The Punch List, June 29, 2009

You voted, we suckerpunched. (Make sure to vote at right for next week's punching bags.)

Eckhart attack

Looking like the Frodo spawn of an Amish cabinet maker, Eckhart Tolle is an unlikely spiritual teacher. But thanks to the overwhelming embrace of Our Lord and Savior Oprah Winfrey, Eckhart has turned into quite a cottage industry.

Tolle's message -- essentially, "live in the present moment" -- is a welcome one.

It's the commercialization of it that's troubling. When our Zen master offers four different calendars for our 2009 pleasure, is it cynical of us to suspect a profit motive?

Eckhart's online store also offers books, audiobooks, talk series, intensive series, retreat series, teacher series, inspiration cards and music. There's nothing like ordering online -- in the present moment, of course.

Namaste.