thank you bill.... a good start for the day... i watched the video and found it very beneficial... merle
Below is a link to a 15-minute video by Eckhart Tolle entitled The False I and the Real I. I've read a few things from Tolle but have never seen a video by him before. I would describe him as the the Mr. Rogers of New-Age Spiritualism. If I remember correctly Bonnie, one of our new member, speaks highly of Tolle. It was interesting to me because he stated the ego is only the ego if you're unaware of it, and as soon as you become aware of it it's not the ego anymore. That corresponds somewhat to zen in that the self is only problematic when you think it's real and are not aware that it is an illusion. He also goes on to say that just recognizing the ego doesn't solve all your problems. He says that there is a kind of momentum built up that you just can't stop immediately. I think what he calls 'momentum' could be the same as what Buddhism and zen (as I understand it) calls 'attachment'. Anyway all this is similar to the experiencing Buddha Nature and realizing the self is an illusion. That experience doesn't mean you do not have any more work left to do to continue to weaken and finally dissolve the attachment you have to this illusory self - even after you recognize that it is illusory. Also, you might also see how the same or very similar teachings of zen are presented in a more modern dialog. If you'd like to see this video, and I recommend it, you can find it on YouTube at: The False I and the Real I . Enjoy! ...Bill!
