Table of Contents
Inner Voice and Channeling
Eckhart Tolle recounts the story of a woman who heard an inner voice. Concerned about her sanity, she confided in a colleague, who advised her to write down what the voice said, after which they would determine her state of mind.
Tolle explains that in his youth, he experimented briefly with spiritual presences but lost interest after his awakening. Over the years, he met many individuals who channeled spirits. He clarifies that channeling refers to a specific entity using a person’s mind to communicate. Tolle, however, does not believe he channels specific entities when speaking. He views his speech as a direct flow from consciousness, not dictated by any external being.
The Nature of Consciousness and Channeling
According to Tolle, everything, including extraterrestrial contacts, is an expression of one universal consciousness. He emphasizes that all manifestations are part of the same consciousness, and nothing is truly alien. He explains that when he speaks, his words flow naturally from a deeper level of consciousness, without the influence of an intermediary entity.
Tolle critiques some forms of channeling, noting that while many channelings are superficial or lack depth, there are exceptions where higher consciousness is involved. One such example, he says, is the book A Course in Miracles, channeled by psychologist Helen Schucman.
Helen Schucman and A Course in Miracles
Tolle shares the story of Helen Schucman, who received the teachings of A Course in Miracles through a process of dictation from an inner voice. She confided only in a colleague and often locked herself in her office to avoid appearing insane to others. Despite the unusual method of receiving these teachings, A Course in Miracles has become a spiritual classic, though Tolle notes that no single teaching is suited for everyone.
Misconceptions about the Spirit Realm
Tolle addresses the common belief that deceased individuals possess greater wisdom simply by virtue of being dead. He disagrees with this notion, humorously quoting, “Just because they are dead doesn’t mean they are smart.” He observes that many entities or channeled spirits posture as though they hold important truths, but this is often exaggerated. He also warns that, in some cases, the person channeling may be amplifying their own ego, rather than communicating with an external spirit.
Caution Regarding Channeling and Spiritual Guidance
While Tolle acknowledges that it can be comforting to believe in contact with deceased loved ones, he warns of deception in this realm, especially from those who falsely claim to channel spirits. He advises against seeking wisdom through intermediaries like spirits or entities, encouraging individuals to connect directly with their own inner consciousness, where true wisdom resides.
Tolle concludes by advising that one should not lose themselves in the world of spirits and channeling but instead seek direct contact with consciousness. He emphasizes that the wisdom individuals seek is already within them and can be accessed without the need for external voices or entities.
