Oct 23, 2015 07:47 PM
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Generally, we all wait for a point of time to occur before we are happy, satisfied, etc. Eckhart Tolle talks about this delusional relationship with time and other allied concepts in this book. The philosophy is boon for everyone but more for those who are in a state of compulsion and addiction.
He argues that that there is nothing but the present moment. The past and future are mere thoughts in the head. ‘I - ego’ is the root cause of all problems.
One of the most interesting ideas that he proposes is that victimization is an egoic trait. People love to consider themselves as victims ad it furthers their concept of ‘I’.
His other book ‘The Power of Now’ is extremely similar to this book. To have a very simple understanding of this concept, the book ‘The Present’ by Dr. Spencer Johnson is recommended.
Though I love this book, my personal belief is that the idea proposed is half complete as it does not tell you what to do at an external level. Just being present does not add something much at a productive level. Eg. If a person keeps on brushing his teeth for 12 hours by being fully present and peaceful, it is a meaningless activity.
Some excerpts:
‘You are never fully here because you are always busy trying to get elsewhere.’
‘This too, will pass’
‘The stronger the ego in you, the more likely it is that in you perception other people are the main source of problems in your life.’
Pros – Alternative perspective - Different philosophy as compared to what we are normally taught in our society
Cons – Can be difficult to understand if you are not acquainted with this philosophy, Repetitive
In search of liberal, spiritual(includes believers and atheists), civilized, freethinking, tolerant, humanitarian, non-castiest world citizens(preferably capitalists) free of hate, dogma, prejudices and politics.
