Since Oprah's Book Club announced, a month ago, that Tolle's book,"A New Earth -- Awakening to Your Life's Purpose", was on their book list, over three million copies have been sold.
The book was released in 2005 and is just now catching on. The response has been remarkable with a host of people talking about their life changing experiences.
Our review (see below), posted two months ago, reveals the power of the book. It comes highly recommended -- one to study and discuss with fellow readers.
To those who believe in, at Tolle puts it, "The Arising New Consciousness", this book is not only changing the lives of people around the world but is a powerful testimonial to the awakening of the human spirit.
IN OUR OWN WAY, 3/1/08
Sunday
"A NEW EARTH --- Awakening to Your Life's Purpose" by Eckhart Tolle
Is humanity ready for a transformation of consciousness, an inner flowering so radical and profound that compared to it the flowering of plants is only a pale reflection?
Let's start with the flower, those fragrant beings that would come to play an essential part in the evolution of consciousness of another species -- humans.
Over a million years ago the first flower ever to appear on the planet opened up to receive the rays of the sun. This first flower represented an evolutionary transformation in the life of plants even though the planet had been covered in vegetation for millions of years. The first flowers were a rare and isolated phenomena since conditions were not yet favorable for widespread flowering to occur. One day, however, a critical threshold was reached and suddenly
there was an explosion of color and scent all over the planet. Ever since humans would increasingly be drawn and fascinated by them. They have provided inspiration to countless mystics, poets and artists. Jesus even tells us to contemplate the flowers and learn from them how to live.
Can humanity awaken to a new and enlarged consciousness? Can we defy the pull of materialism and rise above the power of the ego which keeps us imprisoned within our own personality? The possibility of such a transformation has been the central message of the great wisdom teachings of humankind. The great messengers -- Jesus, Buddha and others were humanity's early flowers, yet in their day widespread flowering of humanity was not yet possible and their message became largely misunderstood and greatly distorted. Are we more ready now than at the time of those early teachers?
One of the most powerful components of this book is how Tolle brilliantly characterizes the egoic state and shows the main aspects of the ego and how they operate in the individual as well as in the collective. This is critical in understanding ourselves for two very important reasons: The first is that unless you understand the basic mechanics behind the workings of the ego, you won't recognize it and it will trick you into identifying with it again and again. The second is that the act of recognition itself is one of the ways in which awakening happens. You cannot fight against the ego and win, just as you cannot fight against darkness.
This book is written to awaken, to help bring about a shift in consciousness -- not convince the reader of anything or to add new information or beliefs. If you don't know what awakening means, read this book. Tolle writes that the time has come -- we awaken or die. We are at a crossroads. We no longer have the luxury of living this deep seated collective delusion that lies within the mind of most human beings.
This is Tolle at his best. A powerful book and one that comes highly recommended.
Judith Krantz, posted 12/23/07
Let's start with the flower, those fragrant beings that would come to play an essential part in the evolution of consciousness of another species -- humans.
Over a million years ago the first flower ever to appear on the planet opened up to receive the rays of the sun. This first flower represented an evolutionary transformation in the life of plants even though the planet had been covered in vegetation for millions of years. The first flowers were a rare and isolated phenomena since conditions were not yet favorable for widespread flowering to occur. One day, however, a critical threshold was reached and suddenly
there was an explosion of color and scent all over the planet. Ever since humans would increasingly be drawn and fascinated by them. They have provided inspiration to countless mystics, poets and artists. Jesus even tells us to contemplate the flowers and learn from them how to live.
Can humanity awaken to a new and enlarged consciousness? Can we defy the pull of materialism and rise above the power of the ego which keeps us imprisoned within our own personality? The possibility of such a transformation has been the central message of the great wisdom teachings of humankind. The great messengers -- Jesus, Buddha and others were humanity's early flowers, yet in their day widespread flowering of humanity was not yet possible and their message became largely misunderstood and greatly distorted. Are we more ready now than at the time of those early teachers?
One of the most powerful components of this book is how Tolle brilliantly characterizes the egoic state and shows the main aspects of the ego and how they operate in the individual as well as in the collective. This is critical in understanding ourselves for two very important reasons: The first is that unless you understand the basic mechanics behind the workings of the ego, you won't recognize it and it will trick you into identifying with it again and again. The second is that the act of recognition itself is one of the ways in which awakening happens. You cannot fight against the ego and win, just as you cannot fight against darkness.
This book is written to awaken, to help bring about a shift in consciousness -- not convince the reader of anything or to add new information or beliefs. If you don't know what awakening means, read this book. Tolle writes that the time has come -- we awaken or die. We are at a crossroads. We no longer have the luxury of living this deep seated collective delusion that lies within the mind of most human beings.
This is Tolle at his best. A powerful book and one that comes highly recommended.
Judith Krantz, posted 12/23/07
Saturday
The Life and Teachings of Jesus -- A Restatement of the Gospels
"The Life and Teachings of Jesus -- a Restatement of the Gospels" is an effort to distill from the scriptures only those verses truly portraying the life and teachings of Jesus. Like an earlier effort by Thomas Jefferson who produced the "Jefferson Bible" in the early 1800's, Author, Preston Thomas uses the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John to make his case that of all human knowledge, the most valuable is to know the truth of the life and teachings of Jesus. "True Christianity is founded on the teachings of Jesus" says Thomas. "If one truly desires to know Jesus and follow the way of his personal religion, this book can be of great value, for herein is presented Jesus' life and teachings in purity and wholeness -- separated from all other Scripture." 11/17/07 ($18.95 -- order from IN OUR OWN WAY, see "order books" on right of blog)
Testimonial: My Story -- Michelle Mrozkowski
After years of struggling through Bible stories and seldom teaching students the real value in scripture, I was introduced to "The Life and Teachings of Jesus". I was profoundly moved by the book and immediately understood its value, particularly to children who were able to grasp who Jesus is and the life he led on earth.
The book is organized chronologically, starting with Jesus birth on through his life. There are many wonderful references and footnotes that help guide the reader's understanding of scripture. Chapters are divided into short, easy to study sections which make for perfect study sessions. When parents come to me with family concerns, I am able to find related scripture that helps them move through problems they face.
I don't teach Sunday school any longer, but I continue to read the book to my children and as a study book for myself. I have given this beautifully bound book to friends and recommended it to book clubs. I have not found another reference, meditation or teaching tool quite like this book and highly recommend it to anyone who seeks to understand the truth of Jesue life and teachings.
Testimonial: My Story -- Michelle Mrozkowski
After years of struggling through Bible stories and seldom teaching students the real value in scripture, I was introduced to "The Life and Teachings of Jesus". I was profoundly moved by the book and immediately understood its value, particularly to children who were able to grasp who Jesus is and the life he led on earth.
The book is organized chronologically, starting with Jesus birth on through his life. There are many wonderful references and footnotes that help guide the reader's understanding of scripture. Chapters are divided into short, easy to study sections which make for perfect study sessions. When parents come to me with family concerns, I am able to find related scripture that helps them move through problems they face.
I don't teach Sunday school any longer, but I continue to read the book to my children and as a study book for myself. I have given this beautifully bound book to friends and recommended it to book clubs. I have not found another reference, meditation or teaching tool quite like this book and highly recommend it to anyone who seeks to understand the truth of Jesue life and teachings.
AMERICA -- We are no Longer Honorable
AMERICA, as the Sioux medicine man Good Horse Nation says, must wake up. To do that, America will have to suffer a most difficult weaning from what is false and destructive about the American Dream.
And when we wake up we will realize that these bereft beings (the power elite) are running the political and fiancial centers of the world, and that no mere human effort will be able to correct this injustice. This is why Divine intervention will be needed; otherwise everyone and everything would be detroyed. Hyperbole? No--simple and honest logic. If nations had nuclear weapons when Rome fell,none of us would be here today to discuss the horrific situation we've gotten ourselves into. Do we really think that when things start to turn sour for our world that force will not be seen as the answer? Does anyone look upon the world scene and not see the progresive danger we are in? America suddenly is the bully of the world using its military might in an agressive, self-serving way rather than as a defensive stronghold of peace. We have lost all respect and goodwill in the eyes of the world's nations. They will accept our money but no longer look to us as a moral force in the world. And yet Americans notice nothing, as long as material goods keep flowing. We have ceased to use our minds to think for ourselves, our opinions are those of the first news report. We take our media and information sources at face value.
Where is the thirst for truth? The prophets have said, "our people are stupid." We see only what we want to see. Our own leaders prepare before us the rudiments for potential exportation of weapons technology to an entire world? When did it become acceptable to export destruction so that our richest people can become richer? Is this acceptable? What do we do? What do we say? The answer is a resounding nothing. History and God will hold America accountable for the deaths of tens of millions of lives. But as long as we still have our cozy lives and our wants fulfilled - we see nothing! And so, not until our toys and possessions are taken away from us will anybody notice that there are a lot of bully's that have moved onto the block. Then will America cry and then will America open her glazed-over eyes. And so, we will finally realize that which we have had ample opportunity to understand; Man needs God to guide his steps! By himself he is a miserable and obvious failure.
(Excerpts from "The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand by Dr. Edmund Roache) Purchase by clicking right of page or order from Amazon.com)10/20/07
And when we wake up we will realize that these bereft beings (the power elite) are running the political and fiancial centers of the world, and that no mere human effort will be able to correct this injustice. This is why Divine intervention will be needed; otherwise everyone and everything would be detroyed. Hyperbole? No--simple and honest logic. If nations had nuclear weapons when Rome fell,none of us would be here today to discuss the horrific situation we've gotten ourselves into. Do we really think that when things start to turn sour for our world that force will not be seen as the answer? Does anyone look upon the world scene and not see the progresive danger we are in? America suddenly is the bully of the world using its military might in an agressive, self-serving way rather than as a defensive stronghold of peace. We have lost all respect and goodwill in the eyes of the world's nations. They will accept our money but no longer look to us as a moral force in the world. And yet Americans notice nothing, as long as material goods keep flowing. We have ceased to use our minds to think for ourselves, our opinions are those of the first news report. We take our media and information sources at face value.
Where is the thirst for truth? The prophets have said, "our people are stupid." We see only what we want to see. Our own leaders prepare before us the rudiments for potential exportation of weapons technology to an entire world? When did it become acceptable to export destruction so that our richest people can become richer? Is this acceptable? What do we do? What do we say? The answer is a resounding nothing. History and God will hold America accountable for the deaths of tens of millions of lives. But as long as we still have our cozy lives and our wants fulfilled - we see nothing! And so, not until our toys and possessions are taken away from us will anybody notice that there are a lot of bully's that have moved onto the block. Then will America cry and then will America open her glazed-over eyes. And so, we will finally realize that which we have had ample opportunity to understand; Man needs God to guide his steps! By himself he is a miserable and obvious failure.
(Excerpts from "The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand by Dr. Edmund Roache) Purchase by clicking right of page or order from Amazon.com)10/20/07
Tuesday
"Mobs, Messiahs and Markets: Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics" By Bill Bonner and Lila Rajiva
Bill Bonner has long been a maverick observer of the financial and political world. In Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets, Bonner and freelance Journalist Lila Rajiva use literary economics to offer broader insights into mass behavior and its devastating effects on society.
Why is it, they ask, that perfectly sane and responsible individuals turn into an irrational mob? What makes them trust charlatans and demagogues who manipulate their worse instincts? Why do they abandon good sense, good behavior and good taste? Why is the road to hell paved with so many sterling intentions? Why is there a fool on every corner and knave in every public office?
Yale University assistant professor of Psychiatry, Bandy Xenobia Lee, says its time to apply narcissistic behavior not only to people but to nations. It is obvious that, in the world of economics, Americans' delusions of grandeur threaten to ruin them. And in politics, it's worse. Americans are risking their very souls with murderous wars. Lee notes that few nations could have afforded to live in the style to which Americans have become accustomed -- not even Americans themselves. Their paper money is backed by nothing; the economy doomed to slow down, stocks bound to fall and, victims of an excess of enthusiasm and shortage of capital investment.
Yet, most Americans do not doubt themselves. They cannot save a dime themselves, but they offer to save the entire planet based on the way they view the world.
Success has transformed a modest people whose greatest virtue was once minding their own business into a vainglorious race who mind everyone's business but their own. Discounted is the hard work of their fathers and grandfathers who went ahead of them. Dismissed are the virtues of thrift, sound money, limited government and collective modesty.
One day, historians will look back at our era and marvel at how George bush and Tony Blair determined to convert the Iraqis to democracy. To our descendants, it will look like a mad caprice; an act of remarkable faith or delusion, like missionaries showing the heathan the correct posture for copulation.
(see full review: The Daily Reckoning, Weekend Edition, 8/25-26/07)
--This book is currently available at Amazon.com--
Why is it, they ask, that perfectly sane and responsible individuals turn into an irrational mob? What makes them trust charlatans and demagogues who manipulate their worse instincts? Why do they abandon good sense, good behavior and good taste? Why is the road to hell paved with so many sterling intentions? Why is there a fool on every corner and knave in every public office?
Yale University assistant professor of Psychiatry, Bandy Xenobia Lee, says its time to apply narcissistic behavior not only to people but to nations. It is obvious that, in the world of economics, Americans' delusions of grandeur threaten to ruin them. And in politics, it's worse. Americans are risking their very souls with murderous wars. Lee notes that few nations could have afforded to live in the style to which Americans have become accustomed -- not even Americans themselves. Their paper money is backed by nothing; the economy doomed to slow down, stocks bound to fall and, victims of an excess of enthusiasm and shortage of capital investment.
Yet, most Americans do not doubt themselves. They cannot save a dime themselves, but they offer to save the entire planet based on the way they view the world.
Success has transformed a modest people whose greatest virtue was once minding their own business into a vainglorious race who mind everyone's business but their own. Discounted is the hard work of their fathers and grandfathers who went ahead of them. Dismissed are the virtues of thrift, sound money, limited government and collective modesty.
One day, historians will look back at our era and marvel at how George bush and Tony Blair determined to convert the Iraqis to democracy. To our descendants, it will look like a mad caprice; an act of remarkable faith or delusion, like missionaries showing the heathan the correct posture for copulation.
(see full review: The Daily Reckoning, Weekend Edition, 8/25-26/07)
--This book is currently available at Amazon.com--
Dr. Edmund Roache, Author, "The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand" reports on current political and economic events outlined in his book
"The stage is set to set the Middle East aflame and draw the whole world into World War III. The script is being followed. Watch the details closely. For instance, why does Israel declare war on Lebanon one day and then the next day give away the West Bank and Gaza for nothing in return. None of it makes any sense unless you posit that there is an alternative goal other than what we are all being led to believe."
"Another example is the way we have leaked our military technology on purpose to Chinese "spies" so that they can build up their military and some day use it against us. We do the same with Russia as we turn our backs while they build their arsenal despite knowing that they are cheating on all the armament reduction treaties that we unilaterally continue to disarm ourselves by."
"The American media are controlled by six men -- six!!! We are told what they want us to know -- no more, no less. For example, Ron Paul is of the caliber of an Abraham Lincoln and he is continually ignored despite a lot of support from people who really know what is going on. Also the dollar is circling the drain and everything will get a lot worse economically and financially once it breaks 80, which I think it will do over the next several months. Is the media reporting on the real economic news to help prepare us? Indeed no!"
"Do not be deceived. The American people have been intentionally dumbed down so that many don't even know how to think for themselves and the younger the generation the more clueless we have become."
"Many critical issues that will impact every espect of our lives in the months and years ahead are on the table with little national discussion. For example the seriousness of the drought and a financial crisis that is imminent that could create a depression in the new few years, if not sooner."
"American is ripe for the kill but maybe we can still put up a good fight. As for the Kingdom Book, I fully expect the day to come when it will see it's full use"
(purchase book by clicking "order books" on far right of page)
"Another example is the way we have leaked our military technology on purpose to Chinese "spies" so that they can build up their military and some day use it against us. We do the same with Russia as we turn our backs while they build their arsenal despite knowing that they are cheating on all the armament reduction treaties that we unilaterally continue to disarm ourselves by."
"The American media are controlled by six men -- six!!! We are told what they want us to know -- no more, no less. For example, Ron Paul is of the caliber of an Abraham Lincoln and he is continually ignored despite a lot of support from people who really know what is going on. Also the dollar is circling the drain and everything will get a lot worse economically and financially once it breaks 80, which I think it will do over the next several months. Is the media reporting on the real economic news to help prepare us? Indeed no!"
"Do not be deceived. The American people have been intentionally dumbed down so that many don't even know how to think for themselves and the younger the generation the more clueless we have become."
"Many critical issues that will impact every espect of our lives in the months and years ahead are on the table with little national discussion. For example the seriousness of the drought and a financial crisis that is imminent that could create a depression in the new few years, if not sooner."
"American is ripe for the kill but maybe we can still put up a good fight. As for the Kingdom Book, I fully expect the day to come when it will see it's full use"
(purchase book by clicking "order books" on far right of page)
Wednesday
Critical Mass/The Shift
When a sufficiently large core group of people awaken to a new and enlarged reality, critical mass happens. This new way of thinking spreads almost instantly. What this means is that there will come a time when the new reality will suddenly make sense to the majority of people 'currently' moving through a shift in consciousness.
This new behavior pattern will spread to most but not all. Many will remain
steadfast in their established behavior patterns and resist change. No matter, critical mass is building! It will not be long.
In the early 60s one in 50 adults reached this new awareness. Today, according to extensive surveys more than one in four adults in the US and Europe have taken the leap in consciousness, thus forming the nucleus of the Shift -- a collective transformation consisting of the sum of each individual's step forward.
The paradigm shift is the result of a cosmic cycle which is unfolding slowly but steadily, uplifting humanity. Thus, your greatest service to the world is to development of your own consciousness. 7/15/07
More from: The Shift: The Revolution in Human Consciousness
This new behavior pattern will spread to most but not all. Many will remain
steadfast in their established behavior patterns and resist change. No matter, critical mass is building! It will not be long.
In the early 60s one in 50 adults reached this new awareness. Today, according to extensive surveys more than one in four adults in the US and Europe have taken the leap in consciousness, thus forming the nucleus of the Shift -- a collective transformation consisting of the sum of each individual's step forward.
The paradigm shift is the result of a cosmic cycle which is unfolding slowly but steadily, uplifting humanity. Thus, your greatest service to the world is to development of your own consciousness. 7/15/07
More from: The Shift: The Revolution in Human Consciousness
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