Being yourself: The stillness of pure consciousness
The following is a partial excerpt of an interview with Eckhart Tolle from a book called Dialogues With Emerging Spiritual Teachers by John W. Parker.
I also started reading on Buddhism and immediately understood the essence of Buddhism. I saw the simplicity of the original teaching of the Buddha compared to the complexity of subsequent additions, philosophy, all the baggage that over the centuries accumulated around Buddhism, and saw the essence of the original teaching. I have a great love for the teaching of the Buddha, a teaching of such power and sublime simplicity. I even spent time in Buddhist monasteries. During my time in England there were already several Buddhist monasteries.
I met and listened to some teachers that helped me understand my own state. In the beginning there was a Buddhist monk, Achan Sumedo, abbot of two or three monasteries in England. He’s a Western-born Buddhist. — Eckhart Tolle
I absolutely love the work of Eckhart Tolle. He’s one of my favorite authors, Ive read 4 books now :) and I was just a couple of hours ago thinking of making a post about him and what he has said that has inspired me.. on my blog :)
He’s amazing.
I hadn’t read any of his books or listened to his videos until AngieA brought him up in a thread I posted to. When I uncovered his works I had a “comong home” type of feeling. His descriptions are excellent.
I love his book Here and now.
So do I. I just finished reading it. :)
Intellectually, I have reservations about terms such as “pure consciousness” and “essential being.” But the practical applications of all these ideas and philosophies seem to do people a world of good.
I don’t have such reservations. When I meditate I am conscious. I am one with the universal flow of consciousness. As this is my experience I have no difficulty identifying with what Tolle presents.
I have read Ekhart’s books and actually was recommending his book, Power Of Now, to people over 5 years ago before he was a a prominent figure on the scene here in the states. I personally try to live always in the consciously aware state.
I’ve been meditating since college and have read many books on “present moment living” and have been practicing for many years. IMHO Tolle’s books which I just recently discovered are excellent.