Eckhart Tolle, the bestselling author of The Power of Now, has once again created an enlightening and original piece focused on shifting human consciousness. In A New Earth: Awakening Your Life’s Purpose, Tolle explores the human ego and how it has created a dysfunctional society. Throughout the pages of this book, Tolle encourages the reader to shift his state of consciousness, release the chains of the ego, and experience the true essence of life. Doing so, says Tolle, is the natural next step in human evolution.
Human Ego Carries a Blueprint for Dysfunction
According to Tolle, “the ‘normal’ state of mind of most human beings contains a strong element of what we might call dysfunction or even madness.” Humans are driven by distorted views of themselves and others and this deep-seated collective delusion is the underlying cause of the conflict and suffering experienced around the world. However, he says, humans are also capable of radical transformation of consciousness. Tolle believes that humanity currently faces a choice: evolve or die. Evolution, in this case, refers to a breaking the old patterns of ego and emerging into a new dimension of consciousness.
Human ego is really the focus of the book. Tolle explores the ways in which the ego holds the human mind hostage, playing tricks on it and creating a false sense of identity. For example, it is the ego that associates “self” with a body, a gender, or even a specific life role. The ego is the driving force behind greed, selfishness, exploitation, cruelty and violence. The ego is what places mental labels on people and things, separating “us” from “them.” The ego blames, complains and tries to make others wrong in order to create a stronger sense of self. Ultimately, it is the ego that dominates how most people view themselves and the world around them.
A New Earth Explores True Identity, Separate of Ego
The author clearly states that, as a global society, humankind must break from the patterns of the ego. In order to evolve, consciousness must shift to a deeper understanding and awareness. Tolle describes this new identity as follows: “Before you were the thoughts, emotions and reactions; now you are the awareness, the conscious Presence that witnesses those states.”
While this all may seem abstract, Eckhart Tolle has a way of bringing big conceptual ideas down to earth. This book is both uplifting and eye-opening. Tolle clearly describes how our current state of consciousness isn’t working and points to specifics ways in which lives are being impacted (most readers will likely relate to many of these). Ultimately, the author successfully outlines why the ego is detrimental to continued human evolution and personal happiness, and how one can break the attachment. The book is an inspiring read—and it might even be life changing as well.
Source:
A New Earth: Awakening Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle; First Plume Printing, 2006. ISBN 0-452-28758-8
Christine Scivicque - Chrissy has been a passionate student of personal development for over 15 years. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration ...
