Guardians of Being
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Guardians of Being

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4.36 of 5 stars 4.36  ·  rating details  ·  225 ratings  ·  70 reviews
This wonderfully unique collaboration brings together two masters of their fields, joining original words by spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle with delightful illustrations by Patrick McDonnell, the creator of the acclaimed comic strip MUTTS. Every heartwarming page provokes thought, insight, and smiling reverence for all beings and each moment.

More than a collection of witt...more
Hardcover, 128 pages
Published October 1st 2009 by New World Library (first published September 2009)
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Pamela Kramer
Guardians of Being by Eckhart Tolle and Patrick McDonnell is a little gem of a book for any animal lover.

The iconic drawings of Patrick McDonnell (of Mutts) and the thoughts that Eckhart Tolle creates to accompany them are truly delightful.

"The vital function that pets fulfill in this world hasn't been fully recognized. They keep millions of people sane." And the dog in the illustration is looking back at the man at the other end of the leash and saying, "heal....more
Tim
Tim rated it 3 of 5 stars
It was Patrick McDonnell, the creator of the popular cartoon series Mutts, that first came up with the idea of approaching spiritual author Eckhart Tolle with the notion of a collaboration.

After all McDonnell’s simple, animal cartoons, often convey the essence of appreciating the world we live in while bring it down to the most basic level of the world of pets.

Echhart agreed, added some tweaks to McDowell’s original idea, and the result is ‘Guardians of Being,’ which is b...more
Cornerofmadness

Depending on who you are both of these names might be familiar. Tolle is a prolific spiritual writer and McDonnell is the artist for Mutts comic. They teamed up to produce this delightful little book. It’s really McDonnell’s art that makes the book. Tolle’s portion is to offer up zen sayings about life and the stillness of being etc but McDonnell’s art (using his Mutts characters) brings it to life. It’s a destressor of a book. The only drawback is it’s only worth the stiff hardback cove...more
Tami
Tami rated it 5 of 5 stars
We could learn a lot from our pets. Cats can spend hours perfectly relaxed in the warmth of a beam of light. Dogs are always fully present when they play. Cats and dogs live in the moment and are always fully present. They don’t doubt themselves or question their value. It is for this reason that they are the Guardians of Being.

Guardians of Being is written by Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of Now and A New Earth. His words are then accompanied by illustrations by Mutts creator ...more
Katie
Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars
Shelves: spirituality
Sweetest book ever! I am a fan of the author and the artist separately and was so excited to learn that they created a book together. Now I know why the Mutts comic struck a chord with me a couple years ago... McDonnell's work is influenced by his spiritual side. I found some of Tolle's books to be too abstract for me, but McDonnell's illustrations coupled with Tolle's words make the ideas much more accessible. I read through the book quickly and found myself laughing aloud often, but I plan to ...more
Blisseth
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
Cindy
Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for: everyone!
Recommended to Cindy by: Holly
Read for the North Houston Book Club.

I adore the art of Patrick McDonnell, and might have missed this book, due to the Eckhart Tolle connection. Not that I have anything against Tolle, or what little I know of his writing - I simply tend away from the metaphysical in my reading. I'm very glad that Holly suggested this for the February dual selection. As a long time fan of McDonnell I knew it had to be pleasing to look at, and the message is beautiful, and obvious, although judging by...more
lita
lita rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: misc
True happiness is found in simple, seemingly unremarkable things,
But to be aware of little, quiet things, you need to be quiet inside
A high degree of alertness is required.
Be still. Look. Listen. Be present.

---

Most of us live in a world of mental abstraction, conceptualization, and image making - a world of thought.
We are immersed in a continuous stream of mental noise.
It seems that we can't stop thinking.

---

Just as the dog loves ...more
Kim
Kim rated it 4 of 5 stars
Chris brought this book home from the library yesterday and I just sat down to thumb through it and found myself sucked in. It's a quick read, but one you'll want to go through more than once. The illustrations are delightful and really touching, fellow pet owners / animal lovers will agree. And I've always loved the words of Eckhart Tolle, despite my knee-jerk reaction to the word "God."

In short: Eckhart Tolle + Patrick McDonnell = Major Win.
Jamil Thomas
I know nothing about Eckhart Tolle, but judging by this book (which may or may not be fair), his "philosophy" is just a deculturated buddhism.

I am really fond of Patrick McDonnell's MUTTS though, and my only disappointment was that some of the illustrations were repurposed from old strips and not unique to this book.

My favorite bit was this line:

"I have lived with many Zen Masters, all of them cats."
Kayne
Kayne rated it 5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for: Dog and cat lovers
Such a sweet book! It explains what a positive difference pets make in the lives of their owners. Owners already know, but for people who think that pets require too much of our time and attention, this book explains that the time you give your pets comes back to you in healthy, life-expanding years. I always loved Patrick McDonnell's MUTTS cartoon strip and his illustrations really complete the text.
Maya
Maya rated it 5 of 5 stars
Loved it. Beautiful text by Eckhart Tolle and illustrations by Patrick McDonnell. Reminds me of what's important in life--living in the present, love, and the beauty of nature and the world around me. If you're an animal lover and/or have a pet or even if you don't, it's a fun, touching read.
Michelle
What a wonderful book for children! A bit too advanced for my 4 year old but Carter really loved it! We both remembered signing this song in church after we read it.
I have arrived, I am home,
In the here and in the now.
I am solid, I am free,
In the ultimate I dwell.
-Thich Nhat Hanh
Abby
Abby rated it 4 of 5 stars
While I LOVE the message of this book, I was a little frustrated that it didn't apply to a broader audience like most of the other books Patrick McDonnell illustrates. Still, I really enjoyed the book and still re-read it. I'm all for the connection between animal care and human respect.
Angie
Angie rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: picture-books
this amazing picture book of Eckart Tolle's engaging and deeply resonating words, combined with lovely and simple cartoons by Patrick McDonnell, is an uplifting and quietly beautiful book of peace and serenity. gives me an even greater appreciation for animals and myself.
Elizabeth Olson
An unexpectedly adorable collaboration between spiritual guru Eckhart Tolle and "Mutts" comic creator Patrick McDonnell, where Tolle's words & McDonnell's illustrations and comics pair in a delightful reminder to revel in the ordinary beauty of life all around us.
Eileengaler Galer
This is a wonderful book that marries the creator of Mutts by Patrick McDonnell to Eckhart Tolle. Eckhart's teaching is expressed through one of nature's gifts, dogs. It conveys through cartoon Eckhart's message of oneness and "The Power of Now".
Barb
Barb rated it 4 of 5 stars
A lovely, deep book. Written by spiritual thinker Eckhart Tolle and illustrated with some great cartoon-type visuals, it really flowed. It is how animals help us maintain our sanity and hopefully teach us some ways to just "be." Enjoy it!
Jackie
Jackie rated it 4 of 5 stars
Recommended to Jackie by: Mountains and Plains Independent Booksellers Assoiciation
Ordinarily I find Eckhart Tolle a bit over the top, but combined with Patrick McDonnell's sweet illustrations, this book won me over. It's a wonderful book for anyone who believes in the peace and joy that pets can bring into our lives.
Sandra
Sandra rated it 5 of 5 stars
"I have lived with many Zen masters, all of them cats." This is a wonderful book that through simple words and charming cartoons shows us that our animal companions have much to teach us about being present and enjoying being.
Ludi Magister
This is a great introduction to Tolle's teachings. I read it to my class and its positive message of mindfulness had an impact. The illustrations add just the right accent to the text. Highly recommended.
Joy-Ellen
This beautiful book for children or adults who wish to have a quick read of a very spiritual book that reminds us of the interconnected web of all existence.
Paula
Paula rated it 5 of 5 stars
A wonderful blend of Eckhart Tolle and Patrick McDonnell, creator of "Mutts". For all enlightened animal lovers, I highly recommend this book!!
Jennifer
I love Eckhart Tolle and the comic strip Mutts.Imagine my surprise when I saw them together. Like Nuts and bubblegum - together, finally, at last.
dirt
dirt rated it 5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for: Doggies
Recommended to dirt by: Jimmie
You would think that this would be a quick read, but it actually took me a long time to pour over all the pictures.

This book will make you very happy and content with your being.
Ena Nenes
I'm really interested in McDonnell's work. But I'm not Tolle's kind of reader. So... I enjoyed the art and hated the text...
Amy Beth
tied for number one with "To Kill a Mockingbird" ADORE this little book. Takes 15 minutes to read and it's not just for kids.
Irene
Irene rated it 4 of 5 stars
I bought this book for my 82 year old mother. She's a dog lover and a worrier so I thought this would be an interesting new approach to the concept of appreciating the now. I enjoyed it, too.
Mary Ann (MAA)
easy-read inspirational book. Good gift for someone who needs uplifting book; good for a 'milestone' gift.
Padmini Raju Datla
Awesome book. Lovely illustrations to the philosophical thoughts of Mr. Eckhart Tolle. Must read.
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Guardians of Being. Eckhart Tolle (Hardcover)
Dier en Nu: leer van je huisdier om in het Nu te zijn
Naši andělé strážní (Hardcover)
Guardians of Being (Paperback)
Guardians of Being (ebook)

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Eckhart Tolle , born Ulrich Leonard Tolle, February 16, 1948, is a German-born writer, public speaker, and spiritual teacher. The New York Times has called him "the most popular spiritual author in the nation". He is the author of the bestsellers "The Power of Now" and "A New Earth".
Tolle had an unhappy childhood in Germany and Spain. His depression reached its ...more
More about Eckhart Tolle...
A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment Practicing the Power of Now: Essential Teachings, Meditations, and Exercises from the Power of Now Stillness Speaks Eckhart Tolle's Findhorn Retreat: Stillness Amidst the World

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North Houston Book Club
North Houston Book Club
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last activity Dec 20, 2011 04:51pm
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