2012.02.21 11:14
What Does it Mean to love God? What does it mean to love God? To love God with one's whole heart means to say a whole-hearted yes to life This is the kind of thing Modern Spiritual Masters Series,Orbis Books, 1999"
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2012.02.21 11:28
2012.02.21 12:00
Anthony "Tony" de Mello (4 September 1931, Bombay, British India – 2 June 1987, New York City) was a Jesuit priest and psychotherapist who became widely known for his books on spirituality. An internationally acclaimed spiritual guide, writer and public speaker, de Mello hosted many spiritual conferences. See below for the names of these programs which are available on audio CD and film. He traveled to many countries to study and later to teach, most notably Spain and the United States.
The few talks which he allowed to be filmed, such as "A Rediscovery of Life" and "A Way to God for Today," have inspired many viewers and audiences since being released; and have been viewed by hundreds of thousands of TV watchers throughout the United States, Canada, and Central America; in colleges, universities, Newman centers, and communities. De Mello established a prayer center in India. He died suddenly of a heart attack in 1987, at age 56.[1] His works are readily available and additional writings were published after his death.
Controversy
A review of de Mello's work by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith prompted the group to release a lengthy comment expressing their theological concerns. While the group showed appreciation for many of de Mello's writings, some positions were found to be 'incompatible with the Catholic faith'.[2] In an opinion dated June 24, 1998 Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI, wrote from the Congregation (and approved by the Pope John Paul II):
His quite controversial paradigm for Catholic dogma is mainly because many of his ideas were influenced by Thai Buddhist teacher and founder of monasteries Ajahn Chah - who, some[who?] say, was a kind of teacher to him. Despite the church's condemnation, his works are popular, especially among those interested in Ignatian spirituality.[citation needed]
Some editions of de Mello's books have since been supplemented with the insertion of a caution:
2012.02.21 19:48
2012.02.22 14:19
Thank you, Dr. Bang.
Indeed, "Let's love each other !"
That's all that really matters.
Here in the below, I'd like to quote a couple of short stories from the book quoted above.
The master became a legend in his lifetime. It was said that God once sought his advice.
"I want to play a game of hide- and-seek with humankind.
I've asked my angels what the best place is to hide in.
Some say the depth of the ocean.
Others the top of the highest mountain.
Others still the far side of the moon or a distant star.
What do you suggest?"
Said the master, "Hide in the human heart. That's the last place they will think of !"
........................
The master would insist that the final barrier to our attaining God was
the word and concept "God."
This so infuriated the local priest that he came in a huff to argue the matter with the master.
"But surely the word 'God' can lead us to God? said the priest.
"It can," said the master calmly,
"How can something help and be a barrier?"
Said the master, "The donkey that brings you to the door is not the means
by which you enter the house."
............................................
My comment: the above two are brilliant examples by Anthony De Mello, a jesuit priest,
how buddhism and Christianity can work together to reach the truth they share.
2012.02.23 07:25
In the story below, we find no difference between Jesus teaching and the buddhist master's saying
with regard to loving our neighbors.
A master asked his disciples how they could tell when the night had ended and the day begun.
One said, "When you see an animal in the distance and can tell whether it is a cow or a horse."
"No," said the master.
"When you look at a tree in the distance and can tell if it is a neem tree or a mango tree."
"Wrong again," said the master.
"Well then, what is it?" asked his disciples.
"When you look into the face of any man and recognize your brother in him;
When you look into the face of any woman and recognize in her your sister.
If you cannot do this, no matter what time it is by the sun, it is still night."
I would highly recommend the book quoted above.
"Anthony De Mello, Writings Selected With an Introduction by William Dych"
Anthony De Mello was an Indian born in India.
He became a Jesuit priest in his youth. He was well-versed in Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, etc,
i.e. the eastern mysticism and was successfully incorporate the eastern way approach to God
into Christianity. He became a very well-known spiritual master in USA and the west as well as in India.
He was picked as one of the modern spiritual masters in 20th century in the series of books,
titled "Modern Spiritual Masters Series by Orbis Books"