Anthony de Mello, S.J., an Indian, Jesuit priest died in 1987 when he was fifty-six. If he were still alive, I would have found a way to spend time with him. His writings are, in my opinion, the most important writings of a conventionally trained theologian that I am aware of in all of recorded time. It is conceivable that had he lived, he might now be the “leader” the world of spiritual beings so desperately desire. Awareness is a terrific example.

He recognized that the power of God resides within all beings. That notion, in and of itself, is still considered by some to be heresy. Father de Mello was a very controversial member of the Catholic Church whose books were at one time banned by those who control the writings within the church.

“Some say that there are only two things in the world: God and fear; love and fear; love and fear are the only two things. There is only one evil in the world, fear. There’s only one good in the world, love. It’s sometimes called by other names. It’s sometimes called happiness or freedom or peace or joy or God or whatever. But the label doesn’t matter. And there’s not a single evil in the world that you cannot trace to fear. Not one.”

All damage is created by people who do not feel well about themselves. If I know I have value, all I want is the best for you. If I believe my value comes from things, I might be afraid you might steal those things and then I would lose my identity. At that point I become capable of violence in order to protect “my identity.”

“And if what you seek is truth, then you must do this. You can lean on no one.”

Thinking about God will not give you an experience of God. If you look closely at the eyes and heart of a child, really look, God is unmistakable. The child explores, sees, experiences, is capable of feelings, caring, loving. All of the religious dogma will tell you much less than watching the eyes of a child. Father de Mello’s greatest sadness came from the wars fought in the world over the presumed “rightness” of one religious school of thought over another. To declare that it is my right to condemn your child to hell because they have been raised to think “incorrectly” leads to warfare in countries like the Sudan, Ireland and Iraq. As you imagine the eyes of your child, godchild, grandchild, imagine the justification for their dismemberment. It is my experience that you will not be able to do so. Only in the experience of your heart is there real truth. The thoughts of another person, no matter how well constructed, will not be able to justify the action.

“All of the efforts of the human mind cannot exhaust the essence of a single fly.”

For an experience of God, go to the ocean. Look, really look, at every aspect of a single flower. Watch carefully the actions and abilities of a fly, as Father de Mello suggests. The essence of God is not attainable in words but in experience.

“The beauty of an action comes not from its having become a habit, but from its sensitivity, consciousness, clarity of perception, and accuracy of response.”

Imagine for a moment that every interaction between you and every other person was recognized by you as an opportunity for you to see that person newly, as if you did not know them. In truth, you do not, since the thousands of cells are replaced on an hourly basis. Imagine saying, “Good Morning,” as if you really meant it. Can you imagine how you might feel if each time a dear person touched you, it was as if the first time with all the excitement and exhilaration of discovery? I bet you can. The only thing that keeps us protected from this incredible feeling is the misinformation provided by our minds.

“Nobody does wrong in awareness.”

If you are present to the incredible, magical gift of life, would you want to do damage to others? Samantha Smith, a little girl from Maine suggested that it might be a good idea for the leaders of countries to have their grandchildren stay in the homes of their most feared global enemy. Who then would throw the first switch? Are we sure this little child is not as responsible for the end of the first round of nuclear one-ups-man-ship as any one else?

I think you can tell that I am impressed with Awareness! Since completed, I have read Awakening and The Way to Love, both almost as important in their depth and contribution. Happy, if not always comfortable, reading!