Why is everyone here so happy except me?" — Anthony de Mello

"The Master would frequently assert that holiness was less a matter of what one did than of what one allowed to happen."

"People who want a cure, provided they can have it without pain, are like those who favour progress, provided they can have it without change."

"What, concretely, is Enlightenment?" "Seeing Reality as it is," said the Master. "Doesnt everyone see Reality as it is?" "Oh, no! Most people see it as they believe it is." "Whats the difference?" "The difference between thinking you are drowning in a stormy sea and knowing you cannot drown because there isnt any water in sight for miles around."

"Spirituality means waking up. Most people, even though they dont know it, are asleep. Theyre born asleep, they live asleep, they marry in their sleep, they breed children in their sleep, they die in their sleep without ever waking up. They never understand the loveliness and the beauty of this thing that we call human existence. You know — all mystics — Catholic, Christian, non-Christian, no matter what their theology, no matter what their religion — are unanimous on one thing: that all is well, all is well. Though everything is a mess, all is well. Strange paradox, to be sure. But, tragically, most people never get to see that all is well because they are asleep. They are having a nightmare."

"This is what Wisdom means: To be changed without the slightest effort on your part, to be transformed, believe it or not, merely by waking to the reality that is not words, that lies beyond the reach of words. If you are fortunate enough to be Awakened thus, you will know why the finest language is the one that is not spoken, the finest action is the one that is not done and the finest change is the one that is not willed."

"The genius of a composer is found in the notes of his music; but analyzing the notes will not reveal his genius. The poets 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."