follow.

Customer Reviews

Good but repetitive and over-generalising
On the positive side this book is easy to read, well-researched and highly thought-provoking. Much of it makes sense and is backed up by occasional referenced to the Bible, Zen and respected literary figures. And it all hangs together quite neatly and fits snugly into the Zeitgeist. However, the book could have been written in 80 pages instead of 300 plus. Also, some of the arguments are a little simplistic and generalised - and ideas and terms are welded together rather too keenly in a vain attempt to solve the ultimate mystery of man, existence and the universe. Are we to believe that the unconscious operates as the ego at ALL times? Is the 'Now' the ONLY true and most spiritual way of existing? Is it ALWAYS the most practical and useful? Does 'all truly successful action come out of the field of alert attention, rather than from ego and conditioned, unconscious thinking.'? Sometimes, yes. But surely speaking, driving and creativity are just a few key activities that partly or fully use the unconscious to successful affect. And when it comes to physcial pain, is it always a great idea to be in full 'awareness' and have 'alert attention'. Wonder what the NLP/hypnotherpists would say.
I guess the book's problem is that whilst it makes a valiant attempt at straddling spirituality, philosophy and psychology it ends up carrying some pretty patched up, wounded ideas and occasionally finds itself limping around in circles. So - for me, it's close but no cigar...however it's well worth a read.

A Treasure
I love this book. Tolle describes ancient truths and applies them to life in the 21st century in a way that is inspiring and comforting. I took away from this book three simple, yet profound ideas. First and foremost, Tolle believes that we are all connected to each other and that everything we do matters and has an impact on our world. His second idea lies in the power of listening: he suggests that if we can quiet our egos long enough to truly listen, it is possible to feel a sacredness and inner harmony where everything has its perfect place. And lastly, the author speaks of the power of awareness. The moment you notice a pattern of behavior that is no longer working for you, you are a success.

Reading this book reminded me of the writings of two of my favorite authors: Ariel and Shya Kane. In their books Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment, Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: A Book About Instantaneous Transformation and How To Create a Magical Relationship[, the Kanes teach a fun and easy way to live fully and joyously in the moment. Their approach is practical and magical at the same time. If you like Tolle's work you're bound to love the Kane's. All of these books are treasures to be enjoyed

Not convinced
I watched Oprah and was really interested in reading this book. It covers the egos' many faces very well and has very good discussions around the pain body etc., but where it let's itself down is the 'beating up' of the ego without balancing this with guidance and understanding of the person reading the book who has egoic conditioning clouding their view. It preaches to the converted in my view and in doing so, unfortunately, says 'if you don't agreed with me you are wrong'. Precisely what the author claims he is trying not to do.

My recommendation - read chapter 10 first, then the rest of the book. If not, you will start believing you are evil and damned. Better yet, read 'If you're falling - dive by Cheri Huber, it is far more human in its approach to us mere mortals.