When the sage points at the moon, all that the idiot sees is the finger.
Anthony De MelloRead
"My former master taught me to accept birth and death." "Then what have you come to me for?" asked the master. "To learn to accept what lies in between."
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of accepting life's transient moments between birth and death.
In this exchange, the seeker acknowledges the inevitability of birth and death as fundamental truths of existence. However, the deeper lesson lies in accepting the journey and experiences that occur in between these two endpoints, suggesting that true understanding and peace come from embracing the complexities and challenges of life as they unfold.
Themes
AcceptanceLifeWisdomBirthDeathJourney
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared in a meditation class to emphasize the importance of mindfulness.
More from Anthony De Mello
All quotes βPerfect 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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