A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose (Oprah's Book Club, Selection 61)

One Purpose: Awaken 2010-07-21

Reviewer: L. Gillespie

A New Earth is the second major work by Eckhart Tolle.

I believe he refined and focused his message in this second book. While The Power of Now lays the foundation for his teaching, I believe that anyone interested in spiritual awakening could dive right into A New Earth and not feel that they are missing anything. I also highly recommend viewing (for free) the series of web casts at [...] that discuss each chapter in depth with questions and answers from readers around the world.

He also delves quite deeply into the Ego, its true nature, how to recognize when we are operating through our ego, and how to use our awareness to diminish the ego. I have found that I can now clearly see when my ego is at work, though I'm sure it has some surprises in store for me (the ego is nothing if not clever). You may find it shocking how often you find your ego triggering emotions and responses, unless you are already extremely enlightened (then, good for you!).

He also explains in greater detail the "Pain-body". This is the part of the ego that physically manifests itself as negative emotions and emotional pain.

He then goes into what he believes is our true nature. He believes our true nature cannot be explained through words as it is beyond the comprehension of our minds - words can only be sign posts that point us toward this awareness. Discovering this awareness is the key to finding inner peace and being able to fully accept and enjoy our short stay in this form.

The final message talks about the future of our planet and what it will take for us to either evolve to a higher consciousness, or be weeded out of existence. Because man now has the ability to destroy this planet, we have come to a crossroads.

The message is clear: the Ego must die, not by fighting it, but by allowing our inner light to shine through. I find that laughing at my own ego is most helpful.

Most of us are in a dream and don't know we're dreaming. The first and perhaps the most important step is to realize we are dreaming.

a new earth 2010-04-20

Reviewer: Deborah N. Rothschild

profound and mind altering... my thinking has changed dramatically and yes, I did have an aha moment... a must read.

The new age of mindful awareness 2010-03-02

Reviewer: Peter Strong

Eckhart writes in a very down to earth way that has a sound philosophical base. He is presenting the essential Buddhist concepts of sunnata (space consciousness) and mindfulness (sati) as the present-centered awareness that allows us to transcend object-consciousness and become the living reality of Buddha mind (bodhicitta). But the way he presents these often dry concepts is so engaging!
To read more about mindfulness and mindfulness meditation, I suggest you read:
The Path of Mindfulness Meditation: Finding Balance in the Midst of Chaos: The Application of Mindfulness and Vipassana Meditation for Personal Transf

Beginner's Path to Enlightenment 2010-02-06

Reviewer: Mary Wozny

I have to be very honest here. I like this book because it is a very simple read and may communicate more easily with the general public but personally I find it very basic. I suspect its popularity came about due to the media coverage and the Oprah Winfrey show. I believe that if one is looking for a profoundly informative and in depth understanding of how to achieve consciousness and awareness, the book The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle is the better book to read. It is deep and requires great thought from the individual, but change and growth come from going deep within oneself and listening, recognizing ones default settings as they say and changing old belief systems.

Mary Wozny

a book that will change your life 2009-12-04

Reviewer: M. Schwehr

If you are ready for an awakening, this book is it. I pick this book up and re-read chapters because it is such a powerful collection of "words". Eckhart Tolle has changed the way I see the world and myself. A must read for anyone who feels there is something more powerful than what you can "see"