Quote
csp
I do agree with you about the "dangers" of television. Read "Culture Jam" or "Four Arguments Against the Use of Television" which are both classics on this subject.
However, I couldn't disagree more about your assessment regarding Tolle. As a matter of fact, I think he would firmly support your position regarding television. I've seen him speak on the subject and warn people of its negative effect on the mind and freedom.
Also, his "non-resistance" is in no way related to relinquishing freedom or not making choices or decisions. He has given many examples of how "non-conflict" does mean accepting mistreatment, dictatorship, etc. but only means that you do not "identify" yourself with your thoughts or mind. He would say that identifying yourself with your thoughts or mind is exactly the reason why you could become susceptible to an outer authority, brainwashing, acceptance of vulgarity as the norm, etc. I think Tolle is on your side. :-)
he's "on my side"? that's interesting. how can a side be picked amidst the exquisite perfection of the present moment?
the vulgarity? all part of the "divine suchness" (NOT my philosophy)
"one thing we do know: Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness. How do you know this is the experience you need? Because this is the experience you are having at this moment."
Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth; p.47
well, that idea can help you feel good when a bus splashes water on you from a dirty street. It might help induce non-reactivity. It might help as well if you're cruising around in your new BMW and maybe feeling a little guilty for the extravagance of it all. "you know, I really DO deserve the BMW...I mean, I was contemplating a Ferrari...so...yeah."
let me rephrase the Tolle quote above with a stereotypical "Hollywood nazi" accent:
vun zing ve do know: Life vill give you vhatever experience iz moszt helpful for ze evolution of your consziouznezz. How do you know ziz iz ze experience you need?!?!? SLAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BECAUSZE ZIS IZ ZE EXPERIENCZE YOU ARE HAVING AT ZIS MOMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
If you can't see how Tolle's "philosophy" lends itself SO readily to perversion and apathy...feel free.
Personally, I have a hard time seeing the torturer and the victim as both supplying the other with the experience that is most helpful for the "evolution" of each other's respective consciousness.
"Consciousness itself is timeless and therefore does not evolve."
-ET, A New Earth; p.291
please don't give some "Matrix" interpretation ala Neo and Mr. Smith are essentially one.
the children starving in Darfur? right, they too are receiving (by NOT receiving) what is most beneficial for the evolution of their consciousness?
Tolle feels that Oprah is the most suitable vehicle for the transmission of his message? Well, in one sense it MOST DEFINITELY IS!! It probably has a lucrative contract.
"No content will satisfy you, as long as the egoic structure remains in place. No matter what you have or get, you won't be happy. You will always be looking for something else that promises greater fulfillment, that promises to make your incomplete sense of self complete and fill that sense of lack you feel within."
-ET, A New Earth; p.48
so the millions he made from The Power of Now hasn't sufficed? Then Oprah promotes A New Earth and generates more millions. coupled with the high cost of his retreats and his take from those, as well as CD and DVD sales......
Nice try Eckhart!!
He's using a vehicle that IS TOTALLY dependent on FORM, CONTENT, STRUCTURE, DEADLINES, CONTRACTS and MORE! MORE!! MORE!!!!!
And HE wants to remove the "egoic structures" of other people? well, of course, it makes it harder to see through his absolute bullshit.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/28/2008 08:27PM by Hugh Manatee.