In the book's introduction the author relates his past experiences of continuous anxiety with periods of suicidal depression. According to the author, his philosophy is directed towards people and their search for personal happiness and also has the potential to give insight into historical disasters like the justification of what he sees as the evil of capitalism. Various chapters emphasize a philosophy of destroying the destructive dominance of the mind and ego in an effort to overcome the pain body. 'Beyond Happiness and Unhappiness There Is Peace'.Some of the concepts contained in The Power of Now, such as the human ego and its negative effects on happiness, are further elaborated in the author's later books, especially A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose (2005). These suggestions include slowing down by avoiding multi-tasking, spending time in nature, and letting go of worries about the future.

The book also describes methods of relaxation and meditation to help readers anchor themselves in the present. The author maintains that people's insistence that they have control of their life is an illusion 'that only brings pain'. Īccording to the book, only the present moment is real and only the present moment matters, and both an individual's past and future are created by their thoughts. The author writes that an individual should be aware of their present moment instead of losing themselves in worry and anxiety about the past or future. Its core message is that people's emotional problems are rooted in their identification with their minds. The book draws from a variety of spiritual traditions, and one reviewer described it as 'Buddhism mixed with mysticism and a few references to Jesus Christ, a sort of New Age re-working of Zen.' It uses these traditions to describe a 'belief system based on living in the present moment'.

As of 2009, it was estimated that three million copies had been sold in North America. Published in the late 1990s, the book was recommended by Oprah Winfrey and has been translated into 33 languages. The concept of self reflection and presence in the moment are presented along with simple exercises for the achievement of its principles. It presents itself as a discussion about how people interact with themselves and others.

The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment is a book by Eckhart Tolle.

Eckhart tolle books the power of now