The Secret vs. A New Earth - Well...Who's Right?

Hello Friends,

Hope all is well. I came across a nice blog created by Scott B. called Keeping The Secret last night as I as researching new widgets for my blogs(Great service by the way. You can see some of my new ones on the side panel). We share similar interests. He even has a "quotes" section.

Scott invited viewers to comment on a question he received in an email. It has to do with comparing the teachings of "The Secret" in relation to Eckhart Tolle's book A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose (Oprah's Book Club, Selection 61). This was the question and my response.

I am reading Tolle’s book A New Earth, and have read The Secret and all the Abraham books by Esther and Jerry Hicks. I have even read part of a Seth book by Jane Roberts! What I want to know is: is the secret compatible with the teachings of Tolle. He speaks of”wanting” as a manifestation of the ego which is an illusion. The secret says that wanting is the whole purpose of life, desiring and manifesting more and more. I know the secret does not mean “wanting” in the sense of feeling lack so maybe the 2 are compatible. Would be grateful for any feedback from you or other members.

Thanks, Jane

This was my response:

Hi Jane,

I’ve been reading the Tolle book and what I believe he is saying is generally the same principles mentioned in the “The Secret” and Esther and Jerry Hicks are saying.

Tolle cautions us to be aware as to why we are wanting the good things in life. There is nothing wrong with wanting things, but when those possessions become our identity, the problems with ego start to arise.

For example, Tolle mentions the Rolling Stones song, “I can’t get no…Satisfaction.” He says this is the theme song of the ego. The ego needs an identity, whatever it is. For some people, it’s having expensive toys. Like Tolle says, there is nothing wrong with these toys, but when we start to “need” these toys to validate our worth, it can lead to problems.

What happens, is once we reach our goal, the ego will say, “I need more.” “This is not enough.” Mr. and Mrs. Jones still have more than “I” do.” So the ego seeks out more things in order to match up with the Jones’. Or even worse yet, what we think the Jones’ think we should be. How insane is that? Tolle mentions that if when you get what you are wanting and you have a feeling of not enough, then that want was driven by ego.

Tolle also talks about the “I” that the ego identifies with and the true “I” that is in all of us. The ego’s sense of “I” is the cars that we drive. The house that we live in. The friends that we have. These are the things that satisfy the ego for a time. But it always needs more. This is not your true “I”.

The true “I” is the one that is present. That is to say, living in the “Now”. Tolle makes a point of saying that the past doesn’t exist. Nor does the future. All there ever is…is right NOW(Read “The Power Of Now” if you haven’t yet). Even when you are thinking of a future event, when it does take place it happens…now. So there’s no point on stressing about past or future events.

The ego always draw its’ opinions and actions from past events and future anxieties. Once we decide to do away with the ego and start living from moment to moment, things will start to come us easily and for he right reasons.

Instead of wanting a lot of money in order to appear to have status in the eyes of your “friends”, use the money to make a difference in society. If you make it your intention to have a lot of money to be able to give, the Universe will start to give you more money to be able to give with. Just remember there are plenty of other ways to be a giver even if you don’t have the money yet. Start now by being thankful for what you already have, and the Universe will give you more to be thankful for.

I am thankful for blogs like “Keeping The Secret” which are bringing awareness to the masses. I was encouraged to see the response to this book and to the Tolle Webinar. It shows that the level of consciousness is growing. In times such as these, it is definitely needed. Many blessings on your journey, Jane. Make it a fun one.

Dexter(QuoteGuy)

Let me know what you think. Also please leave comments about this question at Keeping The Secret. I'm sure Scott would appreciate it.

Here are two videos for you to watch. The first video is the first 20 minutes of the movie "The Secret". The second video is the first 10 minutes of the Webinar Tolle is holding with Oprah. It looks like there are 11 parts to this series. You can watch all 11 clips or simply go to oprah.com for the full version.

Many blessings and thanks for listening.