Laughing Guru

If someone were to ask me the name of one person who had the profoundest effect in my life, I would without a moment’s hesitation, say Fr Anthony Demello. Fr Tony, as he was affectionately called the world over was an Indian Jesuit priest who literally set the world on fire with his unorthodox and down to earth teachings. He challenged the people the world over, irrespective of religion (or lack of it) to lead authentic lives.

Fr Tony was often known as the Laughing Guru. He would tell simple humorous stories and would leave a powerful atom of a message that would blast into you, unannounced. And once the message sank into you, your attitudes, beliefs and values would be challenged. Your comfort zones shaken. The simple truth would dawn on you and you would be Awakened. Such was the power of his little stories.

I’d personally recommend that you read his books, every one of them.

My favourites are,
The prayer of the Frog (Part 1 and II)
Sadhana.
Song of the bird.
We heard the bird sing.
Wellsprings.
Please check www.demello.org

His books have been translated in numerous languages around the world and Retreats and conferences called ‘Demello Spirituality’ are conducted with regularity.

The Fuller Life program would be incomplete without the wisdom of Fr Tony which is subtly woven in the basic philosophy of the program.

I am a Catholic. And in my growing years my faith has taught me how to pray. But Fr Tony taught how to be Silent. Silence – the prayer, the virtue, the awakening, the enlightenment.

I have no hesitation in dedicating this program to my fond and cherished memory of Fr Tony Demello S.J. who was indeed, in the words of Carlos G Valles, S.J., ‘a prophet for our times’. ( Refer “Unencumbered by Baggage’ by Fr. Carlos G Valles, published by Gujarat Sahitya Prakashan, Anand, India).