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 enlarge | Author: Eckhart Tolle
Publisher: Penguin
Category: Book
List Price: $14.00
Buy New: $4.69
You Save: $9.31 (66%)
New (132) Used (163) Collectible (5) from $3.95
Avg. Customer Rating:  1280 reviews
Sales Rank: 25
Media: Paperback
Edition: 1
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 336
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.4
Dimensions (in): 8 x 5.4 x 0.9
ISBN: 0452289963
Dewey Decimal Number: 204.4
EAN: 9780452289963
ASIN: 0452289963
Publication Date: January 30, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 A VERY good book -- worthy of your attention. :-) September 30, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Working in a used bookstore, I'm exposed to a lot of books and ideas. Along comes "A New Earth", and although this may be nothing new under the sun in terms of content, it really doesn't matter. Like many writers before him, Ekhart Tolle is presenting old material in new ways. If "A New Earth" is running with the precepts of Zen Buddhism, or other philosophies, he's done a wonderful job of putting them into this very accessible book for modern times, that is a very easy read.
Personally, although I could probably use a good dose of Zen Buddhism, or even just plain ol' meditation, I never read any ZB, nor meditate, in that order. Quieting my mind enough to meditate is a huge effort when my thoughts never seem to stop. On the other hand, I CAN see myself doing a lot of the suggestions in "A New Earth" -- separating myself from my most inane, repetitive thoughts, making a "space" in my life, no matter how small.
In this way, "A New Earth" is a kind of workbook. You are given easy ways to get outside of yourself (ego) long enough to recognize the misery you are causing when you cause it -- to yourself, and to others. If working through the religiously traditional path of Buddhism works better for others, I say they should go for it. Myself, I have never hung well with established religions, Buddhism or otherwise. I prefer other people like Ekhart to go into these world religions and philosophies, grab the core teachings, and bring them back to me for study. Hey, if this is "Buddhism for Dummies", call me an idiot, I loved it.
As you can see, I am trying not to take offense at the other comments made here by those who have obviously put a lot of time and effort in their philosophical educations. This book was not for them, and why would it be? But apparently they think it is too `fluffy' for other people as well. Not so.
Like any book in the genre (spiritual) this will not be everyone's cup of tea. If it speaks to you, then it's yours. This is mine. And it's already starting to work.
 Way over hyped September 29, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I've heard great things about this book, so though I would give it a read. Overall, it's a good read, but I feel the author is stating the obvious and constantly repeating himself. There are only so many ways you can state the same claim and I felt those ways were exhaused in this book. You definitly do not need this book to awaken your life. It will only reiterate what is already obvious to any sensible person. I would NOT recommend this book. The author has not found the purpose and answer to life. In fact, anyone could have written a book like this.
 Some good - some questionable September 29, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I have been attracted to Tolle previously because he has such a clear way to express his opinions and experiences.
I had a problem with this book, especially during the Oprah class broadcast. In this book and over and again in the class, it was emphasized, that "it can only awaken those who are ready." Several times people were told they "weren't ready".
But who said Tolle was THE messenger? There are numerous messengers delivering the message of enlightment, life purpose, awakening and all that. So maybe Tolle just isn't the messenger for everyone.
I've mentioned this to many people and I get different reactions from, "yea, that bothers me too", to "you're just not ready, Amy".
For the most part, the information is a compelation of spiritual teachings of many religions, and it's meshed with his personal experience and attitude.
Good for him that he says he no longer has an ego, however, based on some of his writing in this book, it seems that is just his interpetation.
I appreciate his presentation of informaiton, and food for thought, but he could have left out the judgement at the beginning of his book. I am not ready for his opinion on my readiness.
stick with it September 29, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I found the book a bit heavy going at the start but give it time. It is a great read and something to recomend to people.
A Book to be Read Slowly and Savored September 24, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book goes where few books go in terms of both depth of thought and spiritual insight.
Aiuthor Eckart Tolle provides thoughtful perspective on the ultimate questions about life. The book describes how to connect with your true conscious, or essentially God, by rising above the stream of thoughts that occupy our minds.
I read the book very slowly. Usually I just read one section, 1-2 pages a day, so I could reflect on what was said.
On the negative side, I felt that the book spent too much time covering the ego, and its negative aspects. I felt it got a little repetitive.
However, there are so many brilliant nuggets in the book, that it's easy to overlook this minor flaw.
As I flip through the book and revisit some of the parts I underlined, some of the best quotes include:
-heaven is not a location but refers to the inner realm of consciousness
-everything is not only connected with everything else, but also with the Source of all life out of which it came
-medical treatment is the third-leading cause of death
-not what you do but how you do what you do determines whether you are fulfilling your destiny
-make sure your vision or goal is not an inflated image of yourself and therefore a concealed form of ego, such as wanting to be a movie star, a famous writer, or a wealthy entrepreneur. Instead see your self inspiring countless people with your work and enriching their lives. (Yikes! As a writer that one hit home with me.)
Living in the present is a key component of Tolle's philosophy. As Indian spiritual teacher J. Krishnamurti said "This is my secret, I don't mind what happens." He was in alignment with the present moment no matter what it was.
Overall, if you are looking for answers to the big questions in life, or just some really good food for thought, this book is well worth reading.
Other recommended reading:
Create Your Own Reality - The Ancient Wisdom
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