i will have to check into that Carlos guys... someone else mentioned his name to me last week...

Dream of the iris- i really agree with you that it is a message that has been around "forever" but that he just brings it into modern terms. i think that is what i like so much about it... it is as practical and applicable as can be, yet it still embodies the "truths" that most religions hold which is the key "thing" to preserve for humanities continued search for the "Source" of all.

Onions of love- i can understand how you feel it is not clear... it is in fact very abstract and probably harder for some minds to follow, much like some minds function better in the abstract and struggle with linear, concrete type thinking. my dad is an extremely educated and smart man, yet he has the same struggle you have with the book. just not his style of thinking.

as far as being it "not being strong enough" to create a following that will lead to "a new earth" (a title taken from the bible), i agree and i think tolle would agree too. i don't think his point is to form another formal "religious" group with the purpose of changing the world.

i found that the book focused on personal transformation solely. he does imply that those who are "awakened" will naturally draw others to awakening, which if logically followed out will eventually lead to a world transformation... but the focus is on changing the only person that you can truly change... yourself.

many evangelical Christians are implying that Oprah and Tolle's intent is to form a new group or following, but he speaks clearly that he believes what he talks about can be applied within the context of almost any religion (give or take a few point he makes).

so will this book change the world.. no, not alone, but i believe it is on more contribution toward that goal along with books like the bible and koran and others that try to direct people down a path of love and wholeness. with all of the tools working toward the same goal i believe that the world may one day see "a new earth" though that is more a statement of faith than of observation of actually happenings. my guess is that it would really only come after a solid crash of modern society though... who knows how far off that may be.