Tolle takes an insightful and well-read view of humanity in this incredible book. His clarity of thought and in writing draws the reader into the wisdom of the ages. Whether using world religions, the social sciences or plain everyday common sense, he explains humanity in a way that challenges the reader to be their best person. I use it as a guide to simplifying the craziness of the hectic workd in which I live. A must read!

after reading this book, i am now aware when i speak and present myself to others. many people do not realize but during the course of a day, when we speak and present ourselves without thinking, the results actually bring people down instead of lifting people up. we speak negatively instead of positively. we try to get ahead of people thinking this will get us ahead in life when in reality, we get ahead by just working with effort and with an inner purpose. most people do not even know they are impacting others negatively. there IS a different way to live which does result in joyous living. A NEW EARTH presents in chapter 1 why the change is necessary. chapters 2,3,4 really show us how we should NOT be treating others, by using our (egos). chapters 5,6 show us how we 'vomit' all our troubles (pain bodies) on other people who really dont even want to hear this info to begin with. these chapters also show how communication is a two way street and that persons pain bodies flow right back to us, each energizing each other building negativity. chapters 7,8 guides us as to who we really are and to recognize our own inner peaceful space. chapter 9 guides us to what our inner purpose in life is. chapter 10 completes the enlightenment process by identifying that the each day can have the best chance for happiness if we live by utilizing the qualities of acceptance, enjoyment, and enthusiasm. if only everyone was awakened to enlightenment, we would all spread peace and joy rather than spreading our pains and needlessly competing with other egos. the earth would then be A NEW EARTH.

Book arrived in great shape - haven't finished it but it sure looks very good :)

Ok, so it may not be Buddhism repackaged, but it definitely is Spiritualism repackaged.

The basic information and the Spiritual Laws reflected are worth knowing, but the book is bland. According the the author, if you don't derive benefit from it, it is the reader's fault. Gee, Echkart, I'm sorry I didn't live up to your expectations.

I wouldn't consider the book a waste of time, but it lacked a fresh perspective to separate it from the pack.

I have been involved with Buddhist thought and meditation for a few years now and despite the comment of some others, I found a lot of value in Eckhart's Book. Yes, it seemed to me that much of what Eckhart presents is basically Buddhist in nature but, reflecting back to my earlier work with Christianity, I could also say Eckhart's work presents basically Christian views as well. Okay, perhaps not Christianity as it is taught by many churches today, but perhaps as Christ intended it in the first place. Taking this further, if one believes there is a fundamental truth, than all honest seekers of that truth, no matter what religion they begin with, should eventually end up in the same place. Even though my first thougths were similar to some of the reviewers (this is just Buddhism), I soon realized that was my ego trying to fool me into thoughts of superiority and that, in reality, no labels such as Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, etc. actually have any importance of meaning when searching for truth.

Another of my initial thoughts on the book was "Ah, this is Buddhism for Westerners." I think that still applies as Eckhart's book did very much help me better understand some Buddhist concepts that were partially escaping me.

So my advice to everyone no matter what faith you are, calm your egos. Some Buddhists are bound to say "Buddha is better", some Christains, "Christ was God (and Better)", some Jews (Moses and Abraham were better", so on and so forth. But actually such thoughts make no sense as there is nothing to be compared, it isn't a contest, and the label one applies to truth is of no importance.

As far as Eckhart's ego, I really have not sensed much ego here. We must all remember that Eckhart is only human though. Therefore, just as many of the apostles were far from perfect, don't expect Eckhart to be immune to human failings from time to time. I'm not trying to put Eckhart in the class of a prophet, I assure you, and there is no need to do so. All that is important is that you get out of it what you can, if anything.

I agree that Eckhart's teachings are in danger of becoming the next fad wherein yuppees sit around at starbucks exchanging their enlightenment stories but that is a comment about humanity not Eckhart's teachings or ideas. And I also agree that I don't think Oprah has actually experienced much in the way of enlightenment despite how she might act or speak. However, she is doing us a service. Humanity is in need of a chnage of their state of consciousness and this book can help some. I suspect most will consume it with their egos just as humanity has largely done in the past. Only a few will truly engage in the work necessary to change their state of consciousness. It involves a lot of up front sacrifice for most. I am still very much in the struggle. But I think Eckhart's book, "The New Earth" is excellent and well worth the read. If you want to get something out of it you can. If you let your ego say, "This book is an insult to Jesus, God, Buddha, Mohammed, Abraham, Moses, etc., etc., etc.," you can do that to and you'll probably only be angered by the book.

Like always, it's up to you.

This book has totally changed and transformed my life. I had always felt deep down differently about a lot of things and suddenly it all came together with a sudden whoosh. I would highly recommend this book to anybody who is searching for "meaning" in their life or have issues with depression or general unhappiness with their life.

While I can respect a lot of the criticism, especially "Buddhism repackaged", I feel this book has reached many people in many walks of life. I do agree that the ideas are congruent with what I understand of Buddhism. I also agree that the teaching stories have been used before... as they have by many Buddhist (and other) teachers over the years, as they are so universal.

I do know that several people I know have been deeply moved by this book and have found great help from reading the philosophy and practicing the suggestions given here. I have several Tolle audiotapes and have benefited greatly from his books and tapes. I especially find his term "pain body" helpful in expressing how our life struggles and pains have come alive to form a complex with a life of its own.

While I am a single 60-year-old, I've fought a very heavy "pain body" as I grew up with Asperger's syndrome. The other people I know who have been helped by the teachings include many who are mothers.

I must congratulate Mr. Tolle for expressing this philosophy/spirituality in a way that has reached and helped such a wide range of people.

I loved reading this book. I enjoyed reading a few pages a day over a period of time, to let it sink in. To some degree it is a repackaging of ancient teachings which many of us are already aware of. That being said, it is also a great reminder of those teachings, in a fresh package. I am impressed by the helpful effect it has on people, and happy to hear that Oprah is promoting it. I am a therapist in Marina del Rey, and some clients had been quoting this book. Then a copy was handed to me by a friend who was passing them out at a birthday dinner. What is interesting to me is that it seems to give men, in particular, a language for understanding their life struggles in terms of ego.It seems to pave the way for meaningful personal work. I can say that the book makes my job easier! Kate Boswell

First, I am not an easy believer, in anything. I work very hard and could be labeled an aggressive businessman. After having my 2 children I started to see that what led me to the successful life I had was not what was really a successful life. Money, cars, house, travel, all good, but not fullfillment. I first read this book then the law of attractions. I was locked in from the first few pages. Yes, it makes you read slower to think and understand. And you will only like, enjoy, learn, or get something from this book if you have even the slightest readiness in your being to be aware and present with yourself. YES, it is a rehash of many, many, and perhaps all philosophies and religions. Yes, this is a modern retelling and new light shining on those ideas for modern people. If you did not like the book or get it, as Tolle states in the beginning, that is ok, you do not have to. He also does not hide the fact that he is compiling all the worlds many philosophies into what was his own inner awakening.

Simply put, this book changed my life that by many views would not have needed to be changed. My relationship with my wife, children, parents, and everyone...even the stranger in the store ringing up my purchases, all improved ten fold. I do the same work, but with no stress and more success. I live my life and embrace it. So, read this book if you think you would like to learn something about yourself, how you think, and how you can become a better person. A truly happy person. If you dont, why would you want to harm the improvement of another because of your view? It is only the view of you and even if others share it, it is still just that collective view. Others can still enjoy it. After learning from this book and the many others that can help with being more aware, you will smile to yourself when you see, for perhaps the first time, the negativity that holds others in their minds and life, captive.

I felt so alive when I kept in the moment I was in. There was so much connection involved in just "Being".

execellent...life changing, thought provoking. Listen to the cd's more than once. Each time through, I pick on something I missed before.

Start with this one and then read "The Power of Now" (both versions short and long) read 'Stillness Speaks' last. It's the best way to get the whole message. It will change your life

I found more than half of this book a repeat of "The Power of Now". Otherwise, a good teaching for those who didn't read the first book. Good advice on recognizing the ego in action. Hopeful teachings on making people aware of their actions, their interconnectedness with others and how our actions affect them - and the well-being of this world.

I can see why this book is popular with the masses. In the age of instant everything Eckhard's promise that simply reading a book can be enough to engender the shift of consciousness he is talking about is appealing.

This book makes no acknowledgement of the existence of or even the differences between what can be termed vertical stages of consciousness and horizontal states of consciousness. It attempts to deal with consciousness as if the horizontal states are the only issue. And even in this attempt he oversimplifies the issue.

Now I realise that I am using jargon that may mean little to most of you so let me try and explain briefly what I mean. We all undergo vertical stages of development of consciousness. Numerous developmental psychologists, including the yogi's , have identified these and are in rough agreement with the stages and timing of their development. The "ego" stage that Eckhard rails against is one of these stages. Higher" stages of consciousness" relate to an increased cognitive capacity to deal with complexity in the world - they allow us to include more of the world and how it works into our constructed world view.

A stable "ego" is a pre-requisite for the stages of consciousness above ego stage. One does not attain these higher stages by "dissolving" or getting rid of the ego as Eckhard suggests. The ego remains and is transcended and included. These stages occur in a step wise fashion that cannot be circumvented. Each stage builds on the other and dependent on the life conditions of each person.

Horizontal states of consciousness - the primary subject of Eckhart's book - can occur at any stage of vertical stage of consciousness. In our normal waking state of consciousness we identify with our constantly changing thoughts and feelings as they arise in consciousness. When we dream or daydream we identify with those states of consciousness. When we are in deep sleep it seems like we have no consciousness that we are conscious of. Then there is another state of consciousness where we can, in a sense, stand back from what is going on mentally and emotionally and witness the whole process rather than identifying with it.

In a nutshell Eckhard is saying - if you read this book you will learn how to operate from a witnessing state and your consciousness will be transformed. Well good luck to you. If it were that simple and the benefits were as profound as Eckhard suggests we would all be doing it. The reason that so few people have achieved this in the past are a testament to this difficulty and this book does not acknowledge these difficulties or explain why they exist. And even if you do achieve this horizontal state of enlightenment you will still be at the same stage of vertical consciousness.

If you want to understand more of what I am talking about you could read Robert Kegan's - The evolving Self, The Never Ending Quest - Clare Graves, or Spiral Dynamics by Beck and Cowan. These are works of researchers. Ken Wilbur has taken these concepts and melded them into his recent work if you want to take a broad view that incorporates Buddhist and Vedantic/Yogic thinking.

Just as we don't expect babies to become fully functioning adults by giving them a book to read we should be wise enough not to expect that reading a book will transform consciousness in any meaningful way. This is Eckhards's promise - read this book and you will be transformed. It would be great if it were possible ......

I never ceased to be saddened by how many people are taken in by self-help authors who rake in millions of dollars telling people all they have to do is "unleash the inner you" and "command the power of Now" and "Just Do It!" and "you deserve a break today" [OK, that last one slipped :)]. So many people are really hurting, questioning, seeking a purpose for their lives. Increasingly, especially in America, we either have too little, or more often perhaps, too much as we chase "IT" [houses, cars, boats, spouses], thinking that when we get "IT" we'll be happy. The inevitable result: you finally get "IT" and after a while, the newness fades and you're chasing something else.

Contentment in life is not about getting rich (the American dream), having toys, or the perfect body. Fulfillment in life is found in a relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. God created you and you can't find your purpose in life apart from Him. If you want real wisdom, read the book of Proverbs in the Bible, not this pseudo-Zen nonsense. I pray you will find Truth.

If you have no time to read, or you have the book and want to maximize you driving time, this audio book is for you!

This book is extraordinary! Mr. Tolle is able to move beyond the norm in
sharing how our egos create exactly what we don't need. He stimulates the
mind and validates the critical need for our own individual consciousness changes. This is "must read" for anyone interested in everything from personal growth to world peace.

Unlike any other. No subtle feelings of manipulation or control often found in 'self-help.' books. This work discusses 'world help.' The work speaks for itself and leaves you grounded and empowered to deal with obstacles in life. If his voice puts you to sleep you might prefer reading the book.

This is a wonderful book that truly changed my life. As I started reading this book, I felt that shift Mr. Tolle talks about. I recognized myself in many lines of this book...living in future, past, stress,anxiety, deep depression, and total unhappiness with my life. I had asked myself this question "What is the purpose of me living?"
My questions were answered. I feel happiness in every second of my life.
This book is not for everyone, what I mean by this is - one have to be ready for a change.
If you ready, if you want to be truly happy with your life, and remember, you only have one life, this is the book for you.
Thank you and God Bless.

Basically, some decent, common-sense observations on how to live your life dressed up in all sorts of overblown and self-important language, then over-generalized into Truths that are supposed to cure every ill. And his obvious self-satisafaction and ego is a constant irritant through-out.
Think of it as spiritual snake oil. it won't hurt you, but it pretends to be so much more than it really is.

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.

I can not explain to you in words what the message of this book has done for my everyday life. I wish I could but I can't. Read it with an open heart and I can't imagine how you could remain unaffected. In a life full of turmoil I finally have peace.

This is a life-changing and life-altering book! Great for anyone who seeks calmness and peace. Exposes the ego for what it really is!

Tolle provides an outstanding resource full of information on the ego consciousness and its soul counterpart including ways to recognize both states and work with them to achieve a new life's purpose.

This book has changed my life. It has made everything so much clearer to me regarding life and my relationships. I am recommending it to everyone I know.

I hate to gush with common superlatives but this is just a terrific book. The author weaves in many wonderful bits from the Zen masters and Christian wisdom and shows again that so many of our problems come from not being aware of the present moment. It is quite clear that we encounter our truest sense of self only in the now. Now none of this is to say that we need to live in the moment like animals. Tolle is saying something much deeper---that our identity is related to the divine and that can only be encountered in the now.

I don't think that I have ever quite encountered such a complete description of Zen no mind as is found in this book. The author is also worth listening to on CD as he has a wonderfully dry sense of humor

Someone once said that the question, "Where are you?", can always be answered "Here." And that the question, "What time is it?", can always be answered "Now." Tolle knows that life takes on a different quality when we are not thinking about the past or worrying about the future. After all, between here and there, there is only here. OK, so when we pay attention to and bring our consciousness fully to bear on the situation at hand, then what? Tolle teaches us that we suffer because we want the world to be different than it is, and that we expect that the only way for us to be happy is for the world to be more like we want it to be. In other words, our suffering stems from our attachment to how we think things should unfold. Of course, the reality is that much of the time we get what we don't want and don't get what we do want. Tolle, much like a good therapist, wants us to learn to be less reactive to those situations. There is a lot of Zen inspired material. All in all, I think it's a very worthwhile read.

First, I really recommend you start by reading Eckhart's previous book, The Power of Now, first. A lot of ideas glossed over in A New Earth were fully explained back in The Power of Now. This makes sense to me. You don't want Eckhart to write two books with the exact same content. It's like reading Harry Potter #2. You assume you know the relationships of people, their fears and goals and go from there.

You have to start out by separating the message from the messenger. Yes, Eckhart can be a bit pompous at times. Yes, he can blatantly state things like "this book is for spiritually awakened people - like those who read my previous book!" :) He talks about the pain-body as if it's an alien living in your stomach, ready to poke its head out. He talks about all corporations everywhere being evil, being all about profit. I know many corporations which do have very great aims. A corporation is just a legal structure. It depends on who runs it, as to what they are about. Heck, some of my friends have incorporated their small businesses to protect their homes. They're not about profit at all, they are very charity minded.

Eckhart has many factual errors. He perpetuates the extreme notion of 5 million women slain in a period of 300 years. Yes, I'm female and I abhor some things the church has done to women, but this 5 million slain number is just not reality. It makes people doubt the actual problems which did happen. He claims that the average 60 year old has watched 15 years of TV. This means the average person watches 6 hours of TV a day - EVERY single day - for their entire life from birth. It's scary enough that kids under age 18 average 3 1/2 hrs a day, and adults a bit more, but NOBODY (male or female adults included) averages 6 hours a day. When you know the first 18 years are 3.5 hrs, Eckhart's number is simply not true. Related to this, he seems convinced that men are responsible for all negative history events and that if women ran things we would be a land of peace and joy and plenty. I find both views to be a bit extreme.

Eckhart talks about few animals being killed in the Tsunami, but again, he's perpetuating a rumor. As the deputy managing editor of Science scoffs, "I have heard rumors that none of the animals were killed, but how do they know that? Did they take a census?" It's just that we KNOW when people are missing - but we rarely know (or worry about) wild animals missing after something like this. Yes, animals might hear the subsonic noises and be nervous - but to say animals weren't killed makes no sense. I'm sure even if a lot of animals "sensed something wrong" that they would be incapable of moving far enough inland to escape the torrential flooding. Or maybe Eckhart only worries about large, identifiable animals like elephants ...

My biggest issue with both of these books is that Eckhart is trumpeting a message of despair. He talks about how our whole world is mad, how we are surrounded by crazies, and that we better rise up against them and claim our minds or we're all going to go insane. It gets a bit much. He talks about the madness accelerating, when really if you look at history things are MUCH calmer now than pretty much any time. People actually try to talk out issues now. Yes we have a few wars - but look back to when EVERYTHING was settled by war. We are making huge progress. But that wouldn't sell books.

So that all being said, I do want to say this book has MANY good points, if you take it all with a critical, open eye. He talks about how Buddhism seeks to make us aware of the troubles in daily life and how we must learn to accept the way life is. He says that sin in the original language of the Bible was not "evil", it was about "missing the mark". People were being advised to learn from their mistakes and correct their path as they went.

He warns that all possessions fade over time, just as beauty and strength does. Taking pride in these things is setting yourself up to feel sadness when they are no longer there. It is better to be content inwardly, rather than based on external objects. He includes branded name objects in this category, and groups.

He points out that your internal frame of mind shapes how you view the world. "Complaining is one of the ego's favorite strategies for strengthening itself," he warns. It's about making you feel better by putting down someone else. He elaborates later - "Complaining is not to be confused with informing someone of a mistake or deficiency so that it can be put right. And to refrain from complaining doesn't necessarily mean putting up with bad quality or behavior." So it is about standing up for yourself, certainly, but not by abusing others.

He talks about how some people feel they can't be happy until something in their current life changes (I get a new house, I get a new job). He says other people feel they can never be happy because of something in their past (maybe the DISTANT past). He says both sets of people are mistaken. You can choose to be happy NOW. Not that you resign yourself to your situation necessarily - you can strive to better your life. But you can accept that you are where you are, that you will find serenity where you are while you work to improve things.

He says that every moment we're in we should either be thinking of acceptance, enjoyment or enthusiasm. If we really don't want to be changing a flat tire in the rain, simply accept it, do it as best you can, and move on. Being stressed and angry isn't going to make the tire change more quickly, and will add stress hormones and bad health to your list of problems.

I definitely think the key messages of this book are important. If Eckhart is phrasing them in a way which most people "get" - even though there are numerous other books on this same topic with this same message - then more power to him. It goes to show that people react differently to phrasing and that a writing style that makes sense to one person does not to another. Sure, a lot of this book is Buddhism - but I'm sure many of these readers have never been in a Buddhist temple and would not have gone to talk with a Buddhist monk. A lot of these concepts are basic psychology, but a person who doesn't read psychology tomes would never know that. Eckhart has made the information palatable to a large group of people. That's a well done task. My complaints are just that he didn't need some of this "incorrect junk" in here - and that his book would have been that much better if it left those things out.

This phenomenal book by Eckart Tolle builds on the success of his previous book 'The Power of Now.'

What I like most about this book is that it takes us beyond our own lives & demonstrates in a realistic way exactly how we have an opportunity to create a new and more loving world. To do this we must take a quantum leap in consciousness, let go of our identification with ego and live into an entirely new way of perceiving who we are.

...and so the journey begins...

A most highly recommended book!

Better read together with 'Nexus' by Morrison & Singh, a contemporary, enlightening, realistic novel that delves into the true to life, transformative journey of 'Logan' & a vast array of colorful characters. Filled with realistic events, trauma, challenges, inspirations, joys etc.
'Nexus' reveals the journeys of very real characters who are working with the ideas presented in 'A New Earth' and are struggling with how to apply these ideas in day to day life.

Nexus: A Neo Novel

If you are interested in seeing an excellent sermon refuting the claims of this book [...]. The message is delivered by Dr. Mark Walker of the Mt. Paran Church of God in Marietta, GA. While calming to present new spiritual insight this book is actually a repackaging of "New Age" thought which is totally at odds with the God described in the Bible and Who is definitely not "us."

This book is even better than Tolle's first one, "The Power of Now"! Tolle gives even more clear and indepth teachings about staying in touch with reality - the real you!

In this book the author shows how to attain true happiness. He fully explains the ego and how to remove yourself from the pain-body it so wants for you. True joy emanates from the formless diminsion that is within you. Just knowing this consciousness is one with who you are brings love and peace to yourself. He helps us to align our purpose with the awakening of humanity. The bringing of light into this world becomes your purpose in this life.

I feel that Tolle's book, A New Earth, is an enlightening work that not only gives the reader information about the inner workings and dysfunction of man, but also tells him what to do about it. Tolle is very clear on the new consciousness of our era where man is seeking for more in every area of his life.
Tolle also gives background on how we, humankind, have reached this current egoic state with many references to the collective time periods of the past, including the Inquisition and mass genocide throughout historical ages.
I found the book inspiring and enlightening and feel that it is invaluable material for anyone truly seeking a "new" personal as well as collective earth.
One major point that Tolle explains with complete clarity is the "inner body" and knowing that we are so much more than what we perceive about our life. For all to grasp the understanding, not only in their head but also in the heart, that each and every one of us is more than the physical, more than the material, and more than the intellectual combination we associate as "self" has potential to change the world and give each individual a clear path to their inner purpose and the connection to divine.
I give this 5 stars and would recommend it to anyone who is a "seeker" of truth.

No matter who or where you are in your journey of life and it's stuff, this is a must read. Even for those who think they have all the answers!!!! Get this book and read it!

Becoming more enlightened is what is suppose to happen after reading A New Earth. And I hope it reaches the author's goal. Enlightenment is beautiful. Well, after reviewing the book, I realized that I am already enlightened. My enlightenment came through my relationship with God. Born-again Christians are already where Tolle says his book will take you. It wasn't my best read. I will pass on to another book lover I'm sure I'll meet along the way. For the Christian, the new earth will be the long awaited Kingdom of God, which Jesus spoke of during his earthly ministry.

This is a book about experiencing life deeply. It is not a re-hashing of Buddhism or Vedic teaching. Tolle simply describes the experience of living a more subtle life, of experiencing the deeper values of life.

This means more silence and less beliefs. And that is the effect of reading this book.

While I was not impressed with the simplicity of The Power of Now, in this case the simplicity of New Earth is deep and transforming.

Reviewers who are seeing religious beliefs here are seeing their own beliefs and not the effect of this book. This book is about letting go of beliefs.

This is a "must read" for those interested in spirituality. It's a must read for those interested in the preserving of our planet!

This is a very insightful and useable book. This is one of the few non-fiction books I've read that I consider a page-turner. I did not want it to end, and I found it very understandable and extremely helpful in finding ways to experience a stress-less, appreciative, and happy existence while here on Earth.

I read A New Earth and struggled with it. Why do we feel the need to seek answers to life, our existence, our purpose, in books like this? Why not keep it simple?

I recently read CRYING WITH COCKROACHES by South African author Marianne Du Toit and what a joy it was!

The book is an inspiration from beginning to end. It is not about self-promotion or ego, it is just a simple tale of what is possible when we are determined, generous and humble. The author does not take herself too seriously yet she gets so many important messages across.

Once we reach out to others and start looking away from ourselves, then life begins to have purpose. It really is that simple.

If you ever wondered why people do what they do, behave like they do or say the things they say, this book explains it all.
Eckhart Tolle delivers his deep insights in a very easy to understand writing style. It isn't a book you read once and never again, it is a book you study. It will enrich you in an everlasting way. I highly recommend it!

He writes simply what all the other messengers are trying to say. BE PRESENT with yourself. It doesn't make the pain stop, or the ego cease its function, but merely puts one into awareness of it without allowing your thoughts to carry you away into a non-existence "what if" mode.

This book had some good points but all in all I found it slightly hard to follow. I felt that if you followed the advice of the author you could very easily become indifferent to everything around you. Perhaps I wasn't totally grasping the book in its entirety but as I said I did find some of it rather hard to follow

Tolle's book is worthwhile....it is a pyschological compass of sorts, helping out with keeping modern distractions (especially ego-driven ones) in perspective.....

This is by far the best book I have read on managing your mind and therefore your life. I read it twice to make sure I didn't miss anything, and I never read a book all the way through a second time. I bought copies for my college age daughters and they are now reading it. I know this is a very strong statement, but I believe it is the most important book published since the bible.

I find the first chapter too deep to comprehend at first and I almost put down the book. Then I heard other people made the same comment in Oprah's show but kept on reading and said that it gets better. And it sure did. I am glad that I did not gave up on the book. Watching Oprah's class with Eckhart Tolle online [...] not only helps in understanding each chapter more, it is also enchance the inspiration to be awaken.

This is a must read for anyone who has wondered "What is Next for me". I loved this book! It is a compelling book that awakens us to the possibilities of living fully.

Mia Redrick
Author,Time for mom-Me:5 Essential Strategies for A Mother's Self-Care

I have always thought what Mr Tolle has had to say was difficult to understand, I wish he would say it in a more direct way. As with his style of writing, reviewing what you have read always makes things clearer... then again sometimes not.

One way to judge whether teachings, such as in this book, have merit, is to note whether the reader's behavior changes as a result. In this case, mine has. I'm less reactive to events, I'm less threatened by others' comments, I'm more relaxed, I'm less controlling, and I spend more time in the present moment. These are palpable benefits for me, my family, and acquaintances.

Well when I got this book after having seen him on Oprah, I was not entirely sure as to whether it would be of any benefit to me. Well was I so wrong. What a dynamic? Woohooo. I get it Eckhart and Oprah, I really get it and at this moment I am getting it even more. When I watched Eckhart talking with Oprah on her radio live and any time on the tv I get a calmness that comes over me like never before. This is the book that will change our world and those of us that have read it are doing that already. Thank you Eckhart, Oprah and Amazon for enabling me.

This one of the best books I ever read. It gives a clear explanation on how the mind and the ego works. After reading it I feel much better about living in the moment instead of the future or the past. It explains how human often indentify themself with form and believe their own thoughts.
It's hard to explain, just read it! And become aware and awake!