Chapter 1: You Are Not Your Mind

This chapter describes the difference between self-identification with the mind and the consciousness that observes it. Readers are encouraged to become aware of their thoughts and recognize that they are not their thoughts. Identifying too much with the mind leads to the mental noise Tolle calls “pain-body”.

Chapter 2: Consciousness: The Way Out of Pain

Tolle explains how to transcend our pain-body: by monitoring our emotional reactions without judgment. He introduces the concept of surrender, which isn’t about weakness but, rather, about yielding to the present moment.

Chapter 3: Moving Deeply Into the Now

Here, Tolle discusses the importance of being present and freeing ourselves from our mental constructs of past and future. He emphasizes that the “Now” is the only moment we truly have.

Chapter 4: Mind Strategies for Avoiding the Now

Tolle elaborates on the mind’s resistance to the current moment due to fear or anticipation of future events. He proposes solutions to overcome these obstacles by harnessing the power of the present moment.

Chapter 5: The State of Presence

Tolle explores the nature of the heightened state of consciousness attained when one is fully present. He clarifies that this state is not about withdrawal from the world but rather deeper engagement with it.

Chapter 6: The Inner Body

This chapter emphasizes the need to be conscious of the body and to feel the energy field within us constantly. This awareness intensifies our state of presence and aligns us with the “Now.”

Chapter 7: Portals into the Unmanifested

Tolle explores spiritual practices to help cultivate presence. Concrete methods such as the practice of silence, space, and conscious breathing are discussed to open doorways into the “unmanifested”—the spiritual dimension.

Chapter 8: Enlightened Relationships

Tolle discusses how true love has its basis in the state of “No-mind” and “Presence.” He suggests that the highest purpose of relationships is not happiness, but awakening.

Chapter 9: Beyond Happiness and Unhappiness, There is Peace

This chapter explains the difference between superficial happiness, contingent upon circumstances, and true peace, which is intrinsic and comes from the deeper self.

Chapter 10: The Meaning of Surrender

Tolle concludes by offering readers expanded insight into what it means to surrender—to accept each moment as it is. He tells us that surrender doesn’t make us weak, but anchors us in the peace and power of the “Now”.