Eckhart Tolle: Essential Teachings

In this episode, Eckhart talks about the two different aspects of knowing: conceptual knowing and a deeper kind of intuitive knowing. He says indigenous cultures and people in the ancient world were deeply familiar with the idea that everything has a soul. They shared a profound empathy with nature and felt its aliveness. Eckhart says we have lost touch with this kind of knowing in current times. Through the overdevelopment of thinking, we have reduced the natural world to mental concepts. Today we think of evolution as a random process devoid of meaning. Eckhart says it’s the price we’ve paid for the over-emphasis on science and technology. To illustrate his point, Eckhart recalls a tour through a magnificent forest. Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPods     You can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN   

In this podcast, Eckhart says as we grow spiritually, we approach the challenges in our lives differently. We may encounter obstacles or difficult people, but he says we don’t get discouraged. We should face the issue in front of us consciously because we’ve learned to accept the present moment with ease. The ego believes fighting against situations is real power, but the opposite is actually true. The ancient romans had a phrase: Amor Fati. Eckhart says it means to love what is. He explains true power comes when we love the Is-ness of the present moment, no matter what. Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPods     You can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN   

In this episode, Eckhart talks with an audience in Hawaii. He jokes that while many are reluctant to leave the island paradise, their task is to bring expanded consciousness to every area of their lives. Eckhart explains as awareness grows, we add a dimension of presence to everything we do. We may work the same job, but we do it in a different way. We become still and then take our insights into action. Eckhart says giving the fullest attention to our performance in the moment is critical. Then whatever task we perform has purpose whether it’s creating a work of art or running a company we release excessive focus on the outcome. The Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Hindu text, referred to it as Karma Yoga because Karma means action. When we attend to our daily lives whatever action we take becomes part of our spiritual practice. Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPods     You can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN   

In this episode, Eckhart explains once we accept that life is here to challenge us, we can let go of our resistance. When adversity shows up, including the difficult people in our lives, we can recognize them as a catalyst for change. Eckhart says no one can act beyond their level of consciousness. And when we expect others to be more aware than they are, it’s a recipe for suffering. Eckhart admits we all will experience conflict in relationships with family, friends and colleagues. He reiterates that life is not here to make us happy, it’s here to help us awaken. He says no one awakens in their comfort zone. So, when difficulties arise – surrender because it’s the quickest path to peace and perhaps enlightenment! Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPods     You can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN   

In this episode, Eckhart unveils more of his unique wisdom. He elaborates on knowing one’s self beyond our conceptual identity. He explains we all have an image of ourselves defined by our bodies, clothes, careers, and the voice in the head which he describes as the narratives we create to interpret the world. All these things contribute to our sense of self. Eckhart says we need to look further. He explains the ancient Greeks defined the idea with the aphorism Know Thyself. Eckhart says this wisdom points to a more profound knowing and a deeper self which is beyond the personality. In Hinduism it’s called the Atman. In Buddhism it’s called the no-self. Eckhart says many traditions recognize this sacred aspect as part of our spiritual heritage. In knowing thyself we discover the deepest core of our being. Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPods     You can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN