When the sage points at the moon, all that the idiot sees is the finger.
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.
Interpretation
A loving heart is open and sensitive to all aspects of life and does not shut itself off from others.
In this quote, Anthony De Mello emphasizes the importance of maintaining a loving and open-hearted attitude towards every person and every aspect of life. He suggests that such a heart remains compassionate and does not develop a hardness or insensitivity that can alienate it from the world and the people around it. This perspective encourages us to embrace our emotions and foster connections, reflecting a true love for life and humanity.
In practice
In a speech about kindness and empathy, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of being open-hearted.
When the sage points at the moon, all that the idiot sees is the finger.
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.
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.
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.
Problems only exist in the human mind.
Those who make no mistakes are making the biggest mistakes of all - they are attempting nothing new.
The first act of love is always the giving of attention.
On the question of relating to our fellowman - our neighbor's spiritual need transcends every commandment. Everything else we do is a means to an end. But love is an end already, since God is love.
In order not to suffer, you had to renounce love. It was like putting out your own eyes in order not to see the bad things in life.
Love rules the court, the camp, the grove, And men below, and saints above: For love is heaven, and heaven is love.
Your love for God is only as great as the love you have for the person you love the least.
A man kills the thing he loves, and he must die a little himself.
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