Eckhart Tolle: Essential Teachings

In this episode, Eckhart encourages us to rise up to meet the challenges of the present time. He says the turmoil that exists here and around the globe is an opportunity to grow spiritually. He explains most people do not awaken when they are in their comfort zone because it usually takes a “push” in the form of a crisis. He says if we are not challenged, then the motivation to change is not there. He goes on to say that our extern...

In this podcast, Eckhart talks further about dealing with adversity. He says when we experience challenges in the form of loss including jobs, homes, relationships, political instability or the pandemic, it’s actually an invitation to connect more deeply with the present moment. Eckhart says the conditioning of our minds determines how we respond to situations. He says if we spiral down into fearful thoughts whenever a crisis occur...

In this episode, Eckhart answers questions about turning adversity into spiritual growth. A mother wants more emotional stability in her life. She says she often wakes up, feeling full of energy, only to find the next moment she’s irritable and exhausted. She’s concerned about transmitting her negative moods to her children. Eckhart encourages her to remain alert when the low energy takes hold. He also explains that sustaining cons...

In this episode Eckhart answers questions from a virtual audience around the world including a young woman struggling with very low self-esteem. Eckhart explains intense self-criticism often originates in childhood. He says affirmations can help – such as: “I am one with the power of all creation.” He explains it’s important to be grateful for the opportunity to heal, because it pushes us to grow beyond our limited sense of self. A...

In this episode, Eckhart answers questions from a woman seeking insights for her sister who recently was diagnosed with a mental disorder. She wants to know how Eckhart views the diagnosis within the context of his teachings, asking, “Could there be a silver lining?” Eckhart says while dysfunction may be present, he cautions against using labels. He also shares that he believes many mental illnesses are normal human behavior which ...

This special episode features Eric Toda, Global Head of Social Marketing and Executive Director of Meta Prosper. Eric joins hosts Greg and Faith to discuss the importance of advocating for your community in professional circles and standing against hate.  Eric speaks candidly about the struggle to find his voice and represent the Asian American and Pacific Islander community as well as the complex reactions he received at a pivotal...

In this episode, Eckhart talks about the process of writing his first book, The Power of Now. He says he surrendered to the idea that the book wanted to be written. He explains he had a vision which inspired him long before he wrote the first word. He shares he encountered naysayers - people who tried to discourage his pursuits. Eckhart says when an individual or group tries to bring new knowledge to the world, they often encounter...

In this podcast, Eckhart talks to a live audience in Hawaii. He ponders the paradise surrounding them: the sun, the palm trees and the sea. He then quotes famous French philosopher, Albert Camus, who said: In the midst of winter, I found there was within me, an invincible summer. Eckhart explains that Camus is referring to the spiritual dimension or what he calls ‘the alive inner peace at the core of our being.’ Eckhart says it’s i...

In this podcast Eckhart answers questions about a variety of concerns. A man experiences relentless anxiety and says meditation doesn’t relieve his symptoms. Eckhart explains an overactive pain body is at the root of his troubles. He then shares the wisdom he gained through healing his own pain body. Another audience member asks if there are any transgressions which are unforgivable. Eckhart explains some violations may seem beyond...

In this episode, Eckhart jokes with an audience about getting a call from the Star Wars Galactic fleet. He then turns to practical matters when he discusses returning home after being away on a retreat. He says we all have a “life situation” which includes: relationships, work, finances and physical health – all burdens we carry with us even when we’re on vacation. Eckhart cautions against having our consciousness completely absorb...

In this podcast Eckhart answers questions from an audience in Hawaii. A man asks if we actually have “free will.” Eckhart explains we won’t experience “free will” while living on the level of ego, because we are conditioned by the past. He believes until we transcend our past, we are at the mercy of our unconscious patterns. A woman who is a therapist and works with trauma survivors, asks how to deal with her resentment at God for ...

In this episode, Eckhart talks about the sense of guilt which has plagued humanity through the centuries. He says it’s part of the ego’s dysfunction: the feeling that not only is there something wrong with the world, there’s also something wrong with me. Eckhart explains certain religious traditions have interpreted this as God’s punishment - we believe somehow we are at fault when bad things happen. He says this results in a heavy...

In this podcast Eckhart talks about the soul of the world which in Latin translates to Anima Mundi. He says when we awaken to the transcendent dimension within ourselves, we are then able to discover the soul of the world as our own soul. Eckhart says that's the essence of all spirituality and is the primary reason we are here. Eckhart then answers questions on a variety of subjects: a woman asks what the functional purpose is of b...

In this podcast, Eckhart talks about the awakening universe. He says the great miracle and the mystery is that the universe is conscious. In fact, Eckhart explains it is a manifestation of consciousness itself and we are part of that. Eckhart explains there are millions and billions of other life forms across the galaxies, but here on earth the universe expresses consciousness through us. He believes as we grow in awareness, we let...

In this podcast, Eckhart answers questions from the audience. A woman is reluctant to experience another life on earth. She asks, “Do we actually choose to reincarnate?” Eckhart says if we’re compulsively reincarnating with every thought and emotion that occurs, then we probably will continue the same dysfunctional pattern not only in the next moment, but in the next life. Another woman asks about how to be a conscious parent. Her ...

In this podcast, Eckhart talks about setting goals and deferring satisfaction. He says for many people, the activities they’re engaged in are just a means to an end. He believes they are not present in what they’re doing now, because they’re projecting where they want to be in the future. Eckhart explains this is a self-defeating way to live because while we may need to defer satisfaction to reach a goal, there is also aninherent d...

In this podcast, Eckhart says we are at a critical juncture. He explains we must evolve to the next stage of development and transcend the ego. Hesays many people try to go back to their pre-egoic state of consciousness anesthetizing themselves with alcohol, drugs, food, sex and work… all of which lead to unconsciousness. He says even though the ego is a key part of our development, it’s time to let it go. So many of us are stuck i...

In this podcast, Eckhart talks about an inspiring trip he took to Alaska. He describes the awe he felt on a tour through a majestic forest. Eckhart explains, at one point, he lagged behind his guided tour group so he could feel the sacredness of nature all around him. He says we have lost touch with a form of knowing which transcends conceptual learning. He believes beyond our five senses, there is a more profound form of knowing t...

In this episode, Eckhart says no one person can make us happy because the demand is not only too much, but also an impossible task. He explains falling in love may feel wonderful. The honeymoon starts and everything is beautiful. Until the day comes when we discover our partner has issues or even worse: a very active pain body. He says we might panic, thinking I made a terrible mistake! With humor, Eckhart explains what’s really ha...