This wonderfully unique collaboration brings together two masters of their fields, joining original words by spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle with d...
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reviews
Jan 05, 2012
Pamela
rated it: 
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...
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...
Jun 01, 2010
Tim
rated it: 
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...
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...
Feb 10, 2010
Cornerofmadness
rated it: 
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...
Oct 09, 2009
Tami
rated it:
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...
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...
Jul 02, 2011
Katie
rated it:
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...
Dec 14, 2009
Blisseth
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jan 28, 2010
Cindy
rated it:
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...
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...
Jun 01, 2010
lita
rated it:
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...
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...
Mar 12, 2010
Kim
rated it:
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.
In short: Eckhart Tolle + Patrick McDonnell = Major Win.
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Oct 17, 2009
Jamil
rated it: 
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."
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."
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Dec 25, 2009
Kayne
rated it:
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.
Dec 20, 2010
Maya
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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.
May 28, 2010
Michelle
rated it:
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
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
Jan 04, 2010
Abby
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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.
Feb 26, 2011
Angie
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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.
Aug 02, 2010
Elizabeth
rated it:
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.
Jan 29, 2010
Eileengaler
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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".
Jan 04, 2010
Barb
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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!
Oct 06, 2009
Jackie
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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.
Jan 19, 2010
Sandra
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"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.
Jan 26, 2011
Ludi Magister
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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.
Feb 10, 2010
Joy-Ellen
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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.
Feb 02, 2010
Paula
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A wonderful blend of Eckhart Tolle and Patrick McDonnell, creator of "Mutts". For all enlightened animal lovers, I highly recommend this book!!
Jan 04, 2010
Jennifer
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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.
Jan 28, 2011
dirt
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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.
This book will make you very happy and content with your being.
Jul 24, 2011
Ena
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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...
Nov 01, 2010
Amy Beth
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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.
Dec 19, 2011
Irene
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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.
May 09, 2010
Mary Ann (MAA)
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easy-read inspirational book. Good gift for someone who needs uplifting book; good for a 'milestone' gift.
Sep 27, 2011
Padmini Raju
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Awesome book. Lovely illustrations to the philosophical thoughts of Mr. Eckhart Tolle. Must read.
