A New Earth – Author Eckhart Tolle and Oprah – Ways to Say No and Types of Energy

During chapter 2 of his book A New Land online course, Eckhart Tolle with Oprah answered a caller’s question about knowing when to let go and when to be assertive.

Michelle called from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to join in the discussion and asked, “I’m a bit confused about Chapter 2. I understand the quote, ‘If someone takes your shirt off, let them have your coat too.’ Where do you draw the line without them I don’t want to be a selfish person, but at the same time I don’t want to be taken advantage of. So I’m having a bit of confusion with that. “

The passage Michelle was referring to came directly from the Bible as Jesus originally said. “To the one who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other also; and to the one who takes your shirt, give also your coat.” (Luke 6:29)

Jesus tried to build a spiritual kingdom and build the inner man within humanity, so they would not cling to or entangle with earthly things. Jesus said, “What good is it to man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? Or what will man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

The rich young man approached Jesus and said, “Good teacher, what good will I do to have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16) Jesus, feeling the flattery a little, immediately caused him to redirect his attention to God the Father and keep the commandments to enter life.

The young man said to Jesus: “All these things I have kept from my youth: what do I still lack?” (v.20) Curiously, the young man did not limit himself to saying that he had kept the commandments, but went so far as to point out that he had done so during his youth until now. This could indicate a bit of self-righteousness and a tendency to try to earn salvation through good works. Notice that the young man asked what he must “do” to have eternal life.

However, Christ and the kingdom of God are received and entered by faith, not by good works. Of course, from then on you can do good deeds, but you must by no means do good deeds. Good works should flow freely from the heart as you love God and your neighbor.

Jesus discerned the young man’s dilemma and problem, after which Jesus, without hesitation, got to the point and advised him. “If you want to be perfect, go and sell what you have, and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come and follow me” (Matthew 19:21).

He had great possessions, but more importantly, his answer revealed the condition of his heart. The young man’s answer says it all. “But when the young man heard these words, he left sad, because he had many possessions.” (v.22)

This proved that he was possessed by his possessions, or that his possessions belonged to him. Jesus, seeing the young man walking away, said: “How difficult it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven” (v. 23).

Notice that Jesus didn’t say it was impossible, just harder and harder. Because when you have the material goods of this world in your possession, you become more and more self-sufficient. Therefore, the tendency is to turn away from God and become a god to himself.

However, Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy disciple who wholeheartedly followed Jesus (Matthew 27:57), showing that it can be done with success. Zacchaeus, who was the chief tax collector, was also rich. Zacchaeus was so hungry for Christ that he climbed into a sycamore tree to see Jesus pass by. Believing wholeheartedly in Christ the Lord, Zacchaeus immediately repented, made restitution, and experienced glorious salvation in his home (see Luke 19: 2-9).

Eckhart, responding to Michelle’s question, responded, “All he says sometimes is letting go, there is more power in letting go than holding on or holding onto something. So there are situations where you really feel empowered. when you let go, instead of when you hold on. ” . It doesn’t mean that people run over you. In fact, there are situations where you have to say not very clearly about a situation or a person, but even that ‘no’ can be of two different kinds. “

Tolle continued: “Usually he’s not very negative. When you say ‘no’ to a person, a person says, ‘I’ll take you home.’ But you see that the person is drunk. Of course you wouldn’t say yes. Just to be nice. You say no. “

“Now do you say no with negative energy and in a state of resistance or do you say no that it is positive? It just means a clear and direct, ‘No, I will not do that.

“This is very different from the non-resistant. I call that the non-negative no, a high-quality no.”

Oprah added some ideas: “She is also looking for the reason, why would you cling to the shirt … If the reason why you cling to the shirt makes you think that the shirt is going to give you more value or that you are operating from your ego when you hold onto it. So you are saying … surrender whatever needs to be surrendered. “

Oprah is right in trying to assess the motivation of the heart and the “reason” for holding on to things. This is precisely why Jesus told the rich young man to sell his possessions and give them to the poor, because Jesus felt the young man’s unhealthy attachment and identification with his possessions.

Truly, God’s Word is like a two-edged sword that cuts, divides, and discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart (see Hebrews 4:12). However, we know that it is very possible to be rich and spiritual, because all of Jesus’ apostles were once successful businessmen. By becoming disciples of Christ and traveling with him, they continued to support themselves and their families.

That is why when Jesus said: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:25). Jesus’ disciples were immediately amazed beyond measure. Because? Because they knew their own financial situation and were concerned about their own spiritual well-being.

The disciples, who feared for their own salvation, said to each other: “Who then can be saved?” (Mark 10:26) Jesus responded by saying: “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27).

This comment and response of Jesus is to say that men can buy almost everything, but not eternal salvation. Therefore, this only comes from God, that if you keep your heart tender and sensitive to the Spirit of the Lord, you can have it. The problem with things is that they tend to clog one’s heart and therefore, like weeds, “choke the Word of God” rendering it fruitless in you.

“The cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things that enter, choke the Word of God, rendering it fruitless in you” (see Mark 4:19).

Jesus, being fully committed to earthly prosperity, as well as heavenly riches and glory, expounded saying: “There is no man who has left home, no brothers, no sisters, no father, no mother, no wife, no children, nor lands, for me for love and for the gospel, but now he will receive a hundred times more in this time, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and lands with persecutions; and in the world to come, eternal life “(Mark 10:29 -30).

Interestingly, Jesus said that along with the blessings that come when you first seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:31), along with them you will be persecuted. And most of the persecution comes from the jealous religious crowd who want what you have, but have not paid the price that you have paid with sacrifice and experience.

Many wanted (and still want and seek) the revelation and divine knowledge of the Apostle Paul. Yet very few are willing to endure the hardships, abuse, persecution, and hardships Paul endured to receive such inner revelation.

In response to Michelle’s question, no, we must not allow ourselves to be doormats for people to use and abuse. When the Pharisees and scribes sought to entangle Jesus in his speech, he wisely answered them and turned away from them. Furthermore, when appropriate, Christ bravely confronted them to address their own hypocrisy.

We cannot correct what we refuse to confront. Often what you tolerate will continue to dominate.

Therefore, we must put order in our lives, homes and interactions professionally and socially; lest we be swept away by cunning people in the world of business and society.

God gave you heart and backbone, keep them and use them when appropriate. By doing so, you will protect and protect the positive life force energy that flows within and through you.

About the author

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *