Is Eckart Tolle a teacher in the Satsang Tradition?

[Chandler Stephon Armstrong]

Hello all!

Over the last few weeks we have had a lot of people ask about bringing the new consciousness forward in themselves and the word, as well as how they can cultivate presences! Much of this has been as a result of the wonderful teachings brought to the masses by Eckhart Tolle's books "The Power of Now" and "A New Earth".

I happen to know that Eckhart was one of the original Satsang Teachers that taught at the Calgary Satsang... and that much of the spirit of what he speaks is exactly what Satsang is.. I've also notice that the teachings shares are of a very universal natural. In that, what I mean to say is that virtually all spiritual teachers, from Christ, Buddha, Lao Tsu, Gnostic Teachings (like St. Thomas), and many others from many differnt backgrounds have also pointed the way to these same truths?

What are your thoughs?

[P.dasi]

Namaste Chandler,,,,,,,,,,,,I have not read any books by Eckhart, but I'm happy to hear of the Title, The Power of Now and A New Earth. It sounds very positive. The truth is we have a duty to get our personal act together, before we can try to help others, otherwise, a blind man, who leads others, will end up in the ditch. Everybody has a personal idea of perfection, but as the saying goes: " the proof of the pudding is in the eating",,,,,,,," you judge a thing by it's result". If people are following a system that is making them healthy, vibrant, positive, compassionate, loving, stress free, and happy in a natural way, and if their path does not cause anyone else pain, or distress, then they are making advancement. All knowledge from the great masters of the past, are still available. We just have to follow in their footsteps, making sure we don't change anything, and then give credit, where credit is due. If we keep the original path's in tact, then the knowledge remains pure. If we take an original ancient path, and add or subtract to it, we will be leading people astray from it's true purpose. The Bible was tampered with, by Kings and self motivated individuals, and important teachings such as reincarnation were removed from the Bible. The Essene Texts, have record and mention of Vegetarianism, and Reincarnation as basic teachings of Christ, although these teachings of Christ are not found in the Bible of today. So to all who wish to dabble in the world of teaching, let's encourage one another to keep it original., so we are passing the real thing onto others.
P.dasi

[Katie Davis]

Satsang is far more than a "teacher" sitting in front of "students" where the topic of intellectual discussion is consciousness. The word "satsang" indicates that one is sitting with a sage, someone who has consciously realized the most essential Truth of who we actually already are.

One is able to recognize a sage versus a teacher not by what they say, but rather by the profound frequency of radiant being, dynamic bliss and profound peace that one senses within in "their" presence. The same essential Truth rests within everyone, which is why one can directly sense the resonation in satsang. In fact, we ARE this frequency that is pure and infinite potentiality.

It is a misperception that it is being "transmitted" to you by the sage. You are already THIS and in that conscious field of satsang, the "fire" burns brighter within you until it is absolutely CONSCIOUSLY stabilized; meaning that the radiance already is ... yet not conscious.

Ramana Maharshi was one of the most cherished sages of modern day India. His most preferred manner of "teaching" was only in silence. While not ultimately quite true, this frequency is similar to a silent forest fire that spreads on its own accord, through and as radiant stillness. It is more likely to be "caught" than taught. :-) :-)

For those who insisted, Ramana Maharshi also offered Self-inquiry, the simple yet effective question, who am I?

As Eckhart Tolle has shared with us, the fateful night of suicidal depression, he heard himself say, "I can't live with myself any longer." Then he pondered, "Who is the "I" and who is myself. I cannot be two!" He then asked the Self-inquiry question, "Who am I?" and radically awakened.

So yes, one could say that Eckhart Tolle is a sage who is offering satsang; an opportunity to sit and BE the Truth that one genuinely is at the core of being. However, Eckhart is far more than the body/person that you are witnessing. He is the perfect reflection of who you truly AND the Pure Awareness that is purely being-consciousness-bliss.

Twelve years ago, they called most Eckhart Tolle's "meetings" in Europe "satsang" on his first Power of Now European Tour. In the U.S., they called them "meetings" since "satsang," which is a sanskrit word, was relatively unknown at the time. This is changing. It is however well known worldwide.

Perhaps some day, we will coin a new word in English, since we do not presently have an equivalent. No one could do this better than Eckhart Tolle! Or perhaps everyone will recognize where this word "satsang" is actually pointing. While the word "satsang" is frequently misused in the U.S., thousands are awakening and therefore realizing the presence of this mystical and ethereal frequency that represents true satsang.

Satsang never has to do with the WHAT, WHY or HOW. It is always about WHO. While the sage points where to look, it requires that the "seeker" stops seeking and look directly within to realize the Truth.

Also, if you read the Power of Now from the viewpoint of the Advaita ancient scriptures (P.dasi comment), it is completely consistent. Advaita and the ancient teachings are far more than a philosophy. They are basically a road map. While you are already at your "destination," one will always consciously pass point A, then point B, etc. before the ultimate Truth is consciously realized.

When driving from Seattle to San Diego, one will inevitable pass by Portland (not the destination), then San Franciso, LA and finally San Diego. It is just that in Self-realization, we find that we have always and forever been at Home as the Heart. We simply were not conscious of the fact.

I call then reference points. Where one is looking FROM. When all reference points are eliminated, what remains is who you are. Eckhart Tolle in the Power of Now has so intelligently and pragmatically offered this roap map, without even having to mention that it is Advaita and free of the confusion of using sanskrit vocabulary..

This final "destination" by the way is inevitable, since it who we are. It is neither special nor unique. It is readily accessible to every human being. We have only to look. The radical realization is the end of all separation and negativity and the realization of basic goodness, perfect peace, uncaused joy and wise love. Not only for you, but for the world, since you are the key to this amazing transformation.

All Love ~ Katie