When the sage points at the moon, all that the idiot sees is the finger.
Anthony De MelloRead
Problems only exist in the human mind.
Interpretation
Problems are a creation of our thoughts, not external realities.
This quote by Anthony De Mello emphasizes the idea that the challenges and obstacles we face are largely a product of our perceptions and thoughts. It suggests that our mindset and interpretation of situations play a pivotal role in defining what we consider to be problems, indicating that by changing our thoughts, we can alter our experiences of reality.
In practice
In a motivational speech about overcoming mental barriers.
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.
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.
Those who make no mistakes are making the biggest mistakes of all - they are attempting nothing new.
Let gratitude for the past inspire us with trust for the future.
And truly it demands something god like in him who has cast off the common motives of humanity, and has ventured to trust himself for a taskmaster. High be his heart, faithful his will, clear his sight, that he may in good earnest be doctrine, society, law, to himself, that a simple purpose may be to him as strong as iron necessity is to others!
Hate begets hate, violence engenders violence, hypocrisy is answered by hypocrisy, war generates war, and love creates love.
Finally I am coming to the conclusion that my highest ambition is to be what I already I am.
The first holy truth in God 101 is that men and women of true faith have always had to accept the mystery of God's identity and love and ways. I hate that, but it's the truth.
I glory in the distinguishing grace of God and will not, by the grace of God, step one inch from my principles or think of adhering to the present fashionable sort of religion.
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