When the sage points at the moon, all that the idiot sees is the finger.
Anthony De MelloRead
"Why is everyone here so happy except me?" "Because they have learned to see goodness and beauty everywhere," said the Master. "Why don't I see goodness and beauty everywhere?" "Because you cannot see outside of you what you fail to see inside."
Interpretation
What this quote means
True happiness comes from within and is influenced by our perceptions.
This quote emphasizes that happiness is not just about external circumstances but is deeply rooted in one's internal perspective. It suggests that if a person is unable to find joy and beauty in the world around them, it may be because they have not yet recognized or cultivated these feelings within themselves, highlighting the importance of inner awareness and self-reflection.
Themes
HappinessBeautyPerceptionInner PeaceSelf-Awareness
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational talk, one might say this quote to emphasize the importance of inner reflection for happiness.
More from Anthony De Mello
All quotes →Perfect love casts out fear. Where there is love there are no demands, no expectations, no dependency. I do not demand that you make me happy; my happiness does not lie in you. If you were to leave me, I will not feel sorry for myself; I enjoy your company immensely, but I do not cling.
Anthony De MelloRead
The master never seemed to have his fill of gazing at his firstborn child. "What do you want him to be when he grows up?" someone asked. "Outrageously happy," said the master.
Anthony De MelloRead
The genius of a composer is found in the notes of his music; but analyzing the notes will not reveal his genius. The poet's greatness is contained in his words; yet the study of his words will not disclose his inspiration. God reveals himself in creation; but scrutinize creation as minutely as you wish, you will not find God, any more than you will find the soul through careful examination of your body.
Anthony De MelloRead
What is a loving heart? A loving heart is sensitive to the whole of life, to all persons; a loving heart doesn't harden itself to any persons or things.
Anthony De MelloRead
Problems only exist in the human mind.
Anthony De MelloRead
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These teachings are like a raft, to be abandoned once you have crossed the flood. Since you should abandon even good states of mind generated by these teachings, How much more so should you abandon bad states of mind!
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