Vancouver-based writer Eckhart Tolle is reaping a bonanza from his association with the Oprah Winfrey Show.

His A New Earth, a spiritual self-help guide, has topped bestseller lists since it was revealed as Winfrey's choice four weeks ago.

Eckhart Tolle, a German-born author living in Vancouver, who wrote A New Earth, and will give seminars with Oprah Winfrey.
(Penguin Group/Associated Press)

On Thursday, Winfrey issued a statement saying it is the fastest-selling pick ever at Barnes & Noble, Inc. or Amazon.com.

It has shipped 3.5 million copies, a record shipment in a four-week span for any book from publisher Penguin Group (USA).

Tolle, born in Germany and educated in the U.K., had a spiritual awakening at age 29 and now writes about how individuals can improve their own lives and contribute to a better world.

He is not aligned with any one religion, but explores tenets of Buddhism, Christianity and other faiths.

His A New Earth is a sequel to The Power of Now, which teaches how people can find happiness by giving up what Tolle calls "ego-based consciousness."

Tolle will be giving a series of web seminars with Winfrey over 10 weeks beginning March 3.

More than 500,000 people from more than 100 countries have registered for the seminars.

Brian Tart, president and publisher of the Penguin imprint Dutton, said he believes the seminars have been a significant factor in making the book so popular.

"Oprah herself has committed 10 weeks to talking to the author, and people from all over the world will be able to participate," he said.

With files from the Associated Press