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In the Presence of a Great Mystery
In this talk, a brilliant summation of his teachings, Eckhart Tolle begins by describing a problem all humans face: a strict sense of self based in personal history, mental interpretations, and memories of the past; a sense that’s forever being reinforced through habitual thought patterns. When listeners identify with these thought patterns, they create what Tolle calls “the little me,” a person imprisoned within rigidly defined boundaries. Yet, as he explains, “the little me” is not the truth of who one is, but of who one was, and reflects a past that no longer exists. He gently guides listeners on a journey into the present moment, into that spacious stillness where they are more than they think — where they are, in fact, part of a great, mysterious whole. Achieving this transcendent state allows listeners to move beyond self-defeating limitations and live lives of grace, ease, and lightness.
Runtime: 2 hours, 48 minutes
Runtime: 2 hours, 48 minutes
3 pages, Audio CD
First published January 1, 2002
6 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Eckhart Tolle
272 books10.8k 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 7, 2016
This was my first experience with Tolle and it was a pleasant one. I was worried there would be "hippy dippy mumbo jumbo," but it was more intellectual than I expected. His philosophy is really just an interpretation of Buddhism that is more approachable for Westerners. His central concepts are of consciously objectifying emotions and ceasing all forms of grasping (ie. material or emotional fulfillment). I found the lecture eye-opening and thought provoking. It is a series I will ruminate over for years to come, and it definitely yielded some key takeaways that I will try to implement in my every day life. Overall, a solid discussion about the human condition with helpful tips for rising above the ego.
September 23, 2016
This conference audio about mindfulness may at first strike some as quirky due to the author's slow speaking for the first disc. There is a method to this peculiar approach, and it is to get you to really listen without anticipating or chafing. Some good insight about the human condition and our minds. Especially helpful for people who are stressed or feeling victimized and want to do something positive about it, this is one I'd selectively recommend.
December 5, 2010
I really like this teacher. He's interesting to me and my life is better every time I read his work.
February 22, 2011
what was I thinking? this book trys to make you think it's deep but man... I just think it's a bunch of crap! DON'T READ... WASTE OF TIME
August 7, 2015
He's great as always.
Want to read
January 25, 2016Want to untangle your mind and gain peace? Tolle explores universal human experiences and shares a way to being in the moment.
March 2, 2020
Sooooo many things to ponder... And not, if one lives in the space between the words...
January 2, 2011
I would not recommend this lecture/audiobook to everyone, but if you enjoy topics related to mindfulness and are not too bothered/amused by Tolle's slow delivery, you might enjoy this. It has given me a lot to think about. I appreciate his concept of pain body but wish it were called something else. I plan to read or listen to his other works.
July 23, 2008
Good thoughts on consciousness and living in the moment, which is the only time we ever have. Now. Now. I like that idea. Now. But he is a little slow in speaking and it is easy to drown him out. Perhaps it would have been more effective on the page.
June 27, 2012
This audio book lacks the punch of some of his other work. It really seems to obsess over forms, which I thought was the opposite of the point his work was trying to make.
December 10, 2019
So this is very much like every other Tolle book/lecture, but very worth listening to when you are in a mood to be reminded to be more present in your life.
April 6, 2025
PRESENCE. The author starts with a joke about waiting until all of you is "here" and points out that we rarely truly are HERE, in the now. Most people value the past and future more than the present moment. When you stop constantly asking, "What’s next?" in your mind, you find the space of now. This space isn’t about doing but about being.
EGO AND IDENTITY. If you identify with your thoughts, you’re operating from the ego. The ego thrives on conflict, and much of the tension in relationships comes from a need to assert “I am right.” When you feel right, it reinforces your sense of self, adding something to “you” while taking something from others. This happens not only with individuals but also within groups. We feel our identity most strongly at the borders where there’s opposition or conflict - it’s “me versus the world” or “mine versus yours.” Complaining, too, strengthens the “I” in your mind, because it is “my” personal story; every complaint is like fuel for the ego fire. It’s ironic, but even painful stories about your past are treasured by the ego, as they reaffirm your identity and let you say, “This is me.”
IMPERMANENCE AND ACCEPTANCE. Humans crave something eternal, but nothing in the world of form lasts forever. The author suggests the way to inner peace is through allowing what already is - first, because it is weather you allow it or not; and secondly because resisting it leads to suffering in the mind. Even when things are constantly changing, you must allow them to flow instead of fighting reality. Suffering comes from being against what is, while peace comes from accepting it. Even dreadful stories about the past, when accepted, lose their grip over you and create space for deeper connection.
SYNCHRONICITY AND LETTING GO. Good things come into your life synchronously when you let go of struggle and allow yourself to just be. When whatever appears in the present moment becomes your friend, even bad news loses some of its sting. Fighting life creates friction; embracing life as it flows opens up unexpected doors.
ROLES AND TRUE CONNECTION. People often get stuck in the roles they play - be it a successful CEO or a homeless person - and act according to the story of that role. But being fixated on any role keeps you trapped in one place, and the roles we project onto others limit how authentically we connect with them. Even in close relationships, like with a parent, sibling, or child, we often don’t fully meet the other person. The usual world operates on roles - buyer versus seller, parent versus child, critic versus creator. For example, I remember how I started meeting my younger son as a person, not as “the youngest” who constantly needs help. Seeing his world as a friend created a profound shift in our relationship.
FORGIVENESS. Forgiveness comes from understanding that other people’s behavior often arises from their belief systems. For instance, a mother’s constant criticism might not truly come from her core self but from learned patterns and fears. When you connect to the deeper truth beneath those beliefs, you realize she’s more than her surface actions. Forgiveness, in this sense, isn’t about excusing - it’s about seeing the person beyond the role or the behavior.
EGO AND IDENTITY. If you identify with your thoughts, you’re operating from the ego. The ego thrives on conflict, and much of the tension in relationships comes from a need to assert “I am right.” When you feel right, it reinforces your sense of self, adding something to “you” while taking something from others. This happens not only with individuals but also within groups. We feel our identity most strongly at the borders where there’s opposition or conflict - it’s “me versus the world” or “mine versus yours.” Complaining, too, strengthens the “I” in your mind, because it is “my” personal story; every complaint is like fuel for the ego fire. It’s ironic, but even painful stories about your past are treasured by the ego, as they reaffirm your identity and let you say, “This is me.”
IMPERMANENCE AND ACCEPTANCE. Humans crave something eternal, but nothing in the world of form lasts forever. The author suggests the way to inner peace is through allowing what already is - first, because it is weather you allow it or not; and secondly because resisting it leads to suffering in the mind. Even when things are constantly changing, you must allow them to flow instead of fighting reality. Suffering comes from being against what is, while peace comes from accepting it. Even dreadful stories about the past, when accepted, lose their grip over you and create space for deeper connection.
SYNCHRONICITY AND LETTING GO. Good things come into your life synchronously when you let go of struggle and allow yourself to just be. When whatever appears in the present moment becomes your friend, even bad news loses some of its sting. Fighting life creates friction; embracing life as it flows opens up unexpected doors.
ROLES AND TRUE CONNECTION. People often get stuck in the roles they play - be it a successful CEO or a homeless person - and act according to the story of that role. But being fixated on any role keeps you trapped in one place, and the roles we project onto others limit how authentically we connect with them. Even in close relationships, like with a parent, sibling, or child, we often don’t fully meet the other person. The usual world operates on roles - buyer versus seller, parent versus child, critic versus creator. For example, I remember how I started meeting my younger son as a person, not as “the youngest” who constantly needs help. Seeing his world as a friend created a profound shift in our relationship.
FORGIVENESS. Forgiveness comes from understanding that other people’s behavior often arises from their belief systems. For instance, a mother’s constant criticism might not truly come from her core self but from learned patterns and fears. When you connect to the deeper truth beneath those beliefs, you realize she’s more than her surface actions. Forgiveness, in this sense, isn’t about excusing - it’s about seeing the person beyond the role or the behavior.
June 5, 2019
There seems to me that if your trying to dive deep into the presence of your true being, the only way to get there is stay in the present state of mind. I've been reading some of the comments about why, "In the Presence of a Great Mystery (Audio CD)" is not the best to finding one's self. I will leave it with this, there is more of a deeper meaning then the word self (I, Me, Myself) , as it also commonly know as self-identification. So most who dislike Echhart Tolle may be the possibility that they are trying to gain some "insight". The more you understand that constantly wanting something, will never get you to the present moment.
February 2, 2019
Lecture on thinking about thinking; time; past; present; vs. the now. Has some humor in the lecture, but otherwise not entertaining nor original thoughts of philosophy; I think I was about 2 years old when I first started wondering about this topic. Author gets one star for reading the story and the other star because I felt bad for him.
December 19, 2021
An excellent audiobook for my long drives home from yoga class.
This is live from a lecture series or workshop. It put into perspective how we are not the self that chatters non-stop in our head. I like to call it my inner hamster-wheel.
Its another look on living in the present, in the now.
This is live from a lecture series or workshop. It put into perspective how we are not the self that chatters non-stop in our head. I like to call it my inner hamster-wheel.
Its another look on living in the present, in the now.
March 1, 2019
weird, not worth it. Maybe I just didn't understood the idea behind it.
November 20, 2020
One of the best of Eckhart in my opinion.
December 10, 2020
You see it, If you dont see it you are it.
May 20, 2021
Worth a listen but not my favorite. The power of now is where you should start with Mr. Tolle
December 23, 2022
Focus is required to absorb this lecture. Insightful and reflective of Buddhist teachings. Positive results.
August 24, 2023
Whatever is in your space make friends with it.
August 13, 2025
“Who you are is to be found in the looking, not in that which appears, but who is looking - the space, the awareness.”
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews