The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

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  Great basic introduction to Buddhist ideas and practices for people in Christian culture.

  Some of it's a bit froo-froo/New Agey, like his stuff about "the pain-body," the inner "energy fields" of the body and so on, which reference nothing and may or may not be useful concepts for you. But if you can look past such terms (he wisely and articulately advises against getting stuck on words like Being and God and sin, but forgets to mention such a caution with respect to w... (show more)

  Great basic introduction to Buddhist ideas and practices for people in Christian culture.

  Some of it's a bit froo-froo/New Agey, like his stuff about "the pain-body," the inner "energy fields" of the body and so on, which reference nothing and may or may not be useful concepts for you. But if you can look past such terms (he wisely and articulately advises against getting stuck on words like Being and God and sin, but forgets to mention such a caution with respect to what seem to be his own favorite pet phrases), this book could be tremendously worthwhile, especially for anyone who is unfamiliar with meditation, realizing the limitations of linguistic and symbolic thought, and similar practices intended to increase awareness.

  I was already somewhat familiar with meditation practices and the basic Buddhist philosophy presented in this book, but I still found it quite valuable to read, despite the silly parts. He helpfully clarifies some things that seem terribly simple, but can be hard to explain.

  Some parts were quite good indeed. For example, his interpretation of the Christian Way of the Cross in light of the awareness concepts and practices he presents, despite being a tiny bit condescending, was one of the better interpretations I've read in popular religious literature. (show less)

   

   

  by Facebook User on May 06, 2008 at 01:43AM

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  Ekhart Tolle's message in this book of his, is simple: living in the now is the truest path to happiness and enlightenment. And while this message may not seem stunningly original or fresh, Tolle's clear writing, supportive voice and enthusiasm make The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment an excellent manual for anyone who's ever wondered what exactly "living in the now" means.

  Foremost, it should be noted that Tolle is a world-class teacher, able to explain complic... (show more)

  Ekhart Tolle's message in this book of his, is simple: living in the now is the truest path to happiness and enlightenment. And while this message may not seem stunningly original or fresh, Tolle's clear writing, supportive voice and enthusiasm make The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment an excellent manual for anyone who's ever wondered what exactly "living in the now" means.

  Foremost, it should be noted that Tolle is a world-class teacher, able to explain complicated concepts in concrete language. More importantly, within a chapter of reading this book, readers are already holding the world in a different container - more conscious of how thoughts and emotions get in the way of their ability to live in genuine peace and happiness.

  Tolle packs a lot of information and inspirational ideas into the book: topics include the source of Chi, enlightened relationships, creative use of the mind, impermanence and the cycle of life. Thankfully, he's added markers that symbolise "break time". This is when readers should close the book and mull over what they just read. As a result, The Power of Now reads like the highly acclaimed A Course in Miracles - a spiritual guidebook that has the potential to inspire just as many study groups and change just as many lives for the better.

  No question about it, this is a must read! (show less)

   

   

  by Facebook User on Feb 04, 2008 at 03:24PM

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