 disappearance of the universe
Hi Andrew,
I searched google for 'disappearance of the universe+eckhart tolle' and found this wonderful forum. I was trying to reconcile the difference in teachings that keep niggling at me and have done for some time now. Imagine my surprise when I find that you have listed the exact three books that have caused me the most confusion!
Eckhart Tolle teaches awareness of the present moment and stresses the importance of consciousness.
The Disappearance of the Universe states in no uncertain terms:
"So we must make an enormous and firm distinction between a course in miracles and virtually every other spiritual thought system in existence...[including] neo-dualistic thought systems"
In the same chapter 'The Secrets of Existence' there is a quote from 'A Course in Miracles' which states :
"Consciousness, the level of perception, was the first split introduced into the mind after the seperation, making the mind a perciever rather than a creator. Consciousness is correctly identified as the domain of the ego. T42 (ACIM)"
It also talks about the difference of awakening within the dream (of the world) and awakening from the dream. It says that non-dualism was the level reached by Buddha in his known lifetime but that he reached a state of pure non-dualism (awakening from the dream) in another unknown lifetime.
It says that heaven is a state of 'unencumbered, boundless and unimaginable ecstacy'. It says 'In the beginning...There was only an awareness of unflawed oneness, and this oneness was so complete, so awe-striking and unlimited in its joyous extension that it would be impossible for anything to be aware of anything that was not itself.' It says that an extension of the whole (christ) had an 'innocent wondering in the form of a question - which unfortunately was followed by an apparent answer. The question, if it could be put into words was, "What would it be like if I were to go play on my own for a while?"' The answer was the imagined first split or separation and, for the first time - consciousness.
Ask and It is Given seems to miss out God for me. I found it wonderfully empowering, and I owe it a lot but when practicing exercises such as The Rampage of Appreciation I had a nagging feeling that something was missing. I believed I could achieve my goals but my goals never seemed to hold my interest really.
The Power of Now and a New Earth are absolutely amazing, and yet I think there is something missing here too...but im not sure. The bigger mind that Eckhart Tolle represents is still split, is still not ultimate. Its very, very advanced for sure but its not quite at the level of ultimate truth. Please forgive me if I sound superior here - I am not an enlightened master like Eckhart I am just exploring some ideas. (Sorry Eckhart, I love you)
I dont know but I am really coming round to the idea that A Course in Miracles is something really really different and special.
I would be very interested to hear anyones opinions in this matter.
Thank you!
Mikey
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