Customer Reviews: Read 1110 more reviews...
 Great July 4, 2008
Leksi Bauer Asturias (Guatemala, Guatemala)
Book arrived in great shape - haven't finished it but it sure looks very good :)
 New Earth, But Not So New Information July 2, 2008
Elliot Malach (Galveston, Tx)
Ok, so it may not be Buddhism repackaged, but it definitely is Spiritualism repackaged.
The basic information and the Spiritual Laws reflected are worth knowing, but the book is bland. According the the author, if you don't derive benefit from it, it is the reader's fault. Gee, Echkart, I'm sorry I didn't live up to your expectations.
I wouldn't consider the book a waste of time, but it lacked a fresh perspective to separate it from the pack.
Not Buddhism Repackaged July 2, 2008
Robert L. Grant (San Jose, CA United States)
3 out of 5 found this review helpful
I have been involved with Buddhist thought and meditation for a few years now and despite the comment of some others, I found a lot of value in Eckhart's Book. Yes, it seemed to me that much of what Eckhart presents is basically Buddhist in nature but, reflecting back to my earlier work with Christianity, I could also say Eckhart's work presents basically Christian views as well. Okay, perhaps not Christianity as it is taught by many churches today, but perhaps as Christ intended it in the first place. Taking this further, if one believes there is a fundamental truth, than all honest seekers of that truth, no matter what religion they begin with, should eventually end up in the same place. Even though my first thougths were similar to some of the reviewers (this is just Buddhism), I soon realized that was my ego trying to fool me into thoughts of superiority and that, in reality, no labels such as Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, etc. actually have any importance of meaning when searching for truth.
Another of my initial thoughts on the book was "Ah, this is Buddhism for Westerners." I think that still applies as Eckhart's book did very much help me better understand some Buddhist concepts that were partially escaping me.
So my advice to everyone no matter what faith you are, calm your egos. Some Buddhists are bound to say "Buddha is better", some Christains, "Christ was God (and Better)", some Jews (Moses and Abraham were better", so on and so forth. But actually such thoughts make no sense as there is nothing to be compared, it isn't a contest, and the label one applies to truth is of no importance.
As far as Eckhart's ego, I really have not sensed much ego here. We must all remember that Eckhart is only human though. Therefore, just as many of the apostles were far from perfect, don't expect Eckhart to be immune to human failings from time to time. I'm not trying to put Eckhart in the class of a prophet, I assure you, and there is no need to do so. All that is important is that you get out of it what you can, if anything.
I agree that Eckhart's teachings are in danger of becoming the next fad wherein yuppees sit around at starbucks exchanging their enlightenment stories but that is a comment about humanity not Eckhart's teachings or ideas. And I also agree that I don't think Oprah has actually experienced much in the way of enlightenment despite how she might act or speak. However, she is doing us a service. Humanity is in need of a chnage of their state of consciousness and this book can help some. I suspect most will consume it with their egos just as humanity has largely done in the past. Only a few will truly engage in the work necessary to change their state of consciousness. It involves a lot of up front sacrifice for most. I am still very much in the struggle. But I think Eckhart's book, "The New Earth" is excellent and well worth the read. If you want to get something out of it you can. If you let your ego say, "This book is an insult to Jesus, God, Buddha, Mohammed, Abraham, Moses, etc., etc., etc.," you can do that to and you'll probably only be angered by the book.
Like always, it's up to you.
Changed My Life July 1, 2008
Lisa A. Johnson (MN USA)
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
This book has totally changed and transformed my life. I had always felt deep down differently about a lot of things and suddenly it all came together with a sudden whoosh. I would highly recommend this book to anybody who is searching for "meaning" in their life or have issues with depression or general unhappiness with their life.
 The Moment July 1, 2008
Paul Woods
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I felt so alive when I kept in the moment I was in. There was so much connection involved in just "Being".
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