Rating: 
Summary: THE WAY OUT
Review: The concepts presented in this course (it is not really just a "book" but a way of practicing toward the achievement of realization) are the most fundamental spiritual revelations in existence. This is a simplified and lucid presentation of the I AM concept clearly given in the latter Upanishads (called the Vedas) of 5,000 years ago and much more recently (1975) in "A Course in Miracles". Most of us are simply not aware that we are, as Dr. Raynor Johnson put it half a century ago, "The Imprisoned Splendour." There are only two ways that this awareness comes and one of them is through daily, grinding, practice.
I have been working with the exercises presented by Eckhart Tolle since early June 2002 (this is written on 30 October, 2002) and they have helped to almost eradicate a lifelong depression that I have had since my terrible experience in the Korean War.
Rating:
Summary: I agree, but disagree, read SB: 1 or God on this subject.
Review: The ideas put forth here are certainly enlightening, open mindedness and at the same time a slither of narrowing life down a tad more than I can accept. Eckhart does not come right out and say forget the past and future but effectively is nullifying such alternatives or more optional highways to true spiritual awareness. Life is a matriz and is broad, we cannot confine it to any one area or time frame. Living for the moment may turn out to be some what of a regression for many in that it leaves out...where we've been and more importantly where we could, would and should be heading. Now I'm not so biased to say that Tolle does not convey this, however I do feel to much is placed on right now not reflecting on who we are from our historical learned "Life". I was not born today, more or less yesterday, but 67 years ago. Those 67 years are being nullified by this way of thinking in a searching for the now sense.
The Book is not a Money Grabber, it is eloquently and brilliantly written and a pleasing format attracts the reader. I believe the authors did have contributory intent. As a literary agent I am aware of the various reasons books sell or aren't allowed to sell. I am pleased this book has done so well, but take in mind if a book is advertised as this one has been, it will get purchased. I am not saying this book is not selling for it's content, however the advertising holds the weight of this scale. Without the promo's this book has recieved it would never found its way to the top. I am giving 5 stars for the sincere effort, but will not allow myself to forget the past as part of my search for a spiritual future. ...
Rating: 
Summary: Simple but Advanced
Review: You can read this book on many levels. To truly understand what it is to live in the now I suggest you read this every few years. As you grow spiritually and mature your ability to live in the NOW increases. He has good insight into this understanding which if truly lived gives us freedom from the mundane and fills our life with real purpose
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Summary: An idea whose time has come
Review: You've heard the old maxim that there is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come. That's what The Power of Now represents to me. I have been in the book business all my adult life and consider myself somewhat jaded when it comes to books on self-help, gurus or enlightenment manuals. In fact, I almost never read them. There is something unique about The Power of Now that makes it stand out in an otherwise crowded field. It may be the clarity of the language, the absence of technical language, or more likely, the fact the author is clearly writing about a place the he authentically inhabits; and that my friends, is rare indeed. When describing this book to others, I compare the concepts and practices to the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, and to the Dzogchen teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, as well as the core instructions of such Zen Masters as Dogen and Hongzhi. The thing that makes this book so magical is that you get all that pith instruction without having to wade through cultural artiface or the barriers of religiosity. This is only the second review I've written, and I'm doing it because I believe this book is fundamentally important. The teachings have had an immediate impact on my life in a way that few books ever have. I agree with the editorial review - within a chapter of reading this book, I was already holding the world in a different container. This is the real deal.
Rating:
Summary: Living in the Now
Review: It's all about being in the moment. "The Power of Now" is a profoundly
simple approach to enlightenment. Written in a straightforward question
and answer format, this book uncovers the simple secret to living an
extraordinary life. Simply being in the present without judgment is all
that it takes. It is our minds, our egos that make it difficult. When you
identify yourself with the drama you have created you lose touch with your
truth and your life will suffer.Through my personal contact with Ariel and Shya Kane I have woken up to
this way of being and the magic life has to offer. Their book "Working on
Yourself Doesn't Work" is a must read for anyone looking for answers.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: I really enjoyed this book. I found it very inspiring despite its sometimes obvious conclusions. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a more spiritual and centered path in life.
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Summary: An amazing progression
Review: I received the Power of Now and Present Moment Awareness as a gift several months ago. The recommendation was to read Present Moment Awareness (by shannon duncan) first, and then to read The Power of Now. Present Moment Awareness was an awesome, very real world account of what it means to be present and peaceful, and a very eye opening look at how often we (I) live mired in fantasies and suffering. The Power of Now then not only built upon the tools that Present Moment Awareness had given me, but showed the great possibilities open to me as I grow in my ability to stay present. Honestly, this combination of books moved and empowered me in a way that no other book(s) have ever been able to do. I will be giving both of these as gifts this holiday season to everyone I care about. I highly recommend that you give yourself and anyone you love the same.
Rating:
Summary: A New Spirituality
Review: A new spiritual approach. Eclectic. Suited for those who want more than the myths of Christianity.
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Summary: The book to complete all mention of being present...
Review: "Being Present" is commonly an undercurrent theme, or a chapter, or a paragraph and sometimes only a bullet point in many self-help books. One picks up Mr. Tolle's "The Power of Now" and realizes early he will discuss "the present" for its entirety.
Realizing this, I was convinced he would have to run of things to say about being present in about 30 pages. This could not have been farther from the truth.
It was his ability to completely and profoundly reframe many assumptions we all make (on every other page) that made me purchase this book.
For instance:
-----You are not your mind (you've heard it before?)------
It can do math, remember a list, draw the blue-prints to a skyscraper, turn a witty and timely phrase.... It slices it dices (chops everything into an aversion or attraction experience with or without your permission) but frankly we have trouble turning the damn thing off at the end of the day. Our minds compare everything to our past (which is dead and non-existent) to make way in some nebulous future (has not happened and non-existent). These things are all ok and planning is even important, but... KNOW WHEN YOU ARE DOING IT. Which turns out to be almost absolutely constantly.
-------There are no problems---------
There are no problems. For example, in true emergency something else, something much larger takes over in you, something not interested in labeling or sorting into right and wrong, that has lead to some amazing feats of courageousness. You may survive, you may not but you didn't have time to turn the situation into a "problem". That larger you was the You in the present and fully conscious. Many seekers may in fact be so concerned with a list of personal problems that they are in fact setting up a huge mental camp precisely were the action is NOT.
-----The ego hates the present---------
The ego (monkey-mind, brat within (my words)) wants to either be head honcho or hate the game and make you agree. It will do nothing but point out how being number one in every arena is all that matters, or how much life sucks and was stacked against you all along. It is the ego, in fact, that demands you constantly skip the present so you two can dissect it and see everything acccording to this "script". It wants a seemless transition turning your future into your past with you asleep at the wheel.
It hates the present.
Reading this book is invaluable to really understanding the benefits, difficulties, purpose and overall scope of being present. So, next time some instructional material flippantly tacks on the advice "and try to wake up to the present moment..." You have this worthy and consolidated volume on which to reflect.
Rating:
Summary: You MUST Own This Book
Review: This is the most life-changing book I have ever read. Eckhart Tolle is not only a spiritual master, but has that special gift of being able to communicate his understandings through writing in an accessible manner. The Power of Now would be on my VERY short list of books to take with me if I were to be stranded forever on a desert island. Reading this book with an open mind and heart will end all of your suffering - no matter what kind or how intense - forever: guaranteed!
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