This is a weird book not worth reading. Oprah is the worst at picking books. I have never read a book from her selections that were not disturbing and bizarre. If you are into disturbing and bizarre you might like this book. But then again you would like the Celestial Prophecy and other new age books.

I love this book and have also bought the Cd's of this book. I play the Cd's in my car while traveling and they help me to calmly drive in the worst of traffic. Never let your ego get the better of you, and if you fail , just recognize it. I have read the book and listened to the cd's 3 times. If you are ready it will be a real awakening to your life's purpose. I plan to give it as a gift to many friends along the way. Learning to question your ego helps in so many ways. The burden of anger and resentment fall away.

I picked up this book to see what Oprah was so excited about, skimmed through to get the gist, started to read more closely, and got so disgusted I couldn't finish it. What was so frustrating was that he identified some real problems, but was way off base with his solutions. His spirituality seemed to be mainly a blend of Christianity and Buddhism. He rails against some Christians for thinking they have the Truth, but seems to believe that what he is writing is Truth. Most frustrating of all was that he often wrenched scripture passages out of context and twisted their meaning. Unless the reader already has a good grasp on the Bible, he may think that Tolle is advocating spiritual message that is consistent with Christianity and end up very confused. My advice is to just skip this book--there are so many better ways to spend your time.

"A New Earth" takes ideas from Tolle's previous book "The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment" and it moves the discussion from expansion of personal consciousness to how an expanded consciousness can transform our planet.

Rarely do we find spiritual books that offer a clear perspective for both personal transformation of the self and global transformation of the earth that is offered by Tolle in this book.

The title aptly sums up the message: "A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose." Our purpose requires a transcendence of our ego for both personal happiness and to end the violent conflicts on earth.

The book offers real hope and it is one of the best contemporary spiritual books. Others books you just have to read: "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle, "Living in the Light" - a New Age classic by Shakti Gawain, and "Nexus: A Neo Novel" - a poignant story of transformation.

It is a very interesting, positive, well written book that gets you to view life from another perspective. Depending on the moment in life that you are, its a wonderful book to read.

I liked the message of this book, but found it kind of hard to read. I've read other books with a similar message that spoke to me much more clearly. He uses the phrase "or so to say" way too much.

For anyone on a spiritual journey this is "the" book. It gives us hope for humanity and a guide to get us there. Most highly recommended. I've given at least 40 copies as gifts. All gratefuly received.

I love the meaning of this book. I love the self help, self realization, self love, etc..that this book offers. That being said, I find this book as well as all of Eckhart Tolle's other books to be difficult to enjoy reading. For me, it seems to take him 4 pages or more to relay thoughts that could have been written in 2 paragraphs. I have trouble finding an enjoyable flow to these books therefore I really don't find myself getting much usefull information. I find watching him on television inspiring. Reading him, boring.

I loved this book am re-reading it, and have bought and recommended it to others. I find the ancient spiritual philosophy to be a refreshing change from the 'noise' from modern religions. This book and philosophy are profound and simple; zen for the common man.

The title of this book is a little misleading. It's not really about a "new earth" or "life's purpose" but about something more important, namely the nature of consciousness, the nature of our own minds, the way we identify with our ego mind to our detriment,how we don't really know who we are until we tune in to what Huxley called "Mind-at-large," how that is available to us through what he calls "the discovery of inner space,""the nameless," " the eternal." We get in touch with this level of true being through awareness of the breath, the space between thoughts, inner body awareness.
People who practice meditations will recognize that none of this is really new. In fact Hinduism and Buddhism, as he acknowledges, described these very concepts and practices long ago. But it's nonetheless refreshing to have this secular, modern reminder spelled out in a very compelling way.
I'm not sure I can be as optimistic as he is that this new dimension of consciousness will be taking over and transforming our world ('the new earth"), but I can hope he's right! I think it's a very important book and I'm glad Oprah recommended it to people.

The author offers a few good points, but between those points are pages and pages of useless rambling. I could not make it through the whole book.

When I first purchased A New Earth, it was via a friends recommendation and I'll admit I had a gift card purchase to Barnes & Noble to blow. I didn't quite know what to expect, especially with this being a fairly wide departure from the science fiction, self-help, and fiction books I tend to read. In a way, A New Earth is self-help too, but a little more watered down than a lot of self-help books I've read.

With that being said, I did find Tolle's A New Earth to be a helpful book. The main focus of the book is to get the reader to consciously be aware of their thoughts and that their thoughts DO NOT control their emotions but rather their emotions are a direct response to their thoughts. In addition, Tolle tells the reader to try his/her best to always live in the present moment. There is nothing you can do about the past and there is nothing you can do about the future except to live each present moment one at a time. That is to not say you can't learn from past mistakes and that you can't make future plans, just don't get so caught up in what you did in the past or so strung-out over that college degree or work project due in 4 weeks.

I'll admit, this was a tough read at times due to my negative mindset. I tend to be a fairly negative person and at times (I am improving though), the negativity creeped in in the form of "What in the hell is he talking about? This will never work". In those times, I'd put the book down and really try and pay attention to what Tolle said instead of making judgments about the book based on my negative moods until I realized that this wasn't the way I needed to be reading the book. By the end of the Book, a great deal of what Tolle has said about one's thoughts, emotions, feelings, staying grounded in the present, being non-reactive in situations before replying had sunk in and many a passage was highlighted.

Aside from it being different than what I usually read, I couldn't give it 4 or 5 stars just because of the fact that it's so wordy at times. Tolle could say what he's trying to say in a few paragraphs instead of stretching it to 5 or 6 pages. The only other minor quirk I have with this book is not enough concrete examples. Now I realize some of these spiritual/inspirational books can't be concrete for the whole book because that defeats the nature of them. However, there were times were Tolle would make a great point and then I'd be left hanging waiting for an example that never came.

Overall, I'd give this book a 3.5 out of 5 though because I did learn from this book, it just could have been condensed more. For $7.70 brand new, I'd definitely recommend getting this for the price. If not, pick up a used copy and see how you like it!

-Travis

I had just found out that my ex-boyfriend's father, a man who I loved and admired deeply, had passed away. Then, about an hour later, I came across this book. After reading the back through my tears, I decided that I might be able to use a little spirituality right then to help me deal with my grief, so I bought it. As I mourned, I read. I read, and I mourned. I'm not a religious person at all (quite the opposite, actually), but I do consider myself spiritual.

There was something about this book that really changed the way I see myself and life in general. I started to see personality flaws that I hadn't been able to recognize before, things that were making not only me, but those around me, miserable. Little by little as I worked myself through the pages, I was coming to some sort of self-realization (or the start of "awakening" as Eckhart Tolle puts it), as well as aiding myself in the mourning process.

I finished the book three weeks ago, and the last three weeks have been the best weeks I've literally had in years. Though I still don't consider myself "religious," and likely never will, I definitely feel that my relationship with God has gotten much more intense and powerful. I look at life as more of a gift than a painful burden. I look at those around me with stronger feelings of love and endearment. I have a positive outlook now, instead of letting negative notions of the ego destroy me and hurt those around me. I'm less angry, I'm much less depressed, and well, as a matter of fact - I'm quite happy - something I haven't been able to say in probably 8 or 9 years.

If you're miserable, depressed, and bitter all the time, think about picking up this book. It's not a problem-solver in itself, but it certainly makes you more aware of who you are and the things you do. Oh, and by the way...I'm not much of a reader. I'm a college student and I try to avoid reading unless it's for class, but I couldn't seem to put this book down. So, the fact that it was so captivating to ME really means something! :)

I never received this book. Money was taken out of my account and the book never came. I contacted the vendor and never received a reply. Very disappointed!!! I always buy from amazon.com and couldn't believe that this situation could possibly happen.

Some reviewers have found this book to be a rehash of some long standing beliefs. In metaphysics there are Infinite ways to say the same thing. So in that context nothing is old nor is it new.

Eckhart is to me simply exploring the human dynamic/experience in ways that for the most part are often over looked and/or considered in this kind of detail.

I have a close friend who is very stressed by her job. I've been exploring with her that due to her ego investment in her work she has become defined by it. Such a definition almost always invites stress. What the book invites one to consider I felt is very appropriate to her situation so I am having it sent to her today.

Like all Masters some will hear his message and others will not. Thanks to his teachings about the Now and how most are still not present due to all their mind/ego chatter going on, to me he is contributing to what some call the collective Awakening or transitioning.

Spiritual teachers could easily be thought of as reminders. The help us get back in touch with what we already know.

Those that feel the need to judge something or someone are playing the game of making the myth of separation real. To them I would say EnLighten Up!

Book was delivered very quickly in brand new condition and is excellent. Highly recommended reading and will definately recommend this vendor.

Ignore everyone else and read it...

You learn something from every book you read... why not move past the critics and judge the book for yourself. Regardless of your religon or beliefs, the book will open your eyes to another aspect of life that you may not have considered.

The book is excellent. It really helped in trying to let go of my ego.
I would hope that everyone reads it

Although I loved the message of this book, Eckhart Tolle's writing style is a bit boring. It took me over a month to read this and by the last chapter I couldn't wait to finish it and be done with it.

I have read many books on the same subject and have found that other authors have a better way of grabbing the reader's attention. Tolle did have me highlighting certain points and gave me a few "aha" moments. However, his over use of quotes and repeating the same message about how the ego is to blame for all our problems throughout the book, made it seem repetitive and poorly written. You basically can get the same message from any book on enlightenment.

I will try a stab at his other book "A Power of Now" in hopes that it's not too know-it-all and more to the level of his readers.

Let me just say, to begin with, that I ADORE Eckhart's prior book "The Power of Now". I love the language, the message and the tone of that book so I was quite excited to read this, which had been recommended to me by several people prior to the Oprah hype. Thankfully, since I don't watch TV or the news I'm fairly insulated from that but I've heard how enormous this has become with her "followers" (and make no mistake about it folks, she has become a spiritual leader, which may or may not be a good thing).

Anyway, I was all set to love this book but I found it to be rather uninteresting, unnecessarily confrontational and dripping with Eckhart's ego. There is a vast difference between the peaceful sense of confidence that comes with spiritual awakening and ego. I energetically felt the latter popping out all the time. I spent a great deal of time pondering and meditating on whether that was my own ego reflected, and of course to some degree that's part of the picture. But even in moments of humility and balance I thought this was much ado about nothing.

The ideas presented here are nothing new, folks. And it's been said in prior books by authors with better perspective. For universal truths, no matter what your religious beliefs, I'd stick with something like a good Tao Te Ching translation, or something else not intended as a platform for the author's greatness, as I felt this was.

I'm disappointed to have read this and come away with such a bad taste in my mouth; I've loved watching older videos of Eckhart speaking where he seemed like a lovely little magickal being. The voice in this book seems entirely different. And just as I was wondering whether I was crazy and the only one who felt this way, I started getting calls from other friends who were reading this and wondering why they were feeling the same things about such a highly touted book.

I suppose if these ideas are new to you this will serve some positive purpose, and if people are finding it helpful in their lives I really do think that's great. But personally, I found it a tough read and fairly annoying.

To each his own and this is why there are so many paths to the truth. If you loved "The Power of Now", don't expect the same kind of warmth and gentleness, nor the same level of positive use in your daily life.

I bought this book simply because Oprah made a big deal about it and featured "classes" for it on her website. I don't know. . . . I guess I should go back to the website and take the classes because I didn't gain that much insight from the book. Maybe I need to read it again. I dunno.

These were for Birthday gifts. Everyone was very happy to receive them.
I enjoyed mine so much I wanted to share with my friends. I like to listen to the CD's when driving and read the book chapters in the evening.
And of course I trust Oprah to sugest a good book.

This is one of the best books I've ever read. It's easy to read and understand in its simplicity. It encapsulates many other authors' writings into a neat package full of wisdom, clarity and sage advice about spirituality. It's funny someone wrote a previous review asking "what does Tolle think of himself?" The answer: Nothing!! He lives in the Present Moment, and as he emphasizes in this and in "The Power of Now" -- that is all there is, the Present Moment. The challenge for us, collectively, is to work on being present in each moment of our Lives. This can best be done when we allow space (time) for meditation practice in our lives. There are many forms of meditation; I prefer Mindfulness Meditation. There is no chanting, only quieting ourselves and being still as the noises of our surroundings take place around us; allowing it to pass without attaching ourselves to thoughts -- tricky at first, but definitely possible with daily practice -- and it needn't take hours of your day! Thoughts come and go, but this is where we can become the "watcher" of our thoughts, as Tolle asserts. To be the watcher is already becoming present and aware to the moment. In the big picture, Tolle's message is for us to allow God-Consciousness (the labels can also be called Divine, Universe etc. -- the labels do not matter, since the labels/words point to the same Being) into our Lives, which would allow space in our lives to live at a higher level(and in a much happier, peaceful state of gratitude) as humans. Too much of the world lives predominantly in the mind -- a very noisy, judgmental, thought-hopping, egoic place. Tolle's purpose -- as is mine and I hope more of the world as people respond to these precious teachings -- is to allow the Quiet Peace back into ourselves so that Life may live through us. And also so that our mind may serve Presence, instead of the other way around (as it predominantly does in the world today). A precious book worth referring to and practicing from, along with the Peaceful Meditation practice of your choosing. We desperately need a more balanced world and this can only be achieved by each of us. Quieting ourselves leads to awareness of the preciousness of Life around us. When we have peace internally, it automatically translates into peace externally. The Joy in Life is only in the present moment, not in the past nor in the future (because if you think it is, you're already missing out on the gift of this moment, right here, now). Give it an earnest try. If you don't like his voice, then just tune in to what the teachings bring to you (or read the book). If you still "think" it's awful, that's OK. Perhaps there'll be a time when you'll be ready to learn! Peace, Love and Blessings to all of you!

I LOVE this book and it's teachings. I feel as though I have been given a very precious gift and now use Eckhart's wisdom in many areas of my life. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

I got thru to about the 30th page before I had to throw my hands up and say "that's enough" - what does this guy think of himself anyway? He makes it sound like the whole world is on the brink of a paradign shift (he keeps repeating himself saying a large segment of the mass is ready to be awakened 'now') and in some way he gives the impression that it's his doing! The chantings about being egoless has a quirky ring to it, especially coming from a guy like Tolle. If you don't agree to his way (THE right way according to him) then he has faulted you already saying 'you' are not ready for his preachings, huh! Also, don't use your mind or your thinking - he suggests! Is this not almost exactly the same thing taught in extremist madrassas and other religious forums? They tell you they are right, and advises not to question because they are right, and asks you not to use your mind, thought or intelligence - and some dumb people follow them too! Well, some dumb person (who proclaimed he/she arrives at places without knowing why he came there, why his mind 'directed' him there), who, obviously needs to see a shrink/doctor wrote that this book has spoken to him - maybe it's for these kind of people!

Tolle should recognize that there are 'normal' people, using their mind and thoughts intelligently, are living their life happily without restraining from calling a shovel a shovel (or a flower a flower for that matter), who are beyond the spectrum of awakening conceivable by him, since he seems barely to have come out of his depression and suicidal thoughts. Maybe it's he, who should awaken and try to be 'normal'. I wish him well as far as his mental well-being is concerned.

All in all, it sounded like ramblings from a person deeply disturbed, a person who constantly hears voices in his head.

btw doesn't it sometimes feel irritating that amazon.com doesn't let you rate any book below one star?

For many years while I struggled to truly understand what Ego really was and where in me it originated and resided. My deep need to know could not be satiated with just theoretical bookish stuff which essentially is useless if it doesn't enable one to successfully translate into practical living and thereby progress. I needed the real deal -- just TELL me what Ego is in simple everyday words, SHOW me where the thing originates from and resides thereafter, and then SHOW+TELL me how to rid it out of my system. I tried desperately to understand about Ego over the years, and my guru would discuss about it with me in my dreams! I looked in many a books, and tried to grasp the gist of it from talks given by notable spiritual figures, but to little avail. Just when I got tired of trying to figure it all out and almost given up with all the Ego Mumbo Jumbo Nonsense, it felt like "someone" from heaven above dropped a priceless treasure on my lap -- Ekhart Tolle's book "A New Earth, Awakening to Your Life's Purpose".

The book starts off slows and drags on a little -- but don't let this fool you.. I think its just Ekhart Tolle's style.. Chapter Two is where discussion on Ego begins! Eckhart shows us how to practice simply watching and becoming aware of our own thoughts as they surface when we are provoked, flattered, praised, accused, condemned, wronged, etc.. He shows how we have an engrained tendency to react from our Ego - much of the time we don't know that we are operating from a strong Ego base and can even swear on our lives that we did not act under the spell of our Ego! The book is that "surgical" instrument that cuts through layers of madness, and reveals to the reader in crystal clear plain view, his/her Ego! Amazing indeed how Eckhart has so ingeniously articulated the root cause of how much of our problems lie hidden deep within our core.. the root is that hissing serpent which raises its hood when tickled or provoked from outside.

I'm grateful to God for having sent Ekhart Tolle to enlighten us about our Egos at a time when humanity is in great despair!

Ekhart shows us that many times we suffer because of our own thoughts. If the pain is not physical, then where is the form of suffering? It is emotional (in the head and heart). Emotional suffering is realized when there is a thought. Ekhart shows that we are not the fleeting thoughts. So when suffering is in our lot, the best way to transcend it is by shifting our consciousness from our maddening thoughts to the state of thoughtlessness. In that silence and literally white light, we simply are -- BLISS. Ekhart helps us to see that that state is our true state, and it witnesses all of our actions, thoughts, and deeds. When you have tapped into that state of consciousness you feel like you are having a deep sleep while being awake! The challenge is to remain in that state without the mind becoming stimulated and agitated again and so it is advised to live always in God consciousness 24/7. The mind needs to be kept busy so it stays out of trouble, so let it be busy and restful in God alone.

In the past I would be so self-conscious.. in restaurants I would not bow my head and pray before eating.. Instead I would talk to God with open eyes and discreetly so as to not draw attention to myself. Well this has changed! Now I am not so concerned about what others think of me when I am praying to my beloved Lord before eating, or concerned if people are watching. Ekhart's book has really helped me do that! God gave me food, I love Him, He is my everything -- then why should I let my thoughts (ego) come in the way of my thanking Him and loving Him in prayer? Also when I read Ekhart's book I could now sit quietly in San Francisco's busy financial district, out in the open public on the benches located in common areas, close my eyes and just meditate on God! That is amazing because I could not do that before -- I would always give in to my mind which was so concerned about what others would be thinking of me when they saw me that way.. LOL! The book has helped me immensely to deal with some of my problems and has added drops of sweetness in my personal relationships with friends and family! Thank you God! Thank you Ekhart!

(The book is relatively inexpensive considering the enormous value it offers. I would recommend that you study it and take notes versus reading as a novel. This will ensure that you squeeze out every ounce and drop of joy it wants to give to you -- now go plan out a relaxing weekend or road trip to escape away on and take this book with you!)

The highlight of this book starts on page 137. Tolle observes, "after two ducks get into a fight, which never lasts long, they will separate and float off in opposite directions." He continues the theme through page 138, telling us that ducks then flap there wings and get over it, suggesting that we all be more duck-like. Of course, then we would have to float, which would mean we'd all have to be made of wood, which means Tolle is really offering us hocus pocus psychology.

The problem is, obviously, we are not ducks. We have feelings and emotions. Tolle calls this our Pain-Body, as if feelings are a bad thing. If we could only recognize it and wish it away, we would all be better. He forgets that it is our emotion that separates us from ducks and makes us uniquely human. I can't imagine telling someone with a broken arm to just see the bone and wish it away. It is with great damage that books such as this make just such a suggestion with emotional and psychological pain. It creates a shame around mental and emotional suffering that only does harm for those with serious hurt.

We are not, and should not desire to be, ducks! Quack!

There are more reviews on this book then almost any other book on Amazon - and there is a good reason for that. People found something of value from reading this book and felt the need to share what they learned. The book does not break any new ground for the serious spiritual seeker - but it sure clears stuff up and makes some complicated ideas seem much easier to digest.

Eckhart does present and package the ideas that this book has in a newer and open way. The book is best read slowly over days, even weeks, so one can assimilate what is being said. The book will change some lives. The key is to read this book with an open mind and heart and allow the energy of this book to flow through you.

I cannot but repeat what others have said about it - however, I will add my own two cents worth and recommend it to others.

I found this book to be a great overview of the amazing moment we find ourselves in. Mr. Tolle provides an excellent view of the opportunity unfolding for humanity. For those ready to enter more deeply into the moment of now, I also highly recommend

Journey Into Now:Clear Guidance on the Path of Spiritual Awakening

and/or see an introduction to the teaching (same as that of Eckhart Tolle)at www.leonardjacobson.com

Eckhart Tolle's A NEW EARTH is both a spiritual lift and a mental jog. We miss too much in this life when we are not aware of transcending the ego and living more fully. Thanks for making it available on the Internet.

Christians who oppose this book betray their lack of knowledge of New Testament teaching. First, St. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 6:2:
... behold, NOW is the acceptable time," behold, NOW is the day of salvation..."
And in Romans 12: 2, St. Paul writes, "... do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND." The work of the Holy Spirit is to constantly transform us by renewing -- making new our mind, leading us into deeper understanding of the truth -- because no human has perfect knowledge.

Living in the present moment, with the past forgiven and left behind, is taught all through the New Testament. This book is excellent for teaching us a simple way to silence the "mind of the flesh" and continually activate the "mind of the spirit." (Romans 8)

This book is a blessing for those who are serious about spiritual growth.
Rev. Judy Romero-Oak

I am so grateful for Amazon and finding great books at really affordable prices; shipping was prompt and the condition of the book was excellent.
Thank you

I found this cd very boring. The writers has a mono tone voice that never shows any excitement or expression. It's really hard for me to sit through listening to this cd. This is my first bad reveiw on anything on Amazon. What the writer talks about might be helpful, it's just the way it is delivered that is bad.

Coming from an agnostic viewpoint, this has completely transformed my life. Most of my life was spent worrying and depressed, and I now enjoy life with more ease, and less anxiety than I've ever had. All thanks, to the ideas in this book.

They made a movie of this guy Tolle back in 1979 titled "Being There" with Peter Sellers. Tolle has done a miraculous "reincarnation" of the character, Chauncey Gardiner.

VERY GOOD BOOK...LOVED IT AND REREADING IT NOW!! WISE AND ENLITEING INFO. HAVE TOLD ALL MY FRIENDS TO READ!!

Eckhart Tolle, had an it right with The Power of Now, however, the book itself was not an easy read...many had to do book groups to discus and break down such a simple truth.

He has redeemed himself with A New Earth. I am 1/2 way through but it is great to have the word out that our goal is to become more and more conscious. Bravo for his effort in getting the reader a little closer.

"A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle is a very, cool book. I have found this book to be consciousness transforming, and that's the real beginning to transforming your life & ultimately the world. This is very high energy, clear, deep, and useful material.

I like the way Tolle develops your understanding of 'ego.' With a more total understanding of ego based living you can begin to discover and practice some of the suggested ways to go beyond ego and into a more spiritually based lifestyle...by means of practicing humility, compassion, and gently bringing your awareness into the 'now.' In this way you can discover who you truly are and then awaken to you true life purpose. As more and more people do so we begin to create a New Earth, through our shift in conscious & vibration.

An awesome & totally powerful book!

Even better read together with NEXUS, by Morrison & Singh, a spiritual novel about a heart-centered, transformative journey.

Nexus: A Neo Novel

This is the best book I have ever read and I have read hundreds. If you are looking for answers, you will find them here. Please read it.

Most of the ideas in "A New Earth" can be found in Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and other spiritual teachings, but Tolle's ability to find the essence and harmony of those teachings, strip them of their doctrinal coverings and communicate those ideas in an effective and relevant manner makes this book of the most important written of this year.
Other recommended readings: about love and relationships with spiritual teachings I Love You. Now What?: Falling in Love is a Mystery, Keeping It Isn't
Amazing bookThe Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
The best Teacher ever: Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj I Am That: Talks with Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

If you were to say that this book inspires a completely new way of thinking, you would be wrong. That's because new-age guru Eckhart Tolle bases his teachings on the existing concept of moving beyond thinking. He explains that you can only connect to the energy that flows through the universe only when you hush the incessant voice in your head. This book made a huge media splash early in 2008 when Oprah Winfrey selected it for her bestseller-making book club and encouraged worldwide discussion of it via live Web seminars. Readers eagerly shared their "aha moments" online, citing points in the book that ignited their "shifts in consciousness." And yet anyone who is at all familiar with Eastern philosophies will not find Tolle's messages quite so groundbreaking. For instance, the concept of ego transcendence has been part of the Eastern spiritual lexicon for centuries. getAbstract agrees that Tolle's guidance fulfills a need for current-day seekers, and recommends it to anyone who relishes the spiritual quest for authentic selfhood and inner stillness, or who is simply curious to discover what provoked all the buzz.

I read this book for a bookclub discussion. I must say that I was skeptical to begin with, but after 300 plus pages of mind-numbing abstract language, I almost felt sick. Tolle has reduced himself to a shell of a person with no ego, no emotions, no thoughts, no past, no future in the mistaken view that somehow his detachment makes him a deeper, more spiritual being. Unfortunately, I see him as a social misfit who has managed to hypnotize himself with endless verbiage so that he doesn't have to face up to the pain and suffering that are a normal part of existence. His denial is a psychological defense mechanism to help him cope with the assaults on his ego (he thought he was going to be a great intellectual until his college experience proved otherwise). The tradeoff of so much denial is a feeling of righteousness and resulting power that the puritan exchanges for pleasure. I don't trust anyone for advice who has isolated himself or herself from society. Engagement and involvement in life are so much more pleasurable than detachment even though you can be hurt when you invest yourself and your emotions.

It's healthy to have an ego; usually the insecure are those who need to compensate by defensiveness. People with big egos are often more interesting than the shy, retiring type. Tolle's book will fade like all the others because it doesn't understand psychology, people's drives, or their needs, What he offers is magic--all problems will magically disappear by becoming aware--aware of something we already know: we exist.

To really learn about human nature and how to live a life, literature can help people explore. Instead of taking a class trying to decipher the meaningless abstract chatter of Tolle (consider this excerpt:"Although the unmanifested realm of pure consciousness could be considered another dimension it is not separate from this dimension of form. Form and formlessness interpenetrate. The unmanifested flow into this dimension as awareness, inner space, Presence. How doe it do that? Through the human form that becomes conscious and thus fulfills its destiny. The human form was created for this higher purpose, and millions of other forms prepared the ground for it., p. 291 ) consider taking a class in Shakespeare or Samuel Beckett who know more about life than Tolle will ever know.

This is NOT a book about the earth's environment per se. It takes us back to our origin--our purpose in life when we awaken to it, to a spiritual basis of humility and oneness. To Consciousness. Tolle has a very logical way at arriving at this basis and one which we need NOW,
because the consciousness of most humans of today is in crisis.

The most valuable book I've ever read. If you are truly open and ready, this book will help guide you toward a better life. It doesn't matter what religion you practice, this book will help you find true spiritually in your life - a place of real peace. He doesn't try to steer you away from any beliefs you may have. In fact, he quotes many different religions and actually states that when you become "present in life" you become closer to God. This book will help you learn how to accept and be happy with your life - as it is now. I will read this book more than once. It's deep. It's amazing.

"An eye opener and no mistake" as Sam Gamgee would say. Truly you will get this and be like WOW or you will not and just say wtf? I said WOW but some people will understand it and some wont. It changed my life completely.

I haven't finished the book yet, but it is already changing my outlook on life. I like how the information is presented and at times wonder how the author got into my head. This book is elegantly and intelligently written. I HIGHLY recommend it.

My husband mocks me for reading this book, but when I restate some simple idea I got from the book he thinks I'm wise beyond my time. It's not a book you sit down and read cover to cover. Rather, you go through it slowly, over time, so that you can absorb it the way you absorbed certain life lessons from your mother, father or grandparents.

My husband mocks me for reading this book, but when I restate some simple idea I got from the book he thinks I'm wise beyond my time. It's not a book you sit down and read cover to cover. Rather, you go through it slowly, over time, so that you can absorb it the way you absorbed certain life lessons from your mother, father or grandparents.

In this book Tolle presents his conception of ideas that have been espoused for thousands of years, and which aim to elevate Man's purpose and nature beyond the material world. As is true for all books of this kind,it suffers from the inherent contradictions and ambiguity which arises from trying to describe the ineffable. Yet for the right person this book can be invaluable.

While Tolle's ideas maybe considered a form of Buddhism, he seems to use more examples from the teachings of Jesus, though his interpretation is more in line with Gnosticism than orthodox Roman Catholicism. As he unfolds his beliefs, which center on the evolution of our Consciousness, I found myself seeing Jesus' actions and words in a new, empowering way, as the deadweight of classical conceptions gave way to a feeling of exhilaration and transcendence.

As is true of any book which deals with this subject matter, if you are open and seeking a spirituality which the secular, material world so glaringly lacks, than this book may well resonate with you, and maybe even change your life. However, a rational secularist will find it so much New Age bunk.As Tolle explains, he is not seeking to convert people but rather to help those who are ready for enlightenment. If this is you, this book can be a treasure you will cherish for a long time.

Understanding the self, is the first step in understanding others and the life around us. I liked the author approach when talking about living in a better way of life and in building a better world.