Eckhart Tolle: Essential Teachings

In this episode Eckhart reflects on the power of the present moment. He then answers a question about the individual and collective pain bodies. He says we all have both and sometimes one is stronger than the other. He believes those with a strong pain body are often more likely to awaken than those who don’t have one. He explains that either way, the great danger is falling into the trap of what he calls “victim identity.” Eckhart says we need to take responsibility for the accumulated suffering inside ourselves and learn to heal from it. Eckhart believes our suffering is transmuted into awareness and that is the beginning of awakening.

In this podcast Eckhart talks with a live audience in Winnipeg, Canada. People from 30 countries around the world participate. Eckhart explains the reason they are there is to experience spiritual awakening. He says there is a hidden dimension to their gathering which is deeper than words. Eckhart believes part of his mission is to provide signposts which lead to a state of consciousness he calls Presence. Through the practice of Presence, Eckhart teaches we become aware of the deeper reality of life and the deeper, spiritual dimension that is within each one of us.

In this podcast, Eckhart answers questions about practicing presence and peace in a world fraught with conflict and chaos. Eckhart reminds us that we are not dependent on external conditions. He says it is possible to remain peaceful even in the midst of negativity and destruction. He explains we have the freedom to choose even though that choice may not be an easy one. Eckhart believes we don’t have to be drawn into dysfunction, but instead believes we can be the light of consciousness even during darkness.

In this episode, Eckhart addresses concerns about using conscious manifestation for both practical as well as spiritual purposes. Eckhart cautions listeners that awakening should not be something we put on our to-do list. He says it is not another goal that we attain. He believes when we define enlightenment in those terms it becomes an obstacle. Eckhart says awakening is not an achievement, it's a realization which really means it's already here.

In this podcast, Eckhart talks about overcoming obstacles to conscious creativity. He explains we may have a vision of what we’d like to create, but when we try to express ourselves the ego kicks up resistance. Eckhart says we feel attacked by inner voices such as, “Who do you think you are? You’re not ready for this” and then we self-sabotage. He explains how we doubt our talent and give in to our fears. Eckhart says when this happens, we must recognize it as the voice of the ego and in those moments we should practice presence. He shares that we need to release our negative thinking, allowing the creative process to flow through.

In this episode Eckhart leads a short meditation and then answers a question about our fear of suffering. Eckhart says suffering plays an important role in the evolution of our consciousness. He says without it, we would not grow in awareness. Eckhart believes, for many people, suffering is their primary spiritual teacher and much of our pain is self-created through dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors. He explains why the pain can also be a catalyst for spiritual growth. He says if we focus on the power of the present moment, our difficulties diminish and once we awaken we no longer need to suffer.

In this podcast, Eckhart talks about fulfilling our desires and what we can do to make that happen. however he cautions against becoming dependent on external circumstances for our happiness. He says attachment to the outcome can actually become a barrier. Eckhart believes we must visualize that what we want is already ours. and that ultimately the external world is inseparable from our state of consciousness.

In this episode Eckhart reflects on what it takes to create a successful life.  He says we must live with a foot in two worlds. We must learn to reconcile the everyday with the transcendent. Eckhart explains why we should consciously manifest our aims and aspirations while also practicing presence. Eckhart says the most important part of living in this world is bringing those two together.

In this podcast Eckhart talks about our dependence on people, places, things and concepts as the source of our identity. He says most of us derive a sense of self from our attachments. He believes the essence of who we truly are is much deeper. Eckhart calls it the alive stillness at the center of our being. Once we become aware of it, our attachment to external things fades and we discover our true nature. Eckhart illustrates this idea with the story of a Buddhist monk who sought to release worldly things. His difficulties were great, until he let go absolutely.

In this episode, Eckhart reflects on his signature teaching about being aware of the  present moment. He says when we focus on the here and now our senses become heightened. Eckhart says when we give any experience our full attention, we are taking the first step towards what he calls “self-transcendence.” He explains why we need to release our limited perceptions and connect with the aliveness of the universe.