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The Art of Presence
On The Art of Presence, Eckhart guides you through seven hours of transformational insights that allow "presence to naturally arise" in you. With his one-of-a-kind instruction, you will learn how to ground yourself in the vibrancy of youe "inner body" while simultaneously breaking free from the illusion of separation from the outside world.
Audio CD
First published September 1, 2007
About the author
Eckhart Tolle
292 books11k followersEckhart Tolle is a German-born spiritual teacher and internationally bestselling author whose work has profoundly influenced the contemporary spiritual landscape. Born Ulrich Leonard Tölle in 1948 in Lünen, Germany, he experienced a transformative spiritual awakening at the age of 29 after years of depression and anxiety. This profound shift in consciousness marked the beginning of his journey as a spiritual guide and thinker. Tolle abandoned his doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge to explore and embody the stillness and presence he had discovered, eventually becoming a spiritual teacher based in London and later in Vancouver, Canada.
Tolle rose to prominence with the publication of The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment in 1997. The book, which emphasizes mindfulness and present-moment awareness, resonated with a global audience and was later championed by Oprah Winfrey, catapulting it to international bestseller status. In 2005, Tolle released A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose, which expanded on his earlier teachings and explored the role of ego in personal and societal dysfunction. The book also achieved massive commercial success, further solidifying Tolle’s reputation as one of the most influential spiritual authors of his time.
His teachings draw from a variety of traditions, including Zen Buddhism, Christian mysticism, Sufism, and Hindu philosophy, though he remains unaffiliated with any formal religion. Tolle emphasizes a non-dualistic approach to spirituality, focusing on the importance of presence, inner stillness, and the disidentification from ego-based thinking. His accessible language and calm demeanor have helped millions integrate spiritual practice into daily life.
In addition to writing, Tolle has delivered talks, retreats, and webinars to audiences around the world. In 2008, he partnered with Oprah Winfrey to produce a groundbreaking webinar series based on A New Earth, attracting millions of viewers. He also co-authored the illustrated book Guardians of Being in 2009, further exploring his core themes through the lens of animals and nature.
Tolle currently lives in Vancouver with his partner, spiritual teacher Kim Eng. Together, they continue to teach and support global audiences through online content, publications, and events. Widely regarded as one of the most spiritually influential figures of the 21st century, Tolle’s message of inner peace and awakening remains as timely as ever.
Tolle rose to prominence with the publication of The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment in 1997. The book, which emphasizes mindfulness and present-moment awareness, resonated with a global audience and was later championed by Oprah Winfrey, catapulting it to international bestseller status. In 2005, Tolle released A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose, which expanded on his earlier teachings and explored the role of ego in personal and societal dysfunction. The book also achieved massive commercial success, further solidifying Tolle’s reputation as one of the most influential spiritual authors of his time.
His teachings draw from a variety of traditions, including Zen Buddhism, Christian mysticism, Sufism, and Hindu philosophy, though he remains unaffiliated with any formal religion. Tolle emphasizes a non-dualistic approach to spirituality, focusing on the importance of presence, inner stillness, and the disidentification from ego-based thinking. His accessible language and calm demeanor have helped millions integrate spiritual practice into daily life.
In addition to writing, Tolle has delivered talks, retreats, and webinars to audiences around the world. In 2008, he partnered with Oprah Winfrey to produce a groundbreaking webinar series based on A New Earth, attracting millions of viewers. He also co-authored the illustrated book Guardians of Being in 2009, further exploring his core themes through the lens of animals and nature.
Tolle currently lives in Vancouver with his partner, spiritual teacher Kim Eng. Together, they continue to teach and support global audiences through online content, publications, and events. Widely regarded as one of the most spiritually influential figures of the 21st century, Tolle’s message of inner peace and awakening remains as timely as ever.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 5, 2017
Ever wanted to hear Eckhart compare the pain body to Gollum? I think it's on the fourth session. The audio quality from these six retreats is poor. I've often wished Eckhart would bring his own wireless microphone setup, but he seems to have relied upon crappy house mics for these presumably earlier (Pre-Eckharttolle.tv) sessions. In the spirit of acceptance, this does make you more present, since you have to listen with more intense focus. I really like the Sounds True lady, I'm surprised she hasn't brought this up.
If you don't know Eckhart Tolle, his teachings have brought liberation from mental suffering to a great many people. If you are sick and tired, of being sick tired, for reals, start withThe Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment.
If you don't know Eckhart Tolle, his teachings have brought liberation from mental suffering to a great many people. If you are sick and tired, of being sick tired, for reals, start withThe Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment.
February 25, 2017
This is the first Eckhart Tolle book I was able to listen to, and I very quickly realized that I wanted to hear everything this man had to say. The format is that of a recorded retreat rather than an actual writing. While speaking to a group, he speaks slowly, and stops frequently to assess his words, and decide what to say next. At first, I found this frustratingly slow. In a very short time however, I found that I appreciated this pace. It allowed me to absorb what he had said and and contemplate it before the next words came. This book caused me to find everything else Eckhart Tolle has written, and I'm very grateful for all of it.
June 13, 2018
Tolle runs a quite humoristic workshop, sometimes he's very funny, so much that I stopped in my tracks and started laughing out loud ().
"The only source of suffering is the human mind".
Liked his pointers about zen.
I liked his advice against carrying your history with you, into meeting new people.
I also found mesmerizing his interpretation of reincarnation as the constant incarnation of an unruly awareness in every thought, in an infinite loop.
"Don't let the present be just a bridge between the past and the future".
Overall a decent thing to listen to.
"The only source of suffering is the human mind".
Liked his pointers about zen.
I liked his advice against carrying your history with you, into meeting new people.
I also found mesmerizing his interpretation of reincarnation as the constant incarnation of an unruly awareness in every thought, in an infinite loop.
"Don't let the present be just a bridge between the past and the future".
Overall a decent thing to listen to.
November 7, 2010
eckhart is amazing no matter what his subject, refreshing.....
June 17, 2012
Enlightening*
March 7, 2017
Listened to this seminar: BLUF = consciousness without thought via 'be'-ing in the now - I didn't get it, and it was very poorly dubbed. Eckhart is the funniest guy he knows though...
October 9, 2010
A great follow up to the Power of Now.
July 18, 2020
I enjoyed his pace, very calm, collected and how he shares his humour. Life can be challenging and hearing him laugh in the very things we can find serious or weighing made me feel light-hearted.
I listened to the audio version where this talk takes place at a retreat. There are the voices of others who ask questions and background sounds of others in the space. On one hand it made me feel I was in that space but it would have been great if the audio was a bit better. Overall, he was clear to hear, the content of the lessons he expressed was grounding and a good reminder for those who have read Power of Now. This wasn't something to rush through but rather to intently listen to and focus on as part of the practice to being in the present moment, something I often struggle with.
I listened to the audio version where this talk takes place at a retreat. There are the voices of others who ask questions and background sounds of others in the space. On one hand it made me feel I was in that space but it would have been great if the audio was a bit better. Overall, he was clear to hear, the content of the lessons he expressed was grounding and a good reminder for those who have read Power of Now. This wasn't something to rush through but rather to intently listen to and focus on as part of the practice to being in the present moment, something I often struggle with.
June 5, 2020
So a couple things were immediately apparent to me:
1. I'm quite self aware.
2. I'm aware that I struggle to be present.
Mr. Tolle forces you to slow down and focus, and my mind kept wandering off every which way. I had no idea just how much of an issue this has become in my life. There were several profound moments and subjects that delighted me along the way, that I was able to connect with and make sense of my life and the world around me. I look forward to other works of his in the future as this was a great first impression of his works that I have yet to read.
__
Entonces, un par de cosas fueron inmediatamente evidentes para mí:
1. Soy bastante consciente de sí mismo.
2. Soy consciente de que lucho por estar presente.
El Sr. Tolle te obliga a reducir la velocidad y concentrarte, y mi mente seguía vagando por todos lados. No tenía idea de cuán problemático se ha convertido esto en mi vida. Hubo varios momentos profundos y temas que me deleitaron en el camino, con los que pude conectarme y dar sentido a mi vida y al mundo que me rodea. Espero con interés otras obras suyas en el futuro, ya que esta fue una gran primera impresión de sus obras que aún no he leído.
1. I'm quite self aware.
2. I'm aware that I struggle to be present.
Mr. Tolle forces you to slow down and focus, and my mind kept wandering off every which way. I had no idea just how much of an issue this has become in my life. There were several profound moments and subjects that delighted me along the way, that I was able to connect with and make sense of my life and the world around me. I look forward to other works of his in the future as this was a great first impression of his works that I have yet to read.
__
Entonces, un par de cosas fueron inmediatamente evidentes para mí:
1. Soy bastante consciente de sí mismo.
2. Soy consciente de que lucho por estar presente.
El Sr. Tolle te obliga a reducir la velocidad y concentrarte, y mi mente seguía vagando por todos lados. No tenía idea de cuán problemático se ha convertido esto en mi vida. Hubo varios momentos profundos y temas que me deleitaron en el camino, con los que pude conectarme y dar sentido a mi vida y al mundo que me rodea. Espero con interés otras obras suyas en el futuro, ya que esta fue una gran primera impresión de sus obras que aún no he leído.
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April 30, 2014There is no ART of Absence since we are usually absent from the NOW. This is learning how to stay PRESENT in the NOW instead of rushing towards the future or reminiscing the past.
February 25, 2024
Eckhart’s a fudging comedian. I’d actually prefer for the crowd to simmer down and take everything seriously, but hey it’s enjoyable to an extent, and Eckhart seems fine with it (actually as it continued it got more annoying, especially when he says something barely even humorous and everyone sycophantically laughs). Also appealing to the principle of presence, perhaps there should not be a necessity of expectation of the crowd. Whatever happens is what should have happened. But then again, wouldn’t the whole concept of presence fall apart? As we are asserting a principle instead of letting things be as they are? Maybe that assertion is in essence not an assertion and simply the (ideal) default mode of human operation? Some of the very technical, philosophical, points of this ethos are rather ambiguous as I express. I’m not overly picky of this as I am with many others, because it’s pretty nuanced that most don’t even realize, and is quite hard to definitively pin down, and it’s not wholly necessary in order to align with the basic premises of the outlook and to reap the bountiful benefits.
A thought: The Daoistic outlook professed does not have to contradict nor impede many obstacles he purports as such. The mentality can be applied without obstacle by essentially nominal restructuring of phraseology of the core beliefs within. From a religious perspective for example, there is such a moral idea as “He should do x” though Tolle implies there isn’t in the art of presence. But this does not have to conflict. The issue at hand is that the truth of the existing moral principle asserts an identity complex to the viewpoint professed, and that this therefore must be incorrect because it is not the way of presence. The two can coexist. There would be no conflict if someone should perform x, but should also, in the effectuation of presence, not align themselves identywise with said statement. Both principles coexist. There are different senses that need to be addressed in what should be in a daoistic world. You should do something morally speaking, but in terms of presence, you should not necessarily do anything.
You know what? I resolved the identity issue, but the truth is, the principles do collide. U can have attributes of both, but to have both to their utmost would necessarily conflict. As far as I recognize. I’ll need to put a pin in this for now. I think I resolve this more below.
A lot of the things Eckhart says are facile and plain incorrect tho, and this is concerning. E.g. he says if u notice ur shaking ur leg, u stop, no one shakes their leg on purpose. This is patently false, I do it all the time. He also says no one would reread fiction because it’s a basicly constructed story that u don’t need twice. I myself and many many others constantly reread fiction and would argue at length that it is not surface level at all.
He talks about Descartes, who I just read, and mocks how he didn’t get to the depth of presence and only proved a thinking being. Meh. He essentially said that- thinking being certain, ergo I exist. That’s essentially presence. Pure existence.
In fact Tolle mocks religion and individual person ideologies because they are not getting down to the essence of presence. This doesn’t contradict anything… yes the deeper level in a sense is presence and purpose existence, however there is a reality that we are all clearly our own beings in a sense, by the same principles of Descartes. When something discussed an individual it is still true, though there is a reality of pure presence.
4
A thought: The Daoistic outlook professed does not have to contradict nor impede many obstacles he purports as such. The mentality can be applied without obstacle by essentially nominal restructuring of phraseology of the core beliefs within. From a religious perspective for example, there is such a moral idea as “He should do x” though Tolle implies there isn’t in the art of presence. But this does not have to conflict. The issue at hand is that the truth of the existing moral principle asserts an identity complex to the viewpoint professed, and that this therefore must be incorrect because it is not the way of presence. The two can coexist. There would be no conflict if someone should perform x, but should also, in the effectuation of presence, not align themselves identywise with said statement. Both principles coexist. There are different senses that need to be addressed in what should be in a daoistic world. You should do something morally speaking, but in terms of presence, you should not necessarily do anything.
You know what? I resolved the identity issue, but the truth is, the principles do collide. U can have attributes of both, but to have both to their utmost would necessarily conflict. As far as I recognize. I’ll need to put a pin in this for now. I think I resolve this more below.
A lot of the things Eckhart says are facile and plain incorrect tho, and this is concerning. E.g. he says if u notice ur shaking ur leg, u stop, no one shakes their leg on purpose. This is patently false, I do it all the time. He also says no one would reread fiction because it’s a basicly constructed story that u don’t need twice. I myself and many many others constantly reread fiction and would argue at length that it is not surface level at all.
He talks about Descartes, who I just read, and mocks how he didn’t get to the depth of presence and only proved a thinking being. Meh. He essentially said that- thinking being certain, ergo I exist. That’s essentially presence. Pure existence.
In fact Tolle mocks religion and individual person ideologies because they are not getting down to the essence of presence. This doesn’t contradict anything… yes the deeper level in a sense is presence and purpose existence, however there is a reality that we are all clearly our own beings in a sense, by the same principles of Descartes. When something discussed an individual it is still true, though there is a reality of pure presence.
4
November 19, 2024
Felt a bit sorry for the people who paid for that seminar. There are some very common sense observations about life and some good quotes. Be in the present, etc is good advice but if you have heard that before you are not going to learn anything new. He has a sense of humour and his voice is soothing and calm - don't listen to the audiobook in bed as he will put you to sleep, unless you need that. The line that resonated the most is his father's question, "are you still working on that airy fairy spiritual stuff and when are you getting a real job?". This is hilarious to him and his seminar attendees which is fine but is a valid point about the airy fairy nature of what he says. Apparently any common sense explanation of your consciousness is attributable to a 'spirit' and you may have used to be a butterfly, so if you have drunk the cool-aid on that you will enjoy but not learn anything much as you may be already converted.
May 2, 2018
Very interesting audio book.
The bad: audio quality was poor in places and tough to follow at times during my commute.
The good: I was surprised at how funny this guy (a German) actually was. It was a lot more interesting than I expected.
Not sure there are many tangible notes I can make but it was a contest and reminder to develop presence and awareness.
One note I did make:
It will do wonders if the next time someone is shouting at you, instead of shouting back at them you realise they are in pain, show compassion and try to help them.
The bad: audio quality was poor in places and tough to follow at times during my commute.
The good: I was surprised at how funny this guy (a German) actually was. It was a lot more interesting than I expected.
Not sure there are many tangible notes I can make but it was a contest and reminder to develop presence and awareness.
One note I did make:
It will do wonders if the next time someone is shouting at you, instead of shouting back at them you realise they are in pain, show compassion and try to help them.
July 16, 2018
This release is considerably more accessible than other live retreat recordings. Eckhart's points are impacting, thoughtful and well articulated. He pauses less than some engagements, and there are no music interludes (a considerable plus). I desired to give 5 stars, but did not for three reasons: The questions from the audience are a bit lacking at the end of the session, although he turns them insightful regardless. Secondly, his take on mental health and treatment borders on discounting medication, which may not bother others but I found detrimental to the content quality. Lastly, his two main books are so meaningful to me that I reserved the highest rating just for them. This session is, however, my favorite of his live appearances on Audible thus far.
My recommended order of listening for those interested in Tolle is:
The Power of Now
A New Earth
The Art of Presence
Practicing the Power of Now (for review).
My recommended order of listening for those interested in Tolle is:
The Power of Now
A New Earth
The Art of Presence
Practicing the Power of Now (for review).
February 23, 2021
Fantastic book! It’s actually Tolle speaking at one of his retreats, so it’s easy listening if you enjoy audiobooks, as I do. This audiobook is for someone fairly new to the idea of consciousness and presence, and yet it still has some valuable teachings for those who have been on the spiritual journey for some time. I plan to pick it back up again down the road, because there’s always something to learn, depending on what is going on in your life situation at that time.
September 11, 2018
Once again, as with the previous Eckhart Tolle book I just recently read/listened to, it had my attention. It is engrossing, hard to explain, simple to understand, yet a lot of information to grasp and figure out. It was calming to listen to while I commuted to/from work. I intend to revisit this book again to take it all in.
May 17, 2018
While interested, I was also resistant. glad that I powered past that. thoughtful of ultimately more cerebral than practical--as it's meant to be. definitely challenged me.
Notes: pain body, life situation vs life, weight of carrying the past, person = person a = mask, great explanation of what makes great literature, we are all suffering from Time and it is fatal
Notes: pain body, life situation vs life, weight of carrying the past, person = person a = mask, great explanation of what makes great literature, we are all suffering from Time and it is fatal
October 10, 2019
I've loved Tolle's other books, but this is an audio recording of a live presentation. The format seemed a little bit disjointed, and I had a hard time tuning out the background noise from the workshop.
August 2, 2020
Really wonderful! I love The Power Of Now, and this is a great accompaniment. Eckhart Tolle has a wonderful sense of humor, and I found that this audio production really captured a lot of his wisdom in a way that I could understand more fully than in his books.
December 27, 2020
A great listen by Eckhart Tolle with his calm reasonableness and dry wit. A good audiobook for those who need reminders to live in the present and stop sweating the small stuff. I would love to listen to his calming voice at a live meditation retreat one day.
September 23, 2021
I admire Tolle's work and wisdom but found this incredibly difficult to listen to both because of the sound quality and the pace. I'm sure it would have been much more engaging in person but I couldn't follow it. Will maybe try again some other time.
June 27, 2023
82%
It really is just nice to be here together with one another and enjoy this journey that we're all on together.
I can be with you and you with me, and if we recognize each other's existence and get along we can harbor a truly beautiful life together.
It really is just nice to be here together with one another and enjoy this journey that we're all on together.
I can be with you and you with me, and if we recognize each other's existence and get along we can harbor a truly beautiful life together.
February 19, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
The format for this was challenging and distracting. Although there was interesting advice on how to remain rooted in the present, I found myself consistently struggling to remain as engaged as I would have thought.
The format for this was challenging and distracting. Although there was interesting advice on how to remain rooted in the present, I found myself consistently struggling to remain as engaged as I would have thought.
April 1, 2018
I greatly enjoy Eckhart's ability to easily remind me what it is like to be present.
July 15, 2018
I listened to the audiobook and had trouble getting into it. You can feel the authors love of life and joy, but it feels like something you would need to experience differently.
July 25, 2018
The Art Of being present is so important.
December 11, 2018
I listened to this on audio twice. It's a good listen and absolutely helps to anchor me in the present.
April 30, 2020
While I liked some of the discussions, I found the format used for audiobook a bit distracting and hard to follow.
June 21, 2020
The content was great. I almost put the audiobook down several times because of the recording which was not good.
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August 17, 2020I'll have to finish this later. I can't seem to get through it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews