Eckhart Tolle discusses the potential for awakening and the deeper dimension of consciousness within each person. He explores how we create an identity based on comparing ourselves to others and overthinking. Liberation can be found by dropping the narrative of the unhappy self.
The next step in the evolution of humanity is to awaken to a deeper dimension of consciousness which is the light of God.
Liberation and lasting fulfillment can be found by dropping the narrative of the unhappy self and experiencing the present moment as it is, free from judgment and mental baggage.
Deep dives
Development of Thinking and Loss of Original Rootedness
The evolution of human consciousness involved the development of thinking and conceptualization. However, this marked a significant shift that resulted in humans losing their original rootedness in being. The ability to think and conceptualize brought progress and civilizations, but it also brought suffering and unhappiness. Humans began to identify with their thoughts and concepts, seeking their sense of self in external factors like the body, possessions, achievements, and social status. This resulted in a fragmented and diminished sense of self, leading to comparison, competition, and a constant search for validation.
The Unhappiness of Self-Identification
Self-identification with external factors like the body and possessions often leads to a deficient sense of self-esteem and unhappiness. People compare themselves to others, constantly seeking approval and validation. Body image, social status, and other external factors become the basis of their identity, causing suffering when they perceive themselves as inferior or lacking. This self-identification creates a narrative in the mind, which generates continuous thinking, comparison, and dissatisfaction. Many people live with an unhappy self, constantly seeking something more to add to their sense of self, but it only perpetuates suffering and does not bring lasting fulfillment.
The Liberation of Dropping the Narrative of the Unhappy Self
True liberation comes from recognizing the illusory nature of the self and dropping the narrative of the unhappy self. By withdrawing the constant stream of thought and conceptualization, one can experience the present moment as it is, free from judgment, comparison, and mental baggage. This shift in consciousness allows one to access a deeper dimension of awareness or presence, beyond the realm of thoughts and concepts. In this state, suffering diminishes, and one can find peace, aliveness, and an inner sense of unity with all that is.
Recognizing the Essence of Being through Awareness
Finding the essence of one's being requires tapping into a deeper dimension of consciousness that goes beyond conceptual thinking. This dimension, often overlooked or unknown to many, is the realm of awareness or presence within human consciousness. By disengaging from the constant stream of conceptual thinking, one can recognize and connect with this dimension. It brings clarity, joy, and a sense of rootedness in the present moment, diminishing the grip of the conceptual self and allowing one to experience life with a greater sense of ease and acceptance.
In this episode, Eckhart talks to an audience in Budapest, Hungary. The crowd erupts with laughter and applause when he speaks a few words in Hungarian, especially the word for Now which is Most. Eckhart then explains that the next step in the evolution of humanity is to awaken. He says there is the potential in every person for a deeper dimension of consciousness, which is the light of God. He says many people look for themselves in their thoughts. They compare themselves to others: their childhoods, bodies, jobs, possessions. He explains these thoughts become a sad story and an identity which we call My Life. We keep it alive by overthinking, but it is a delusion. Eckhart says we will find liberation when we drop the narrative of the unhappy me.