Essential Teachings Special: Real Change Begins with Our State of Consciousness

A Course in Miracles is a three-volume set consisting of the Text, Workbook for Students, and Manual for Teachers. It aims to undo the illusion of separation from God and others by teaching forgiveness, releasing the past, and cultivating higher guidance. The Text presents the theoretical foundation, the Workbook provides 365 daily lessons to change the student's mind and perception, and the Manual for Teachers addresses practical questions and clarifies key terms. The course emphasizes the importance of spiritual vision, the unity of all, and the correction of misperceptions to achieve inner peace and happiness.

In 'The Power of Now', Eckhart Tolle discusses the importance of living in the present moment to achieve spiritual enlightenment. The book draws from various spiritual traditions, including Buddhism and mysticism, to explain how people's emotional problems are rooted in their identification with their minds. Tolle argues that the present moment is the only truly real time and that past and future are mere mental constructs. He provides methods for relaxation and meditation to help readers anchor themselves in the present, such as avoiding multitasking, spending time in nature, and letting go of worries about the future. The book also introduces concepts like the 'pain-body' and the distinction between one's thoughts and true self, emphasizing the need to recognize and separate from the destructive influence of the mind.