Is Eckhart Tolle Trying to Be God?

By Christine Garvin On October 28, 2009 · 27 Comments

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Watch out for the little man in a beige vest; he’s up to no good.

Though it shouldn’t come as a surprise, turns out Eckhart Tolle is a threat to all that is good and moral.

Well, at least according to leaders of just about every organized religion out there.

The Canadian magazine Macleans recently ran a feature on the man who some consider “one of the greatest spiritual leaders of our age.”

Other considerations range from heretic, to a mixer of “Hinduism, Buddhism, and New-Age Pop,” to “anti-Christ” (in a beige sweater vest, as the author notes).

What’s his sin? Well, it seems to be one thing essentially, no matter which religious leader you ask. He removes the hierarchical view of God being “above” us, and states instead that God is within each of us. We are all of, and share, the same source, so there is no need to go outside oneself to find connection or peace.

Or, as Mr. Walker, Texas Ranger himself, Chuck Norris had to say:

To me, [Tolle's success] is more evidence of the paradigm shift in our culture from its moral absolute and Judeo-Christian basis to a relativistic world view in which anything goes and everything is tolerated.

Anything goes? Has he read Tolle?

The Purpose of the Now

I’m not sure this commenter on the Macleans‘ piece has either: “Spiritual masturbation. All the good feelings without any intellectual discipline, interpersonal communion, or a perspective informed by tradition or mentorship.”

Tolle’s overall message is to always live in the present moment. To attempt living in the now, it takes extreme discipline. As Ian MacKenzie wrote in his piece, The Traveler’s Guide To Enlightenment, “‘Now’ is what you’re doing at this moment. It is you sitting in your chair, hand on the mouse, pupils reading the words on this screen.”

Are you fully in your body right at this moment, or is your mind somewhere else – thinking about checking Facebook, that annoying thing your friend said earlier today, or contemplating what sex with Eckhart Tolle might be like based on his picture above? (No need to lie, now).

In other words, it’s every day, every second, both within yourself and in connection with others, of not thinking about the past, and not contemplating the future. It means always connecting to the spirit inside of you and all around you.

He is simply spreading a message about our own ability to achieve inner peace.

I hardly consider Tolle perfect, and he certainly is making a chunk of change off of his books, videos and new ET-TV (yes, that’s Eckhart Tolle, not Entertainment Tonight, TV). But as far as I can tell, he has never claimed perfection, or being better than the rest of us; he is simply spreading a message about our own ability to achieve inner peace (a message which can be accessed at the public library for free).

God or Prophet? No. Simple, loving message? Feels more like it.

What do you think of Eckhart Tolle’s message and tactics? Share your thoughts below.

About The Author

Christine Garvin

Christine Garvin is a certified Nutrition Educator and holds a MA in Holistic Health Education. She is the founder/editor of Living Holistically...with a sense of humor and co-founder of Confronting Love. When she is not out traveling the world, she is busy writing, doing yoga, and performing hip-hop and bhangra. She also likes to pretend living in her hippie town of Fairfax, CA is like being on vacation.

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http://meganahill.wordpress.com Megan Hill

Nice piece! Besides making me laugh out loud, you bring up an issue I didn’t know existed. I’ve read a few of Tolle’s books and probably need to re-read them. They’re practical, spiritual without being holier-than-thou. I’d recommend Power of Now to anyone looking for inner peace.
@Lea_Bit

I believe that out of the millions of self help books out there, The Power of Now & The New Earth are probably the only ones you need to read. If more of us lived in the moment, like children & animals do, we wouldn’t have so much angst in our lives. I don’t see him preaching anything other than practical self help.
http://carlo-alcos.com Carlo

That’s a laugh, Chuck Norris talking about morals while he lives off the benefits of his violent movies. I think everyone’s just jealous of “poor” ol’ Eckhart.

Re Maclean’s quote “perspective informed by mentorship”…well, isn’t he a mentor? And no intellectual discipline? I don’t think they’ve ever tried meditating.
seachild

I think that religious leaders are threatened because Tolle’s philosophy will even trim the already challenged number of their flocks. So instead of being perched on their high horse and protected by what they called as tradition, they should join the rest of us and start doing something good for a change such as building hospitals and schools instead of useless churches.

Ryan G.

“start doing something good for a change such as building hospitals and schools instead of useless churches. ”

I agree with Christine. This guy is not a serious threat to anyone but the most dogmatic. On the other hand, I respectfully disagree with you SEACHILD. Building only hospitals and school will leave you with a very educated, healthy, spiritually empty and depressed population. Some people are fine without any higherpower in their lives and I respect that, but I think calling churches uselss is a stretch. For many people, it’s the only time they think about anything higher than themselves.

http://nancythegnomette.com Nancy

Great piece Christine! It made me outraged, laugh out loud, and ponder. Personally, I am a fan of Tolle and his message. (And to think, before this article I never thought of what it would be like to have sex with him! lol) Mindfulness of the now is what it’s all about. I think his message is powerful, simple, and common sense. (Something that makes the dogmatic people of the world cantankerous…)
Bhaskar Banerji

Really interesting article Christine…just sparked an idia…if ET is such a threat to organized religion we should flood Afghanistan & Pakistan with copies of his books translated into Arabic, Pushtun & Urdu. Put the Taliban on the defensive. If I win the lotto this is going to be my gift to the world.
http://robbiewilliamsandme.blogspot.com Ekaterina

Hi Christine,
already from the title I thought it must be you:) You always make me laugh and I so much like your thoughts about these subjects.
But regarding Tolle, – to be honest, I couldn’t last more than ten pages of his book ‘The Power of Now’. I found it extremely boring, but it probably just means that I don’t live in the now:)
Dianne

I think it is a great book – but definately needs to be read several times to fully comprehend it and benefit from it. The present is all we ever have, so much dissatisfaction comes from stress and worry, which usually never happens and is the future. I think Eckart Tolle, has a good message and does comes from his own experience. There is always something that can be learned and benefited from these inspirational book. Great Article
http://www.greenygrey.co.uk Marc Latham

Thanks for introducing Eckhart Tolle.

I haven’t read the books but respect ET’s right to voice his opinions.

Just seems like personal experience and thoughts to me, which some people will relate to and some won’t.

I agree with him about the buildings, and think people should just worship where they want, inside or outside, and individually or in a group of like-minded people.

But I don’t agree with just thinking in the now, if that’s what he proposes; I believe in using memories and planning for the future.
polly

who wants to be in the same state as Buddha,Osho,J.Krishnamurti, Gurdjieff,
well who doesn’t…..but….
who wants to be in the same state as Eckhart Tolle……not me, seems to be some ‘enlightened self-hypnosis’ going on, as the likes of Gangaji, de Ruiter, etc. ….. i rather be, and stay, a farmer.

J

Splendid! If you are a farmer, and would rather stay and be a farmer than attain enlightenment, you’ve already attained enlightenment, i’d say;)

duncan

like your interpretation Christine.
to the questioners here, my take is this.

Only personal experience!!
The ground on which we all stand is the life we experience, why let anything take us away from its beauty. And how else would we know beauty if we did not have ugliness as contrast? Without our senses how would we know either? Is’nt then it somehow a reflection of our inner self we see?

Critics
What are the critics afraid of ? A loss of their egoic importance? Afraid they are nothing without their given/recieved story?

Don’t need the message! Maybe you practice being in the now already.
I have met a few individuals who are superb farmers. dentists, surgeon who are supremely happy with their situation.

Eckhart Tolle’s thoughts are not new , only a skilled contemporary account of learning from personal experience and inspired enough to share with others. Accessable to all because he pretends to be nothing other than an ordinary human being. I only hope success does not ‘go to his head’ and discredit a very timely message for humanity.

cheers Duncan
Dana

He has the only merit to have written a easy to read manual with a mix of Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity ( with vague concepts of spirituality and religion) He compiled “his findings” in fast and easy to read books, just what he knew would be marketable in this country. Mr. Tolle did not get famous or rich in Europe, but here. He will be forgotten soon when some other “Tolle” (whilst sitting on a bench) will” get enlightened” with a new way to get rich with marketing ancient philosophies to Americans.
There is so much ignorance around, the “power of now” is not a new concept is a thousand years old Buddhist concept it is written in the bible, in any ancient book of religion, it was made famous in America more than 30 years ago by Baba Ram Dass, wrote ” Be here now” and was quite famous for “his” message.
Tolle just made a good practical manual of “techniques” to achieve inner peace , with a mix of ancient religions. He is not telling anything new. It is people that is trying to find somewhere else what they have the answer just living life deeply. Answers to life are not written in short manuals promoted by USA celebrities. It is people who does not pause to live who make men like Tolle Millionaire expressing he is telling something new, the power of “now” t is not a Tolle’s idea. He himself writes that ”

f you go to a church, you may hear readings from the Gospels, such as, “Take no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for things of itself” or “Nobody who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of heaven”. Or you may hear the passage about the beautiful flowers who are not anxious about tomorrow, but live with ease in the timeless now and are provided for abundantly by God. The true nature of these teachings is not recognized. No one seems to realize that they were meant to be lived and thereby bring about profound inner transformation.

So we really need Tolle, to save ourselves?Is he authentic? Are you so “distracted” that you can say you never heard that concepts before?Common!

J

You’re absolutely right! Of course we don’t need Tolle. He even says so himself. I have also read a lot of religious stuff, and it seems obvious that the essence is always the same. And also the same that Tolle says. And those things were already said more than 2000 years ago, and he goes around saying them today.

But isn’t that just a good thing? If Tolle is what is needed for people to realize those things, shouldn’t we be grateful he’s out there saying them? Of course, people could rather hear them from somewhere else, but what’s the difference as long as it helps them? Or perhaps even Tolle’s way of presenting them is especially suitable for the american culture (although i wouldn’t be so quick to exclude europe)?

As for earning money from what he does, I can’t really understand why he does that, or allows the publishers of his books to do it. Just film yourself and put it on youtube Tolle! =) On the other hand, so what if he makes money from it..?

steve

I am a former cult member, and there is something about his videos that make me feel uncomfortable. His message is fine but nothing new that I haven’t heard or read many times in a variety of spiritual books.

Many of these so called “enlightened” teachers are very charismatic and masters of mass hypnosis – and before you realize what’s going on, it’s too late.

If he’s your guy, cool – just be careful and keep your eyes and ears open for the warning signs of a cult leader.
Max

FYI his book says to ponder over all the points not to read it as one go
steve 2

steve,

I am also a former cult member, and I had exactly the same feeling while watching one of his videos. The whole thing reeked to me of this insular group who follow every word of their “guy”. (no offense to anyone). I will not be a part of any spiritual group with someone who sits up on a stage like that and giggles at their own jokes, and looks around like they are “spreading” the light to others. I may sound cynical but if you’ve ever been effected by being in a cult, you would know what I am talking about.

Seneca

I totally agree! My ex knew him in SF and Marin Co. and he was also in that Est cult. It is quite a concern to me!

Marshall

In your experience, how did that unfold? In other words, what was the bad experience you had being a part of a cult? If you aren’t part of it anymore, did you see the lack of truth there?

I think a skeptical mind is important. I know buddhism embraces it. Yet, i don’t think it is a good idea to let that skepticism shield you from opening your heart. I could understand why being open in that way is difficult for someone with your history.
J

No I’M God, and so is my wife! Hehe…

It seems to me that Tolle says the same things as all enlightened beings do. After hearing Tolle’s books (got them as audio’s), I understand more of all the wise things I’ve ever heard. Tolle doesn’t really say anything new, and I’m surprised when religious or spiritual people react with anger or disbelief at his words (or perhaps not so very surprised though.. a little sad, maybe). Look into yourself, or into whatever religious book or whatever you hold holy, and you will find his words echoed.

But if you don’t like the way he presents things, stick to your own religion. It will have the same message, and if it works better for you than Tolle does, go for it. No need to go around calling people beige-vested anti-christ’s though (for christ’s sake..!

The good thing about Tolle is that, at least for me, his words are relatively easy to understand and put to immediate use. Compare for example with the monk, who, when he was supposed to hold a lecture for university students about Zen, only sat there peeling a banana, and then ate it. Later, when asked to say at least something about Zen, he said that would be like trying to make an elephant copulate with a flea. Wonderful story (actually wonderfully simple, and perhaps a better explanation of presence than even Tolle can ever give, in words) and I’m sure those who have heard Tolle understands it, but perhaps because I am born in a western culture I at least have an easier time when fed directly with a teaspoon rather than having to pick my own fruit. The trees are so annoying when they just stand there without a user manual, hehe… So thank you Tolle, for your manual.
M87

Eckhart Tolle’s principles mostly referring to the human & universal consciousness. His philosophy might be deterrant to the middle eastern born religions (Christianity & Islam) having very poor or litterally no tolerance towards other philosophies. Hinduism, Buddism, Zen, Jainism, and Taoism are all welcoming his message. His theories is embracing most of the meta-physical aspects, supports evolution, and built on teaching of the ways for day-to-day life. All the religious books were written by man and claimed that they were revealed by God or his servant angels. All olden day prophets, saints, and sages always claimed that they felt or realized God, and seen angels in dream or as a voice. But none brought these Gods or Angels infront of public. God is merely a mystics of mind which is always strengthened our egoic consciousnes brought hardcore collective unconsciousness to this world. Tolle’s clear indication of dysfunction of our mind which most of us ignore throughout our life.
Seneca

Oh my goodness… I cannot fathom how popular Eckhart has become! Unbelievable. My ex-boyfriend knew him quite well in his beginning SF Days during his Marin Est days (another lovely cult) and pushed “The Power of Now” on me like drugs when he first published it. Apparently, he gave Echhart money, and I thought that was over the top. I am a bit out of pop culture, but last year when I found out that Oprah and all the little housewives and yoga queens seemed to have embraced him, I think that is unfathomable! I CANNOT BELIEVE ALL THE MONEY HE IS MAKING! I like him, he is a philosopher, for sure, but my goodness, he is not God, as peaceable as he seems.

Lillian Pictor

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I can understand how you would adopt this perspective. I do not see Eckhart Tolle in this way at all. As far as I am concerned he is an awakened being. Where money is concerned, I think we all tend to pull back and be skeptical, but teachers like this could not be teaching full time without financial backing of some sort. They could not have online sites, travel and lecture, hire assistants, write books, broadcast and so on with no type of funding. And these things are expensive. Also, there is nothing wrong with financial prosperity. We are just taught to be suspect of anyone making over a certain amount of money. And sometimes people do abuse in that way. I do not feel that it is my place to judge this. If someone misuses what they have then it will be them who is accountable. We should never contribute to something we don’t feel comfortable with. That is our right. It is fairly common that when people are balanced and awakened spiritually that they seem to draw prosperity. If you do not believe in the message I would say follow what you do believe and go in peace.

Moushumi Kumar

The power of now can not be understood or embraced by everyone,it can only make sense to individuals ready to live with a higher consciousness.We are here to have a human experience and experience life in duality,pleasure/pain,love/hate,high/low,so embrace your experiences whole heartedly,whether it’s positive or negative.I think Eckhart Tolle preachings comes from an individual who has experienced intense pain in his past and the pain was so unbearable that he had no choice but enlightment.Not all of us need to experience pain,not everyone is meant to find enlightenment and that is perfectly ok.Every individual has some degree of ego.
People that find enlightenment are destined to find it.Their life purpose takes over and there is no stopping them,they understand and view life differently to the rest,instead of just feeling the motions,they start understanding it,their desires subside and certain emotional needs disappear.

However that also takes them away from the human experience,old patterns die and new ones
emerge.You can not force anyone to live or behave with a certain consiouness,every individual has their own spiritual journey that will be as individual as they are.

I think the main lesson from the power of now is the awareness of the now,wherever you are at this moment is exactly where you were meant to be.Acceptance instead of resistance brings peace to a situation and helps move forward with positive intentions instead of negative.

Our past is very much our own also,it is what has made you who you are.
Our future will be a mixture of destiny and free will.
The presence can be embraced without any judgement of the past or anxiety of the future and these are traits of a balanced individual.

I think balance is the key word here,and we can achieve balance,we can be more at peace with each other and ourselves.

If enlightenment is your destiny,it will find you,if not I wish you balance,peace and harmony,go ahead and enjoy the human experience,have fun.

Moushumi Kumar
Moushumi Kumar

The power of now can not be understood or embraced by everyone,it can only make sense to individuals ready to live with a higher consciousness.We are here to have a human experience and experience life in duality,pleasure/pain,love/hate,high/low,so embrace your experiences whole heartedly,whether it’s positive or negative.I think Eckhart Tolle preachings comes from an individual who has experienced intense pain in his past and the pain was so unbearable that he had no choice but enlightment.Not all of us need to experience pain,not everyone is meant to find enlightenment and that is perfectly ok.Every individual has some degree of ego.
People that find enlightenment are destined to find it.Their life purpose takes over and there is no stopping them,they understand and view life differently to the rest,instead of just feeling the motions,they start understanding it,their desires subside and certain emotional needs disappear.

However that also takes them away from the human experience,old patterns die and new ones
emerge.You can not force anyone to live or behave with a certain consiouness,every individual has their own spiritual journey that will be as individual as they are.

I think the main lesson from the power of now is the awareness of the now,wherever you are at this moment is exactly where you were meant to be.Acceptance instead of resistance brings peace to a situation and helps move forward with positive intentions instead of negative.

Our past is very much our own also,it is what has made you who you are.
Our future will be a mixture of destiny and free will.
The presence can be embraced without any judgement of the past or anxiety of the future and these are traits of a balanced individual.

I think balance is the key word here,and we can achieve balance,we can be more at peace with each other and ourselves.

If enlightenment is your destiny,it will find you,if not I wish you balance,peace and harmony,go ahead and enjoy the human experience,have fun.

Moushumi Kumar
Moushumi Kumar

The power of now can not be understood or embraced by everyone,it can only make sense to individuals ready to live with a higher consciousness.We are here to have a human experience and experience life in duality,pleasure/pain,love/hate,high/low,so embrace your experiences whole heartedly,whether it’s positive or negative.I think Eckhart Tolle preachings comes from an individual who has experienced intense pain in his past and the pain was so unbearable that he had no choice but enlightment.Not all of us need to experience pain,not everyone is meant to find enlightenment and that is perfectly ok.Every individual has some degree of ego.
People that find enlightenment are destined to find it.Their life purpose takes over and there is no stopping them,they understand and view life differently to the rest,instead of just feeling the motions,they start understanding it,their desires subside and certain emotional needs disappear.

However that also takes them away from the human experience,old patterns die and new ones
emerge.You can not force anyone to live or behave with a certain consiouness,every individual has their own spiritual journey that will be as individual as they are.

I think the main lesson from the power of now is the awareness of the now,wherever you are at this moment is exactly where you were meant to be.Acceptance instead of resistance brings peace to a situation and helps move forward with positive intentions instead of negative.

Our past is very much our own also,it is what has made you who you are.
Our future will be a mixture of destiny and free will.
The presence can be embraced without any judgement of the past or anxiety of the future and these are traits of a balanced individual.

I think balance is the key word here,and we can achieve balance,we can be more at peace with each other and ourselves.

If enlightenment is your destiny,it will find you,if not I wish you balance,peace and harmony,go ahead and enjoy the human experience,have fun.

Moushumi Kumar

Is Eckhart Tolle Trying to Be God?

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