Praying Naked: The Spirituality of Anthony de Mello [Paperback]

J. Francis SJ. Stroud (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 20, 2005

In his books Awareness and The Way to Love, among others, the internationally acclaimed spiritual guide Anthony de Mello presented an approach to spirituality that integrated the ancient traditions of the East with the psychological and philosophical perspectives of the West. Twenty years after his death, de Mello’s books continue to attract readers and his work remains a powerful influence on contemporary spiritual thought and practices. J. Francis Stroud, S.J., who helped de Mello with his hugely successful lectures, seminars, and books, has dedicated himself to keeping de Mello’s teachings alive through the de Mello Spirituality Center at Fordham University. In Praying Naked, Father Stroud draws on his peerless understanding of de Mello’s works to help readers keep their lives on track and navigate their own spiritual journeys. In clear, simple language, he explains how to master de Mello’s approach to meditation and shows that meditating for even as little as three minutes a day can resolve the problems caused by difficult life conditions and guide us on the quest for spiritual happiness, self-discovery, and self-awareness.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Although the title suggests clothing-optional spirituality, this small book of quotes, stories and how-to lists is really about praying and living just as we are before God. Stroud—director of the Anthony de Mello Spirituality Center at Fordham University and a protégé of the late Jesuit spiritual guide—continues Mello's dedication to spiritual practices of meditation, healthy self-esteem and the pursuit of happiness. Stroud invites readers to slow down and savor life through a variety of spiritual practices designed to increase awareness of God. The book is a stew pot of interesting stories and bold proclamations, such as, "meditation alleviates all addictions." The illustrations on themes of happiness, suffering, emotions and change come from de Mello and Stroud's teachings as well as from traditions as diverse as Buddhism, modern psychology and even contemporary motivational writers and speakers like Tony Robbins, John Bradshaw and Deepak Chopra. The advice devolves at times into banality as Stroud shares aphorisms like "Real people in life don't get hurt. They thrive on everything that happens to them" and "[Y]ou cannot be grateful and fail at the same time." Still, if you're looking for a self-help book informed by a cheery, eclectic spirituality, this is for you. (Sept. 20)
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Review

“It was with great excitement that I read Father Francis Stroud’s book, Praying Naked. The book is insightful, inspirational, and healing. I hope everyone will benefit from it as I did.” —Deepak Chopra

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Image (September 20, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385513143
• ISBN-13: 978-0385513142
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #883,101 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars EASY READING, BUT SPIRITUALITY-LITE, December 4, 2006

By 

Peter Fennessy (Bloomfield Hills, MI USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Praying Naked: The Spirituality of Anthony de Mello (Paperback)

EASY READING, BUT SPIRITUALITY-LITE
There are lots of quotations in this book; in fact almost half of its pages are blank except for single quotations. The quotes are pretty good too, but their relationship to the text is not always evident. There are lots of good stories, most of them familiar, especially if you've read de Mello. And then there is the teaching. The author says he wishes to give the reader "as much pure de Mello as possible," but he has no trouble fitting in principles from Deepak Chopra, Tony Robbins, Joan Borysenko, John Bradshaw, Eric Berne, Stephen Covey, et al. The important question addressed is not "Who is God," but "Who am I?" And the heart and soul of this book, according to the author (p. 121), is found in three stories that say freedom from inflexibility, rigidity and external pressure will lead to a breakthrough where we will get rid of our programming, wake up to who we are, and experience things making sense. There's a lot more good advice as well: admit you are asleep, become able to listen, stay alert, get rid of illusions about yourself and others, be grateful, be intimate with nature, be non-judgmental, focus, surround yourself with happy people, think positively, learn to correct self-created emotions, etc. All of this is good mental hygiene and much good psychological advice gathered together in one place, but is it spirituality? And, in particular, is this really a summary of the spirituality of a recognized Christian spiritual master, Catholic priest, and vowed Jesuit religious? There is little about God, Christ, or a relationship with either, little that could not be espoused and taught by an atheist. It's an easy book to get through and a good one to practice, but thin soup for someone who is expecting a more hearty meal.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars The work stands on its on., January 4, 2007

By 

L. Long (Baltimore, MD USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Praying Naked: The Spirituality of Anthony de Mello (Paperback)

Anthony de Mello is such an awesome writer that he doesn't need someone piggy-backing on his work. Read de Mello's original works rather than this book.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing and Encouraging, August 4, 2006

By 

James P. Mccauley "Seeker" (CA, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Praying Naked: The Spirituality of Anthony de Mello (Paperback)

A marvellous presentation of de Mello's approach -- I think better for today's readers than de Mello's books themselves. The aim is to bring the reader into contact way down deep with himself where alone he can find God as He wishes to be found. I profited greatly and recommend this to all and not only to christians.