In a profound discussion on spiritual seeking, Eckhart Tolle, the renowned spiritual teacher and author, dives deeply into the nuances of our desire for transcendence and the pitfalls that lie therein. Aimed at those who follow a spiritual path or are curious about the nature of enlightenment, his words offer valuable insight into understanding and ultimately dissolving the illusion of separation from the present moment.
Eckhart begins by acknowledging the common aspiration among spiritual seekers to awaken and to disidentify from the form — essentially, to experience a state of deep inner peace and self-realization. He points out that while this intention is noble, the very act of seeking can become a barrier. This paradox lies in the inherent structure of seeking itself, which is rooted in futurity.
Everyone, whether spiritual or not, is in some form of seeking. Most people seek happiness and aliveness through external achievements and possessions. However, as one matures spiritually, it becomes clear that these worldly pursuits cannot offer true and lasting peace or a profound sense of self. Realizing this, individuals shift their focus from material to spiritual goals, gravitating toward the idea of enlightenment or awakening as the ultimate prize.
Eckhart highlights the essential issue with this form of seeking: it perpetually defers fulfillment. By addressing the future as the moment of realization, one reduces the present moment to a mere stepping stone, devaluing it. This mindset keeps fulfillment perpetually out of reach because the future is, fundamentally, a construct of the mind. The future’s existence is only as a thought, not as an actuality.
He emphasizes that true spiritual realization can only be found in the present moment. Time — and by extension, the future — is an obstacle as it prevents understanding and experiencing our true nature. To transcend is not to achieve a future goal but to fully inhabit and embrace the current moment, recognizing it as sufficient and complete.
When one stops using the present moment as a means to an end, a radical shift occurs. The present moment is seen not as a transient stage but as the arena where life unfolds. Being fully present allows one to experience life without the mental constraints of judgment, ambition, and dissatisfaction. This presence doesn’t mean complacency; rather, it breeds a dynamic openness to what is.
Eckhart invites seekers to embrace a new attitude toward the present — one characterized by openness rather than by seeking. Instead of valuing the next moment over this one, he encourages a practice of saying yes to whatever arises now, irrespective of its form. This acceptance is not passive resignation but an active engagement with the is-ness of life.
By becoming fully present, one realizes their true nature as the space for all experiences, thoughts, and emotions — not the content of these experiences themselves. In this space of conscious awareness, the perennial seeking ceases, and one finds themselves rooted in being.
Rather than searching for extraordinary spiritual experiences, which are transient by nature, Eckhart speaks of the importance of becoming aware of the formless space of consciousness that underlies all experiences. This undercurrent of stillness, always present but often obscured by mental noise, is the essence of who we are.
As one practices presence, the balance shifts gradually from identification with the person and its fleeting experiences to a deeper identification with the formless awareness that experiences them. This journey may evolve over time, deepening the realization and embodiment of this profound state of being.
Eckhart’s teaching guides us to cultivate a presence that transcends time, encouraging us to embrace the now fully and wholeheartedly. By doing so, we find that the seeking ends, and the timeless essence of who we are comes to the forefront.
To delve deeper into the concept of living fully in the present moment and transcending the act of seeking, consider reading The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle.
For a more in-depth understanding and to experience this transformative message yourself, watch the video embedded at the top of this post. Eckhart Tolle’s wisdom continued to resonate, offering a gentle, yet powerful reminder of the beauty and sufficiency of living fully in the present moment.
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