Customer Reviews

Anthony De Mello: Writings (Modern Spiritual Masters Series)

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Whenever you set out upon a task such as capturing the spirit of a life span's worth of spiritual writing from a particular author, it's a sincerely fragile matter. The idea behind this Spiritual Masters Series is to do just that; provide us readers with a general overview of a career's worth of work from an author. In Anthony de Mello's case, they serve us the merchandise. Anthony de Mello was a Jesuit priest who died a somewhat untimely death, but nonetheless someone who unquestionably had also lived a rather fulfilling and spiritual life, too. He was well known for the fascinating and mesmerizing retreats he often gave, making audiences worldwide fall in love with his charisma and style. Anthony seldom spent time teaching much on systematic belief and dogma, a trait the Roman Catholic Church at times resented. No, Anthony de Mello brought the Bible alive for many Christians. He had enabled people who otherwise felt pretty disconnected from the spiritual teachings of Jesus Christ to come open up to and enjoy his profound teachings. He transmigrated religious barriers, attracting audiences from practically all of the major religious sectors. I cannot believe that the Catholic Church today, namely the Pope, feel that his writings went away from the teachings of Christ as the years voyaged onward. I mean here was a person with an open mind and a devotion to his faith like no other. It is a shame we do not recognize and endorse his wonderful teachings, as opposed to turning our backs and criticizing him. I of course am indicating the church's hierarchy, not necessarily you the one reading this review. Anyway, I'll end by letting you know what books by Anthony de Mello are covered here in this work:

Sadhana - A Way to God

The Song of the Bird

One Minute Wisdom

Taking Flight

The Heart of the Enlightened

Awareness

The Way of Love

I highly recommend this book to those who are not familiar with Anthony de Mello, and to his fans and critics. The editor provides an excellent introduction to help us to have a better understanding and appreciation for de Mello's numerous writings. The selections give us a potential experience of personal awakening or freeing encounter with "God" or the Self of self. I hope there'll be an audio book edition with excerpts of deMello's retreat talks so that his mellow voice and hearty laughter can be captured while we read his writings. (Please cf. my review for Walking on Water for more background.)

De Mello is a spiritual master and is the most insightful of the "self-help" authors that I have read.His books, especially this one, are easy to read and are a source of enlightenment and awakening for life and happiness.This book will help you to reexamine your life and the spirituality of it.A MUST-READ!

I highly recommend this series and especially this introduction to the work of Anthony De Mello. A fresh approach to Christian Spirituality is presented that allows one to see beyond the trappings, though well-intentioned, of organized religion. As a Jesuit priest, Anthony De Mello was not against organized religion but helped spiritual seekers to wake up to the reality of themselves and of the Divine Presence around them. At a time when many voices are calling out for our spiritual attention, this book presents a great guide for navigating turbulent waters.

Anthony DeMello is so truthful and real in his writings. Pure spirituality is from within. He speaks in the way Jesus would. It is how you are as a person;the love you show, the compassion, the open heart with no screens on it , pure open to God. Rules and different religions are not the way. Your belief may not be mine but we have one goal move forward in God's love and then you will be the person God intended you to be. I loved it so much I ordererd two more books by him!

Very inspirational and thought provoking. Nice book to meditate on from time to time.