Eckhart Tolle describes in detail how
our current ego-based state of consciousness
operates.
He then describes the transformation
he claims to be infinitely greater than
anything we currently think we are.
Eckhart Tolle is a contemporary
spiritual teacher who is not aligned with any
particular religion or tradition.
In addition to reading A
New Earth by Eckhart Tolle, book
discussion participants should also consult A
New Earth by Paul F. Davis, and other
commentaries about the book, such as:
http://www.biblicalspirituality.org/newearth.html
http://www.spiritualcritiques.com/author-criticisms/eckhart-tolle/?gclid=CPzfmMO7iZ8CFQUeDQodcHi8Aw
http://www.newswithviews.com/Rae/debra39.htm
Participants may also
wish to consult “Exercises
for Your Awakening,” developed by Eckhart
Tolle with
Elizabeth
Lesser, found at http://www.oprah.com/obc_classic/webcast/exercises/anewearth_exercises_main.jsp
DISCUSSION
QUESTIONS
- Why
do you think A New Earth by
Eckhart Tolle was selected to begin our
book discussion series that concerns the
science and spirituality of
consciousness?
- In
Chapter One, Tolle discusses the reasons
for reading A New Earth, and what
leads people towards awakening.
How is the book’s message
different from or similar to other
consciousness and spirituality texts,
whether these books lean more toward
popular psychology, Christianity, or
other viewpoints?
- Discuss
the following passage: "If the
structures of the human mind remain
unchanged, we will always end up
re-creating fundamentally the same world,
the same evils, the same
dysfunction" (p. 22). What changes
does Tolle argue for? Do you agree?
- Why
does Tolle tell the story of "The
Lost Ring" in Chapter Two?
- On
page 52, Tolle discusses the importance
of feeling the inner body. He says we
should "Make a habit of feeling the
inner body as often as you can."
What can we learn from our inner bodies?
- In
Chapter Three, Tolle delves into
"Reactivity and Grievances."
How does holding on to grievances damage
your ego?
- "In
Zen they say: 'Don't seek the truth. Just
cease to cherish opinions'"(p. 121).
What does this statement mean to you?
- Why
are some unconscious assumptions harder
to conquer than others? Is it so
important to get unconscious assumptions
out of our minds?
Why or why not?
- Discuss
the parable of "Carrying the
Past" on page 139. How does it
relate to the larger themes in this book?
- What
is Tolle saying when he writes about the
pain-body?
- How
is true identity different than inner
purpose?
- Is
it important to help others toward
enlightenment? Can Tolle’s teachings
ever cause harm?
Freely adapted from
http://us.penguingroup.com/static/rguides/us/new_earth.html