A local discussion group based on the writing and teaching of German author and spiritual leader Eckhart Tolle is being formed in the Flathead Valley.

Tolle is the author of “The Power of Now” and “A New Earth,” regarded as two of the most influential modern-day spiritual books.

Alexander Bokor of Kalispell, a semi-retired physician, is organizing the local group and invites anyone interested in participating to contact him at 406-250-5252. He will provide further information about the first meeting to those who contact him.

Bokor became a Buddhist about 10 years ago and said his spiritual explorations ultimately led him to Tolle’s works.

“His take on ‘object’ consciousness versus ‘emptiness’ is spectacular and touches on the spiritual aspects of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and other major religions,” Bokor said. “I try to incorporate what I have realized into my everyday activities, and especially into the manner in which I practice medicine.”

Bokor said he has had some local interest in forming such a group and believes it will be the only such group in Montana focused on Tolle’s teachings.

In “The Power of Now,” Tolle provides the basic framework of “living in the moment” and the myriad benefits that are derived from getting to that state of mind and opening oneself to being “at one” with all objects in the universe. Tolle ascertains that everything comes from the same source and everything continues to be connected to everything else.

“Eckhart Tolle convincingly argues in his writings that all of our major religions have a common denominator with respect to the concepts of emptiness and object relationships, and are essentially based upon the same basic tenets and principles,” Bokor said. “He does not disrespect any religion, but rather, by demonstrating the similarities between them, lifts all of them to a higher common plane.”

In addition to writing several books, Tolle, who has lived in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, since 1995, has established a Center of Learning and Growth. He provides retreats and offers a website that provides access to his talks and links to other teachers. He also promotes local groups that meet to meditate, listen to his presentations and serve as a forum for discussion and friendship.

Bokor said the vision statement for the new group will be: “To promote group discussions and explorations of Eckhart Tolle’s works in order to understand and become part of a new paradigm shift taking place in our space/time.”

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.