Eckhart Tolle discussion group studies 'A New Earth'
A local discussion group based on the writing and teaching of German author and spiritual leader Eckhart Tolle will turn its focus to “A New Earth” in the coming months.
Tolle’s books, “The Power of Now” and “A New Earth,” are regarded as two of the most influential modern day spiritual books.
The Flathead Valley discussion group meets every other Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The next meeting will be Thursday, Oct. 20, and participants will begin reading “A New Earth” at that meeting.
Alexander Bokor, a Kalispell physician, organized the local group earlier this year and invites anyone interesting in participating to contact him at 406-250-5252. Call Bokor for the meeting location.
The group just finished a nine-month study of “The Power of Now.” In it, Tolle provides the basic framework of “living in the moment” and the myriad benefits that are derived from getting to that state of mind and opening oneself to being “at one” with all objects in the universe. Tolle ascertains that everything comes from the same source and everything continues to be connected to everything else.
In his second book, “A New Earth ... Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose,” Tolle expands on his basic framework of living in the moment to show how transcending one’s ego-based state of consciousness is not only essential to personal happiness, but also the key to ending conflict and suffering throughout the world. Bokur estimates discussion revolving around “A New Earth” will take about six months.
Tolle describes how attachment to ego creates the dysfunction that leads to anger, jealousy and unhappiness, and shows readers how to awaken to a new state of consciousness and follow the path to a truly fulfilling existence.
“Eckhart Tolle convincingly argues in his writings that all of our major religions have a common denominator with respect to the concepts of emptiness and object relationships, and are essentially based upon the same basic tenets and principles,” Bokor said. “He does not disrespect any religion, but rather, by demonstrating the similarities between them, lifts all of them to a higher common plane.”
In addition to writing several books, Tolle, who has lived in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, since 1995, has established a Center of Learning and growth, provide retreats, offers a website that provides access to his talks and links to other teachers. He also promotes local groups that meet to meditate, listen to his presentations and serve as a forum for discussion and friendship.