Rating: 
Summary: Should I drop everything?
Review: Another one of those "spiritual enlightenment" books then. This one seems better than most, since it emphasises the present, as opposed to past lives or predicting the future. On the other hand, it's all very well to talk about "now" as the best time to seize the moment, etc. but what about people who don't have the option? It's like taunting them; they feel like they're missing out, while everyone is talking about how great "now" is. "Now" is the latest thing - get yours before it's too late. Talking about "spiritual enlightenment" at all is always a bit iffy too - it can be a bit like an exclusive club catering to people's need for belonging. I wouldn't necessarily accuse this book of that, however. In fact I wouldn't accuse it of much at all, since I haven't read it and have no intention of doing so. It's just not my kind of thing, although I did read an Alan Watts book once...
Rating: 
Summary: The Power of Now
Review: Some readers will surely be upset by my line of argument, but I hope others will realize it is simply a way to achieve real knowledge.
No matter what we think of, in reading books like The Power of now, we are searching for a change in our being not in our knowledge and for that matter the book will not give the reader any real clue. The author is not the first to talk about that value of living in the present moment, and I think anyone looking for a deeper knowledge of "The Present" should read: Fragments of an unknown teaching - In search of the miraculous (Ouspensky). If one is really searching for the kind of knowledge that can put one in contact with the realm of the miraculous, then your search will be over.
The power of Now has the positive aspect of stimulating the drive for a way of living not so much based on "external stimuli", but rather on finding our own meaning for thinghs. That is why I gave two stars.
But again, the book is not going to change your "level of being", it will only show that a "Work" in necessary in order to achieve that. I wish with all my heart that you come to that sooner or latter.
Rating: 
Summary: The genuine article
Review: I generally don't like "spiritual" books because they are often too sacharine, insipid, or sanctimonious. This work by Eckhart Tolle is an exception. He seems to have understood the message of the Buddha and has a facility with words that makes his meaning clear in this modern age. There is much insight and wisdom contained in these pages. Tolle has experienced the human condition and sees it with a spirtual, mostly Buddhist, perspective. Since I happen to share much of Tolle's worldview, I really appreciate his ability to convey spiritual ideas in simple English. This book appears to be the genuine article -- a spiritual treatise by an honest spiritual teacher (though I am put off by how commercial the Tolle enterprise has become with its Tolle 2004 wall calendar and its Tolle deck of spiritual cards, etc.). Despite the commercialism, Eckhart Tolle has much of value to share. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Living in the Present Moment
Review: Learning to live in the present moment isn't as easy as it initially sounded to me. It is easy to learn all sorts of concepts and ideas. But, actually LIVING in this way has become the challenge of my life. I loved The Power of Now, but got so wrapped up in the concepts that I lost track of the difference between just thinking I was being present and actually being present. Like so many others, I convinced myself that I was something that I wasn't - so clearly I was not being present to the reality of myself. Then I was loaned "Present Moment Awareness" (Shannon Duncan). This was a major turning point in my personal growth path. When I read this book, and practiced a bit on what he was teaching, I began to see the ways in which I wasn't being present and why, so that being genuinely present in this moment became more natural for me. By studying and practicing what was taught in "Present Moment Awareness", Eckharts teachings really started to sink in for me.These two books work REALLY well together. Read Present Moment Awareness first, and then read (or re-read) The Power of Now.
Rating:
Summary: Just stop
Review: The other day I stopped for a moment just to enjoy the warm summer day. This is th essence of Eckhart Tolle's masterful perspective on life; not a selfish "me first," but learning to appreciate what you have here and now. I also enjoyed The Prayer of Hannah by Kenn Gividen
Rating:
Summary: How are you going to make the most of NOW?
Review: This book is great because it emphasizes the POWER of the present moment. It shows you how to stay in the present moment by letting go of the past. I learned how to make the MOST of the present moment and completely master my thinking and feelings in another book called OPTIMAL THINKING--HOW TO BE YOUR BEST SELF by Dr. Rosalene Glickman. Optimal Thinking is the best book I have ever read and this book comes second.
Rating:
Summary: two levels: continuation of a previous comment
Review: I said that Eckhart essentially describes two levels of experiencing reality available for humans (please see my previous comments in this website for clarification}: Higher level: Stillness. This level can also be reached through mindfulness. In fact, mindfulness is the Buddha's way to reach the higher level. In short, mindfulness consist in focusing your complete attention in wherever is in front of you in the present moment (like washing dishes, or tasting a meal). Alan Watts also mentions these two levels when he stated that the human problem is to get from the abstract level (lower level)to the concrete level (higher level). Zen tells you that there are two ways of knowing reality: one through concepts (lower level) and one through direct contacting reality with your whole being (higher level). Ken Wilber talks about "rational" (lower level) and "transrational" (higher level). Peace is reached with stillnes (no thinking), as Eckhart states. However, there is much more than peace in this level. To start, you contact God at this level. Not just a theoric contact in your mind but a concrete experiencial contact. This level has not limit. Spiritual traditions describe the higher level with many sub-levels in a somewhat ladder fashion. In this level you climb the sub-levels with God in your side and inside you, reaching to infinity. Lower level: Thinking This level was explained in my previous comment. Note: Eckhart states that there is not much you need to know to enter the higher level. You do not have to read hundred of books (sorry Amazon). Eckhart is right. You can spend your whole life looking for the conceptual explanation that would get you to the higher level. This is an illusion. Concepts would not get you there. Becoming present in this moment is the starting point.
Rating:
Summary: Great Awakening!
Review: Tolle give the tools to enter into the eternal--NOW, where there is no time. You will find that the "Presence" is the Eternal Creator and His wonderful Love for you, His creation. Forget religion that tries to put God in a box. He's not there, but in the NOW.
Truth is not a matter of opinion. This book will either open your spiritual eyes more, or you will totally miss the message.
Rating:
Summary: "Inspirational"
Review: I found the book "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle inspirational.
I feel this book did a good job of teaching me that I am
not the voices that I listen to in my head. The only thing
there is, is now. I never realized how when I am lost in my
thoughts I am not present, and what I am thinking may not
actually be true. It was quite a novel idea for me to
learn of the reality of "being," not thinking or doing. Another excellent book you might want to check out is
"Working on Yourself Doesn't Work" by Ariel & Shaya Kane.
It is about living in the moment, not in the future or the
past. Reading this book was like a mini vacation.
Rating:
Summary: A Little Short on Technique
Review: This book is okay as far as it goes. We all pretty much agree that we need to get clearer. But for actual techniques to acquire a state of mindfulness, awareness, or present reality I suggest The Power of Full Engagement or if you are battling real negativity and anxiety, Depression is a Choice.
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