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Religious Book Store > Religious books beginning with W
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The Way to Love (Image Pocket Classics) |
Author: Anthony De Mello
Published: 1995-06-01 |
List price: $6.95
Our price: $6.95
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As of: December 04th, 2008 02:20:46 AM
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Customer comments on this selection.
 A Gem of Christain Mysticism
I deeply enjoyed The Way to Love. I found so many passages deeply stirring that I gave up on underlining after I realized I was underlining 70% of the book. The book is very potentially a life-changer -- was for me.
Several reviewers write that DE Mello is not a Christian and that this book does not reflect Christian teaching. I would respectfully offer that DE Mello is simply a Christian mystic.
Every major religion has practitioners ranging from fundamentalist to mystic (a sort of continuum -- I try not to assume that either is "better.") On the one hand, fundamentalist members enjoy the orthodoxy of their faith and emphasize adherence to the beliefs associated with their faith. On the other hand, mystics enjoy a sense of mystery and wonder; they emphasize a relationship with the unknowable and often view orthodoxy as metaphor - as a pointing to Truth rather than Truth itself. De Mello is clearly a mystic, so it is no surprise that he may offend the sensibilities of more orthodox Christians who may view his writings as a heresy.
I was raised in a fairly conservative Christian church and am now practice Theravada Buddhism (I actually read this book as assigned reading in a Buddhist training.) My take on this book is that it has much to offer members of any faith.
De Mello Dynamite
Anthony De Mello wrote a handy little book that has been one of my favorites for several years. Although I can not do justice to this great mystic, I will share just a little of his brilliance.
The book is a collection of meditations that helped me adjust to life as it is, not as I thought is was. De Mello presents thirty one short reflections concerning our common struggles: anxieties, resentments, fears, relationships with enemies, suffering, and praying.
The meditations are written in a clear conversational style that is filled with graphic questions for the reader to ponder. For me, I read only one meditation at a time, then spend several minutes considering the questions. Occasionally I need to stop and meditate after a single paragraph.
What follows is just a few of De Mello's thoughts.
According to Anthony, when I find myself angry or upset about another person, instead of asking "what is wrong with him", I need to ask "what does this irritation tell me about myself." To bring peace I must think about myself, ask what barriers exist in me that prevent peace.
The Way of Love discusses a common belief that if all our wants and desires are fulfilled we will be happy. Happiness can not be defined in a way that it applies to everyone. Happiness is very subjective. If an object I fancy breaks and cannot be replaced, I am unhappy. If a person I love is ill, dies, or is very aloof towards me, I am miserable. Happiness can only be attained by releasing myself from my attachments to earthly possessions and people.
DeMello suggests that people and situations that cause us pain also give us growth. Pleasant encounters may give us temporary pleasure, but hurtful ones cause us to change and improve. He says we might select a painful situation in our history, remember which emotions we felt, and analyze those feelings to reveal what they tells us about ourselves. Were we really hurt, or were our standards and values challenged? If we had not been programmed by society to be upset in such experiences, would our pain be so great?
The Way to Love is worth having. If you get a copy, carry it with you and read it during those times you are idle. You may enjoy having it with you.
An adjective I rarely use describes this book - AWESOME
I am a DeMello fan - and it began with this book. It is a short (very small, very short) book, but it is packed with wisdom and "ah ha" moments. One brief chapter is enough for an evening to let the deep truths settle in one's mind...or more appropriately for this read...soul. It is spiritual without being religous. While DeMello quotes scripture, the explanation is so practical that you forget he is referencing the Bible. I have bought a number of these to pass out to people who are on the journey of discovering how to have a truly peaceful, meaningful life. I don't use this word much - awesome - it is an awesome, timeless read.
Great Morning Reading to Start Your Day
This book, written by a Jesuit priest, has a definite eastern flavor. As such, it appeal to both Christians and non-Christians in its philosophy. It is filled with short reading that are perfect for focusing one's day and remind us that we are really as happy as we choose to be. Good for people in recovery.
A Spiritual Goldmine
This is only a small volume, but it needs to be read with thought and introspection. I recommend it highly. DeMello causes us to think about fairly common events and helps us to see them in a different light. I liked this little book so much that I have purchased several additional copies to share with friends and family.
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