The Power of Now

By: Eckhart Tolle

Narrated by: Eckhart Tolle

Length: 7 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's Summary

To make the journey into The Power of Now you need to leave your analytical mind and its false created self, the ego, behind. Access to the Now is everywhere - in the body, the silence, and the space all around you. These are the keys to enter a state of inner peace. They can be used to bring you into the Now, the present moment, where problems do not exist. It is here you find your joy and are able to embrace your true self. It is here you discover that you are already complete and perfect.

Although the journey is challenging, Eckhart Tolle offers simple language in a question and answer format. The words themselves are the signposts to guide you on your journey. There are new discoveries to be made along the way: you are not your mind, you can find your way out of psychological pain, authentic human power is found by surrendering to the Now. When you become fully present and accepting of what is, you open yourself to the transforming experience of The Power of Now.

©2000 New World Library

Critic Reviews

"One of the best books to come along in years. Every sentence rings with truth and power." (Deepak Chopra)
"A reminder to be truly present in our own lives and liberated from our past and future. It can transform your thinking." (O: The Oprah Magazine)

Consciousness Altering

This book caused me to realize how much my mind (ego) is generally in control of me. I had studied a number of meditative teachings, and already had the ideas in my head, but it was this book that catalyzed a clear transformation in me. There were moments where Tolle's voice (as the narrator) caused me to observe my own presence. My mind wrestled with the book, and at several points it wanted to toss the book aside, dismissing it as new-age spiritual hoo-ha (and there may be points where you try to dismiss it this way, also). But in retrospect, as I live my life, it is impossible to ignore the essential truth that Tolle has put words to. Slowly, the moments are increasing where I feel liberated from my mind's patterns of control and obsession with past/future. This was one of the most powerful books I have encountered.

119 of 125 people found this review helpful

A truly inspiring and insightful book

This is a book about spirituality, and if you choose to hear it this way, God. And at the same time I believe an atheist could listen and identify with it. In fact one of the phenomenal things about this book is that an atheist, agnotstic, Christian, Muslim, and Buddhist could all sit with this book and identify with it in their own individual way, be it identifying with the individual, their god, or higher spiritual state of being.

While the book is along the spirituality line, it really reframes religions, all religions as part of the same whole. And he quotes and discusses the concept of “god” in many different religions, but ties them all back to a single concept. And specifically he discusses the teachings of Christianity and dispels, in an unbelievably eloquent way many of the misinterpretations of the original teachings that are prevalent today

But the book isn’t about God, it’s simply about one’s self, the author just pulls together western religion, eastern religion, and individual awareness in one framework and shows, with examples from various religions, and mostly from individual experience, how they all point back to the same thing.

If spirituality is not something you are interested in, and in fact it is only very minimally what I am interested in, you could as easily read and identify with this book on the level of a personal psychology guide. I believe that virtually anyone interested in their own well being will find that this book speaks to them on a level that makes sense for them in their life. To accomplish this is a truly magnificent feat, and the author has my deepest respect for accomplishing this seemingly impossible task.

60 of 64 people found this review helpful

AWE INSPIRING!

Eckhart Tolle's work, The Power of Now, is filled with wisdom, inspiration, and practical advice from beginning to end. He shows clearly how progress in the evolution of human consciousness is absolutely necessary for survival of life on this planet, and that it is up to each one of us to change our perception of the world in which we live if that progress is to take place. Tolle also shows how our tendency to dwell in the past and future obscures the present moment. In so doing, we fail to see what is necessary right now, thus we make wrong choices and decisions which lead to untold suffering for self and others. This work is a recipe for true happiness and if everyone followed the advice contained therein the world would be a happier place to live in. I have listened to it so many times now I have lost count. If I were shipwrecked on a desert island and I could take only one book, this would be it!

157 of 170 people found this review helpful

I'm so glad I got this book!

Before I buy it I read all reviews, and the negative ones made me hesitate. Finally I decided to try it - and I'm so glad I did!! This book is now my all time favorite - other spirituality, self-help or philosophy books seem so unenlightened, so incomplete. A must-read for anyone with big questions, big problems, or simply not 100% happy (does this leave any one of us out?) You will love this book - if a single book can lead you to enlightenment and can elevate your consiousness above everyday problems, negativity and conflicts, then this is it!

86 of 95 people found this review helpful

Become your own silent watcher...

I really liked listening to this book. It was a practical guide to how to become your own silent watcher and join the global spiritual awakening. Eckard's voice was haunting (very cool)

24 of 26 people found this review helpful

Yes. 'Similar' to the rest in his series.

The book was well worth the credit. The concepts and theory behind these works are on the leading edge of humanity trying to figure itself out, even thou heavily based in eastern beliefs. While listening, all the concepts make sense, but in real life as usual, holding or implementing these concepts are difficult in the practical world. The concepts are presented well, but if you have never been introduced to them, further readings of his works and others is highly recommended. Getting a hold of oneself is the key to this and its sound advice, worth the read. I enjoyed this but after first listening to the "New Earth" as my first in his series I see that the same concepts and sometimes the same thoughts, just reworded, are repeated over again. Of course he has a good message and of course he is selling books, in just the same way as the other self help gurus. So far, I am doing well with the 4 E's I have listened to, and can listen again at any time, unless something comes out totally new. If you want a broad summary and compilation of his works, go for the "New Earth" which touches on it all. Then if you wish some future enhancement, mind you with some repeating of the same material, then choose this or another of his works. He is a good author, I believe in most of the message, and this book is worth the credit. Thanks E.

23 of 25 people found this review helpful

Fantastic book

I really enjoyed this book. What I particularly liked was the Question / Answer format the book takes. The author discusses a point and he then reads questions that have been posed to him from audiences in the past. I found it particularly rewarding because often times a question I had in my mind was later asked and answered by the author.

If you are a veteran of self help or spiritual seeker this book will ring true. If you new to this some of the discussions might be a little deep but I think it has a lot to offer.

I really enjoyed having the author narrate this. I'd love to hear this person speak.

18 of 20 people found this review helpful

A true guide to inner peace

This audio book is truly a rare gem. Not only does Eckhart masterfully distill the ancient teachings and wisdom for achieving inner peace but explains its difficult concepts in a very clear and effective manner. A must read for those seeking for enlightenment.

22 of 25 people found this review helpful

Many Gems Among The Rest

What made the experience of listening to The Power of Now the most enjoyable?

I have always been someone who spends 80% of my time thinking of the past or planning for a future that normally never works out as planned... major wastes of time. Rarely am I in the moment or enjoying that I am experiencing that second. I am normally recalling something, thinking of something else, etc. and don't absorb new things. I lost a brother 20 years ago in a car accident and lost my mother a little over a year ago to Cancer. While I certainly thought of the past and what I could have said to my brother, etc. the loss of my mother threw me into a tailspin. I would relive every moment of her illness daily, every word we said in her final months (all wonderful, we were very close) I would also find myself back to my brother's death and then constantly in panic worrying about my father's future, the rest of my family, etc. My mind was racing 24/7. I would wake in the middle of the night in sheer panic. My doctor have me something for sleep, something to take for anxiety and then anti-depressants. Everything possible to shut down my mind. It helped, but I am not one to take pills and hated having to take this stuff all the time with some but uneven results.I am not one to read books. I can sit still for maybe 20 minutes and then I close the book and never finish it. I joined audible hoping to be able to learn from books I knew had knowledge I needed, but I would never sit and read cover to cover.First, I listened to Jill Bolte Taylor's "My Stroke of Insight" and learned so much about quieting the mind. Then, I moved on to "The Power of Now". I have taken notes and used many of the techniques Tolle recommends. I truly feel much calmer, if I catch myself looking back of forward I pull myself into the present. This has been the first time in many months I am not obsessing about the past of worrying about the future. I will say that sometimes Tolle speaks over the heads of the listener and the format (Q&A) causes him to repeat himself. But there are many nuggets of valuable information in the book that you must listen to. Well worth the time.

What other book might you compare The Power of Now to and why?

"My Stroke of Insight" by Jill Bolte Taylor. A similar theme of being present.

Any additional comments?

Personally, while I understand the value of a Q and A format, both the male and female readers used to ask Tolle's questions often sound as if they are reading off a prompter or seems to be trying too hard to pretend they are the ones really asking the question. The bouncing from male to female from chapter to chapter is also distracting.

10 of 11 people found this review helpful

Audio Problems In this Book

The content is great but the quality of audio is not. Tried type 3 and 4 files on different devices with the same result. Doesn't happen in all chapters but more frequently than one would want. Its annoying.

10 of 11 people found this review helpful

Buy it NOW!

The incredible power of this book stems from the simplicity of its teachings. Tolle presents a system so simple and undebiably true that it cannot help but work. I am not so sure I would have taken so much from the written book, so the audiobook is definitely the recommended format to absorb this timeless teaching. If you do only one thing to improve your life, then make that reading this book.

70 of 73 people found this review helpful

I was sceptical

Initially not sure whether this would be any good and thought maybe other reviewers were desperately looking for something that the rest of us knew was a bit 1960's and zen like. Maybe they are - maybe not. I don't think I am but I did find this surprisingly inciteful and useful. Lots of really down to earth good advice and good philosophical (and dare I say it) spiritiual food for thought. But to reiterate: useful and pragmatic from the start. Have listened to some bits a few times as it seems to make me think of things slightly differently each time.

49 of 51 people found this review helpful

Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle is an extremely inspiring man. I love this book and his other books also. His ideas are great and having implemented some of them already in daily life I feel a lot more positive than I have in the past. Releasing how far away we are from living life like we should in order to be happy and healthy is amazing. I'm not sure I could dive in like the author did and live happily homeless but I have definitely taken as much of his advice as I can. My only slight issue is that his voice is very calming and hypnotic to the point that I found myself getting a little sleepy while listening but that can also be reviewed as positive because he is very easy to listen to. I would definitely recommend this book.

15 of 15 people found this review helpful

Life Changing

This audiobook was great and I genuinely consider it to be life changing. Tolle's teachings made me realise the root of my anxieties and hence unhappiness.
He gets quite spiritual at times, which doesn't particularly appeal to me, but the overall message is a wonderful one and has made me appreciate 'the now'.

29 of 30 people found this review helpful

Present Moment Awareness

This book opens the door and gives a glimpse of a world I had not experienced since childhood. That of living in the present moment. A beautiful but very indepth read.

55 of 58 people found this review helpful

Find TRUE & PERMANENT HAPPINESS - Amazing book

I would just like to take this opportunity to thank the author for producing this book, an amazing, truly life changing experience. I recommend listening to this title in small chunks to really take in the PEARLS of WISDOM. Free yourself from your mind, find your inner happiness.

41 of 45 people found this review helpful

I now live in the present

Would you listen to The Power of Now again? Why?

This was recommended to me as a book I should read. I am glad I did.
The book explains how we rush about in our daily lives, earning money and supposedly living. But how often do you sit and think about what you are doing 'now'.
I have learned to enjoy living in the 'now'
To listen to the sounds of nature and actually see nature growing.
There is so much beauty around us.
I would listen to the book again, if only to remind me, if I should forget, to live in the 'now'

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Power of Now?

The most memorable part was actually realising that I can listen and be in the present and it is peaceful and calm.

What about Eckhart Tolle’s performance did you like?

Eckhart's voice is calming. He pauses several times to allow you to take in what he is saying.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I listened to this book in 2 days. When the author told me to enjoy the moment, to listen, feel and taste the now, I felt that my life is suddenly going to be richer in experiences.
This has proved to be so in many experiences since.

26 of 30 people found this review helpful

Disappointing<br />

Too Godly. Far too repetitive. Voice extremely irritating. No far reaching revelations here. Glad it is now history and not in the here and NOW!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Fascinating calming experience!

I bought this book to listen to whilst on holiday and am so pleased I did. It is the first book of this nature I have listened to and what a life changing experience... You need to listen with an open mind and take what you want/ need. It has helped me understand the power of being in the present. Listen and try for yourself! I intend to buy another of his books next :)

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Wow

I’d say this book should be compulsory but that would be pointless and against the very ethos of it.
Read. Think about it. Sit still and in silence and appreciate it. Let it change your thinking.
Amazing.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful