Eckhart Tolle: Essential Teachings

This episode is a re-release; it originally aired January 26, 2023. In this podcast Eckhart discusses how we define our personal identity. He says it usually begins with the physical body, then possessions and achievements. He says we may have a long list of accomplishments - even personal wealth, but we’re not satisfied; we’re still not good enough. Eckhart explains defining ourselves in these superficial terms is a trap and just another form of ego. Our true identity is beyond that. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a re-release; it originally aired January 19, 2023. In this episode Eckhart answers questions on a variety of topics, such as: What is the soul? Is it possible to awaken when we are depressed? And how do we sense presence in another? Eckhart says we experience the presence of others when we release our conceptual thinking about them. He says when we let all that go, a space opens and we are free then to experience what is sacred in others and in ourselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a re-release; it originally aired January 12, 2023. In this episode Eckhart talks about a collective awakening growing on the planet even while the majority of people remain spiritually asleep. He explains most of us are completely identified with our thoughts - the constant, compulsive stream of thinking that dominates our awareness and creates a very limited identity. He says beyond thoughts is a more profound and truer self which Eckhart calls the Deep I. We begin to awaken when we recognize the difference between the two. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a re-release; it originally aired January 5, 2023. In this podcast Eckhart asks his audience, “What are you certain of?” After some discussion, they conclude very little. He references philosophers throughout history who have said life is a dream and our individual lives fleeting. Eckhart explains there is a deeper consciousness beyond the dream and beyond the person. He says we will experience transcendence when we make the shift from thinking to awareness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a re-release; it originally aired December 29, 2022. In this episode, Eckhart answers questions on how to deal with death… for ourselves and those we love. Eckhart says it’s critical that we break the taboo so we can overcome our fear. eckhart proposes that when faced with the possibility of a very limited future … The ultimate question is not whether or not we will survive. because we all will die eventually. Instead we allow the situation to push us towards higher consciousness. He says it’s possible to transcend our fear to reach a state of deep presence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a re-release; it originally aired December 22, 2022. In this podcast Eckhart discusses the path to awakening. He encourages listeners to detach from the mind, instead of being the mind. He says most of us get so enmeshed in our thinking we mistake it for reality. He also believes the mind tells us we need a long list of criteria to advance spiritually. But Eckhart says enlightenment is not something we attain in the future – in truth, full consciousness is closer than we think. We can break through our thinking to awaken, right here, right now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a re-release; it originally aired December 15, 2022. In this podcast, Eckhart talks briefly about what he calls the beingness behind our five senses which lead to the deeper essence of who we are. Eckhart then answers a question about forgiveness. He says until we are strongly connected to our deeper self, all of us will act out unconscious patterns that cause suffering. Eckhart says eventually we wake up and ask, “How could I have done that?” He says recognizing our unconsciousness is forgiveness. He believes once we realize we can make amends to those we’ve hurt and learn to forgive our unconsciousness, we understand that we didn’t have the awareness to make a different choice at the time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a re-release; it originally aired December 8, 2022. In this podcast, Eckhart answers a question about overcoming suffering and finding happiness. Eckhart says the world is not here to make us happy, it's here to make us conscious. He says the beginning of awakening is the end of suffering. We are liberated from the demand that anything should make us happy. Eckhart explains the world does not have the power to make us happy. But it is a wonderful catalyst to help us awaken. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a re-release; it originally aired December 1, 2022. Eckhart begins this episode discussing the purpose of suffering. He says suffering is the great awakener, that cracks the shell of the ego. He believes through the crack something beautiful and profound emerges. Eckhart describes it as our true essence. He says as we become familiar with this deeper dimension, we discover the very same “beingness” exists in others. He says recognizing the essence of who we are in everyone, is just one of the joys of spiritual awakening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a re-release; it originally aired November 24, 2022. In this podcast, Eckhart gives a brief talk about the difference between being versus becoming. He says when we focus on becoming, we look to the future for our fulfillment. We lose sight of our being which is connected to the now. Eckhart then answers a question about the need to be right and winning an argument at all costs. He explains as we grow in presence the drive to be right diminishes. The ego loosens its grip, and we discover we might even be willing to admit we’re wrong. He says that is a sure sign of spiritual growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a re-release; it originally aired November 17, 2022. In this podcast, Eckhart answers questions about addiction and facing illness consciously. Eckhart speaks with a woman who had cancer fears its return and the possibility of an early death. While difficult, Eckhart encourages her to practice presence by staying in the moment because he explains then there is less opportunity to play out scenarios where death seems imminent. He urges her to release the mental gymnastics that plague all of us. He says it’s imperative that we work with life’s challenges and allow them to push us into awakening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a re-release; it originally aired November 10, 2022. In this podcast, Eckhart encourages participants to start with a moment of stillness. He says through quiet and calm we get in touch with that part of ourselves Eckhart calls “The Deep I.” Eckhart believes that by reaching beyond our personality and our physical bodies we will discover a deeper dimension to who we are. He says it’s here where we transcend the old inner narratives to find liberation from ourselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a re-release; it originally aired November 3, 2022. In this podcast Eckhart answers questions about dealing with grief consciously. He asks what does the grief process look like for an awakened person? Do we experience the classic stages of denial, anger and bargaining? Eckhart says even if we’re in touch with the transcendent dimension, we will still experience grief, it doesn’t disappear completely. He believes, however, the intensity will be less. Eckhart explains that facing the possibility of death is vital because it is the catalyst for the evolution of our consciousness and without that experience, there would be no expansion of our awareness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a re-release; it originally aired October 27, 2022. In this episode, Eckhart answers questions about why it’s important to seek awakening and how we can learn to function in a world that seems chaotic. Eckhart says we must learn to awaken to free ourselves of suffering. It is part of our legacy to realize a sense of peaceful aliveness that is independent of our external circumstances. He believes when challenges arise, we shouldn’t spiral into unconscious reactivity. He says that only amplifies the problem. Instead, Eckhart suggests we should release our ego and move towards transcendence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a re-release; it originally aired October 20, 2022. In this podcast, Eckhart talks with a live audience in Greece. He cautions participants against the belief that enlightenment is somewhere ‘out there’ or is something to be achieved in the distant future. He says we don’t have to go through a long process of ‘becoming’ to find liberation. Eckhart explains the irony is that when we look to the future, we miss the opportunity to find freedom right here in the present moment. He urges all of us to wake up and to realize we already are who we want to become. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a re-release; it originally aired October 13, 2022. In this episode, Eckhart reflects on the power of presence and the accompanying state of stillness. He says it’s in those moments when we’re not thinking that we experience pure awareness. He then answers questions about what presence is not. He says it is not about monitoring our inner state or exercising control over our thoughts or feelings. Eckhart also explains it’s possible to be fully awakened and still enjoy the things of this world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a re-release; it originally aired October 6, 2022. In this podcast, Eckhart answers questions about the aphorism “be careful what you wish for.” He says when we attempt to manifest certain desires in our lives, it’s critical we discern whether the motivation is ego-driven or something more profound. Eckhart encourages everyone to be who they are at the deepest level. He says anything we achieve on the horizontal plane will also have a downside. Therefore, he encourages us to not get too attached to outcomes. He says as we reach a state of deeper consciousness, we learn to transcend the polarities of good or bad and we simply align ourselves with what is. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a re-release; it originally aired September 29, 2022. In this podcast Eckhart talks with a live audience in Greece. He kicks off the session discussing the spiritual wisdom of ancient Greek philosophers. Among the most renowned was Socrates who humbly said, “I am the only one who knows that he knows nothing.” Eckhart believes Socrates meant that he was comfortable with the state of not knowing and the pure awareness connected to deep insight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a re-release; it originally aired September 22, 2022. In this episode, Eckhart answers questions about conscious manifesting. He says it is part of our heritage that we have abundance in our lives. Eckhart describes it as what he calls “the fullness of life.” He believes the source for fullness is the vast underlying consciousness that is the foundation for everything which he calls “the being dimension.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a re-release; it originally aired September 15, 2022. In this podcast, Eckhart answers questions about the process of awakening and how to create more abundance in our lives. Eckhart says when we desire something we believe that we already have it. He says consciousness is the source from which everything flows. Eckhart reminds us that while we may want or need many things, we do not need certain outcomes for our fulfillment. He explains that on the inner plane we are already complete and have everything we need. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally aired September 8, 2022. In this podcast Eckhart talks with a live audience. He encourages participants to release their thinking so they can become aware of their “being.” He says most of us have a mistaken sense of identity based on what we think about ourselves, but that’s not who we really are. Eckhart goes on to quote Jesus who famously said, “You are the light of the world.” Eckhart believes what he meant is that we are all are the light of consciousness and that is our true identity and the source of our deepest essence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally aired September 1, 2022. In this episode Eckhart answers questions about transcending our limitations. He says every human has certain obstacles in their life and facing them is part of the path to awakening. However, Eckhart warns that problems arise when our limitations become part of our identity. He believes we create a false narrative about who we think we are. Eckhart says while it’s important to surrender and accept what is, we do not confuse deeper acceptance with acceptance of the narrow concept we mistake for ourselves. Eckhart says we reach transcendence by letting go of those concepts. He believes we should embrace the “is-ness” of this moment and through that transform into the realm of spacious awareness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally aired August 25, 2022. In this podcast Eckhart answers questions on several topics including how to differentiate between a true creative impulse and the ego. Eckhart refers to his own experience of writing The Power of Now. While living in England, he says he felt called to move to Canada. He says he had to discern if the impulse was coming from a deeper place or just a passing whim. He also cautions against listening to the mind and its toxic narrative. After waiting several months, Eckhart realized the feeling was not fleeting but solid intuition. He eventually made the move, and his writing began to flow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally aired August 18, 2022. In this episode Eckhart answers questions about suffering as part of the human condition. He says many spiritual traditions focus on awakening as the end of suffering. Paradoxically, Eckhart says we need to go through a certain amount of suffering to realize we don’t want it anymore. He says oftentimes our suffering is caused not by our life situation, but our reaction to it. He believes much of our pain is generated by the mind and its toxic narrative. Eckhart says we can move beyond suffering by embracing life’s challenges. He says they are a doorway into the transcendent realm and that when we step into the light of consciousness, we are free from suffering at last. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally aired August 11, 2022. In this podcast Eckhart answers questions about healing from childhood trauma. He says it’s important to acknowledge the trauma and to work through it, but not to get stuck in it. He believes while we may feel like a victim it is not ultimately who we are. Eckhart shares stories about his own childhood trauma. He explains that his father had intense anger issues and abandoned Eckhart and his mother when he was just eleven years old. As an adult Eckhart later realized that his father had been traumatized by his own childhood. He says dysfunctional family patterns are handed down generation after generation. He says healing happens when we break the cycle and that by practicing presence, we realize we are more than all the painful things we’ve experienced. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally aired August 4, 2022. In this episode Eckhart talks about the importance of finding stillness. He says we are never more ourselves than when we are still. Eckhart then answers questions about what we can expect during the stages of awakening. He says as we become more conscious, we learn to respond rather than react to conflict. Eckhart explains we may feel the emotion, but it doesn’t take us over because ego diminishes as we step into the light of presence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally aired July 28, 2022. In this podcast Eckhart talks about our growing awareness and how it can be used in service of others. He says when presence is the foundation of our lives, we are more available emotionally. He explains why this is when the pitfalls of the ego no longer block us. Eckhart believes when we are confronted by the pain of others, if we have a clear channel connected to the source of consciousness, we will exercise empathy and compassion. In this state he says we will not be shaken when the winds of misfortune blow because we are rooted in the deepest part of our being. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally aired July 21, 2022. In this episode Eckhart reflects on the power of the present moment. He then answers a question about the individual and collective pain bodies. He says we all have both and sometimes one is stronger than the other. He believes those with a strong pain body are often more likely to awaken than those who don’t have one. He explains that either way, the great danger is falling into the trap of what he calls “victim identity.” Eckhart says we need to take responsibility for the accumulated suffering inside ourselves and learn to heal from it. Eckhart believes our suffering is transmuted into awareness and that is the beginning of awakening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally aired July 14, 2022. In this podcast Eckhart talks with a live audience in Winnipeg, Canada. People from 30 countries around the world participate. Eckhart explains the reason they are there is to experience spiritual awakening. He says there is a hidden dimension to their gathering which is deeper than words. Eckhart believes part of his mission is to provide signposts which lead to a state of consciousness he calls Presence. Through the practice of Presence, Eckhart teaches we become aware of the deeper reality of life and the deeper, spiritual dimension that is within each one of us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally aired July 7, 2022.In this podcast, Eckhart answers questions about practicing presence and peace in a world fraught with conflict and chaos. Eckhart reminds us that we are not dependent on external conditions. He says it is possible to remain peaceful even in the midst of negativity and destruction. He explains we have the freedom to choose even though that choice may not be an easy one. Eckhart believes we don’t have to be drawn into dysfunction, but instead believes we can be the light of consciousness even during darkness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally aired June 30, 2022. In this episode, Eckhart addresses concerns about using conscious manifestation for both practical as well as spiritual purposes. Eckhart cautions listeners that awakening should not be something we put on our to-do list. He says it is not another goal that we attain. He believes when we define enlightenment in those terms it becomes an obstacle. Eckhart says awakening is not an achievement, it's a realization which really means it's already here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally aired June 23, 2022. In this podcast, Eckhart talks about overcoming obstacles to conscious creativity. He explains we may have a vision of what we’d like to create, but when we try to express ourselves the ego kicks up resistance. Eckhart says we feel attacked by inner voices such as, “Who do you think you are? You’re not ready for this” and then we self-sabotage. He explains how we doubt our talent and give in to our fears. Eckhart says when this happens, we must recognize it as the voice of the ego and in those moments we should practice presence. He shares that we need to release our negative thinking, allowing the creative process to flow through. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally aired June 16, 2022. In this episode Eckhart leads a short meditation and then answers a question about our fear of suffering. Eckhart says suffering plays an important role in the evolution of our consciousness. He says without it, we would not grow in awareness. Eckhart believes, for many people, suffering is their primary spiritual teacher and much of our pain is self-created through dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors. He explains why the pain can also be a catalyst for spiritual growth. He says if we focus on the power of the present moment, our difficulties diminish and once we awaken we no longer need to suffer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally aired June 9, 2022. In this podcast, Eckhart talks about fulfilling our desires and what we can do to make that happen. however he cautions against becoming dependent on external circumstances for our happiness. He says attachment to the outcome can actually become a barrier. Eckhart believes we must visualize that what we want is already ours. and that ultimately the external world is inseparable from our state of consciousness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally aired June 2, 2022. In this episode Eckhart reflects on what it takes to create a successful life. He says we must live with a foot in two worlds. We must learn to reconcile the everyday with the transcendent. Eckhart explains why we should consciously manifest our aims and aspirations while also practicing presence. Eckhart says the most important part of living in this world is bringing those two together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally aired May 26, 2022. In this podcast Eckhart talks about our dependence on people, places, things and concepts as the source of our identity. He says most of us derive a sense of self from our attachments. He believes the essence of who we truly are is much deeper. Eckhart calls it the alive stillness at the center of our being. Once we become aware of it, our attachment to external things fades and we discover our true nature. Eckhart illustrates this idea with the story of a Buddhist monk who sought to release worldly things. His difficulties were great, until he let go absolutely. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally aired May 19, 2022. In this episode, Eckhart reflects on his signature teaching about being aware of the present moment. He says when we focus on the here and now our senses become heightened. Eckhart says when we give any experience our full attention, we are taking the first step towards what he calls “self-transcendence.” He explains why we need to release our limited perceptions and connect with the aliveness of the universe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eckhart answers questions about our identification with the ego and our thoughts. He says the light of consciousness is relentlessly gobbled up by the mind and turned into thinking. He believes practicing presence is the only immunity against our thoughts. He says as we begin to awaken, we have glimpses of awareness. Eckhart says we don’t have to wait for those glimpses to arise spontaneously. He explains that we need to invite them into our lives so that awakened consciousness becomes an integral part of who we are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Eckhart talks about expanding our consciousness. He says that we outgrow the limited perception we have of ourselves: a person with a personality and a product of our past. We need to get in touch with what Eckhart calls the “deep I,” or the transcendent self. He says we are more than our personalities and more than our bodies. Eckhart shares what we perceive with our senses is only a tiny fraction of what’s actually here. He believes what is essential in us is invisible to the eye and not something we perceive with our senses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eckhart answers questions like… Is it possible to remain in a permanent state of acceptance? And how do we deal with our fears about what others think of us? Eckhart says it’s not realistic to expect that we will be consistently peaceful and harmonious. The challenges of our lives will affect us. but not at the core of who we are. We remain rooted in what Eckhart calls the being dimension. He explains we go beyond the duality of happiness and unhappiness to find peace. Eckhart says the degree to which we are free from the opinions of others, depends on our connectedness to the deeper dimension of who we are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eckhart explains why becoming aware of the present moment is synonymous with connecting to the deeper dimension of who we are. He says we go beyond the personality to reach our transcendent self. Eckhart says we discover we are not just humans "doings" - we are human beings. He says our primary mission is to integrate the two. Eckhart believes this is the most important discovery we can make in our lifetime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eckhart talks about our obsession with the future. He says if we’re always living for the future, we never experience the present because the future is only a thought. We spend our time waiting for a life that never arrives and end up with a life full of missed opportunities. Eckhart reminds us, the only moment we ever truly have is the here and now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eckhart leads a meditation and then answers questions. He says the Essential Self is not defined by the personality, life circumstances or history. It’s the transcendent dimension beyond that which is the only place we will find lasting freedom and true happiness. Eckhart explains we may not have awareness of our essential self consistently. He says we will lose it many times, then regain it. He shares that finding awareness is a gradual process of waking up to who we truly are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eckhart says sometimes in our efforts to become present we fall below thought. It happens when we’re consumed by negativity. He explains often people reach for something to take away the pain like alcohol, drugs or food. Eckhart says we may feel relief for a short time, but eventually discomfort returns. Ekchart shares what we need to do is resist the pull toward unconsciousness. And, to awaken spiritually we must rise above thought to a reach a state of alert presence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eckhart talks about the importance of using our daily lives as spiritual practice which he calls presence power. Throughout the day, when we’re not challenged by difficult people or circumstances, we should invite presence into our lives. Like a muscle that gets stronger with use, it will become part of our daily routine. Then when challenges arise, we don’t fall into unconsciousness, we draw on our reserves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eckhart leads a live meditation on pausing our thoughts without suppressing them. Eckhart says it’s more important to be aware of oneself as presence than to get lost in the mind. With practice, gradually the spaces between thoughts increase and more spaciousness grows within. This will cause our lives to become more peaceful and move us closer to a feeling of liberation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eckhart answers questions on such topics as eliminating depression, dealing with a heavy pain body and why enlightenment seems to be such a rare phenomenon. Eckhart shares the story of his own pain body and how it finally pushed him into a state of presence. He says we are designed to awaken and that we are a part of the flowering of the consciousness in the universe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eckhart answers questions on a wide range of topics like: What’s the function of the ego? How does it feel to be enlightened? And what’s the best remedy for loneliness and the pain body? Eckhart responds with his renowned wisdom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eckhart says the world is not here to make us happy, it’s here to make us conscious. If we are looking for fulfillment in a particular relationship, job or life circumstances, we may find disappointment instead. Eckhart says we find peace when we let go of the demand that people and situations should fulfill us. When we accept what is, it becomes possible to find freedom in the here and now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eckhart says sometimes we experience a gravitational force that seems to push us back into unconsciousness. When we feel overwhelmed by watching the news or experience a painful loss, these are the moments when we need to return to the practice of presence. Eckhart says there is a higher purpose at work and awakening is deeper than our suffering. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.