Guardians of Being: Spiritual Teachings from Our Dogs and Cats

Eckhart Tolle wrote the enlightening books (which I also highly recommend); "The Power of Now" and "A New Earth." These books had such a profound effect on me that I went searching for a way to share this insight with my 9 year old son. How do I teach my children this most important information that they could ever learn? "Guardians of Being" takes an abstract concept and brings it to life in this adorably animated book. Tolle's teachings are simplified to perfection through excerpts such as "Just watching an animal closely, can take you out of your mind and bring you into the present moment, which is where the animal lives all the time - surrendered to life." And, "The vital function that pets fulfill in this world hasn't been fully recognized. They keep millions of people sane." And one of my favorites; " I have lived with many Zen masters, all of them cats."In this book there is a brilliant tool for teaching meditation to children (actually, I use it myself sometimes): "Close your eyes and say to yourself: "I wonder what my next thought is going to be." Then become as alert as a cat watching a mouse hole. You may find that, as long as you are absolutely alert, the next thought does not arise...."The final pages of this book brought me to tears. I won't spoil the surprise.My son and I continue to read and talk about this book together. In my son's words; "It's spiritual and funny at the same time. I really like it.""Guardians of Being" is one of the most enjoyed and most valuable books on my children's bookcase. Two more that I highly recommend are "Zen Shorts" and "The Three Questions, Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy," both by Jon J Muth.

This book is absolutely inspiring and encouraging. It is written simply and effortless to read. It can be shared with children and adults alike. It reinforces Tolle's teaching about living in the present moment and just being.... it uses the example of dogs and cats to teach us about just being.... it is delightfully brilliant and relaxing. It is a great piece of work. I keep it on the coffee table to often refer to and enjoy and to have out for others to enjoy as it is effortless quick reading, yet the depth is indescribable. I purchased many to give as gifts... all have deeply enjoyed and have been touched. This book is a must have... a gem... a necessity to our emotional health just as these precious animals are our guardians of us just being. Illustrations... just right...simple yet powerful.Enjoy!!!

It's not a "sit down and read it" book. Each page is for reflection, awareness, understanding of the Divine and of you as you are be/doing now. Love it!

There are any number of 'cute' books out there that speak of Buddhist ways, of "living in the moment," etc. And I've been gifted with a few as people know I love animals and animals can be the best teachers in such matters. But this book enlightens, is more 'real' than those that use other animals, or animals talking to each other, and it reminds me of all that's good about my non-human companions and all that they have to show me. This is primarily the dog's wisdom, and cats too. And anyone who has either or both can appreciate the truth of what is being shown. The drawings are wonderful and so complement the wisdom reflected in the words. It's one of my 'coffee table' books because it eases one's mind as one reads it - and always prompts a steady smile throughout, from cover to cover.

What could be better than a new book by Eckhart Tolle? A new book by Eckhart with DOGS! I actually opened the box and was reading as I walked along the driveway, sat down and did not look up (except to pat my dogs), until I finished this book.The combination of Eckhart Tolle's gentle words and the simple, yet profound, drawings by Patrick McDonnell is absolutely perfect. Some of the other reviewers have shared tidbits of prose, I do not want to share any more, as I truly feel this perfect book needs to be explored and savored, especially in the company of your best friend.My beloved Money also gives this book four paws up (that is all he has or he would give more paws). My holiday shopping is determined, oops, now you know what you are getting!

I love anything by Eckhart Tolle! When I saw this, I had to buy it for myself. Even my husband took time to read it and related to it immediately. As octogenarians, we got a puppy two years ago after 40 years without a dog. She is our delight. I plan to buy this book for gifts for some special people.

I'd heard of this book when looking up some other books on being present in the NOW. I thought my kids (even though older -- middle/high school), would enjoy it, especially as we have three cats that our whole family showers with love and attention.I cringed a bit at the parts about God/Divine/Christian references, because I think that these messages apply even beyond those beliefs and traditions, and it could have been more universal. (I believe more in a sense of Oneness than any Divine creator.) Nevertheless, the messages about taking our guidance from our pets makes so much sense and is such excellent advice.Of course, the hard part will be to follow and live it. But hopefully with mindful practice ....

This is a really great book to make you smile and be happy. I highly recommend it to everyone.

I am a huge fan of Eckart Tolle, but this digital version of the book is very poor. Text is too faint to easily read and the entire book shows up in a very small image and needs to be manually enlarged just to read it. I'd recommend not buying digital but getting the paperback instead.

Simple, clear and concise with cute pictures.

Bought one for myself and then one for a friend who has an animal shelter.She loved it! So do my husband and I.Eckhart Tolle is wonderful and the illustrations are perfect. For daily inspiration, get one!

Das Buch ist unglaublich liebenswürdig und voller Achtung gegenüber allen Fellnasen. Ein tolles Geschenk auch fuer Kinder und fuer jeden Tierliebhaber.