Anthony De Mello is a favorite teacher of mine. He taught largely through stories and I find him very effective.
His teaching is about life.
How do we live it? How do we make sense of it? How can we enjoy it? How do we see through it?
Speaking of seeing through it…
Today I offer you a brief story he told on a few occasions about the lost art of making fire.
After many years of labour an inventor discovered the art of making fire. He took his tools to the snow-clad northern regions and initiated a village into the art – and the advantages – of making fire. The people became so absorbed in this novelty that it did not occur to them to thank the inventor who one day quietly slipped away. Being one of those rare human beings endowed with greatness, he had no desire to be remembered or revered; all he sought was the satisfaction of knowing that someone had benefited from his discovery.
The next village he went to was just as eager to learn as the first. But the local priests, jealous of the stranger’s hold on the people, had him assassinated. To allay any suspicion of the crime, they had a portrait of him 'the Great Inventor' enthroned upon the main altar of the church; and a liturgy designed so that his name would be revered and his memory kept alive. The greatest care was taken that not a single rubric of the liturgy was altered or omitted.
The High Priest himself undertook the task of compiling a 'Life of the Inventor'. This became the Holy book in which his loving kindness was offered as an example for all to emulate, his glorious deeds were eulogized, his superhuman nature made an article of faith. The priests saw to it that the book was handed down to future generations, while they authoritatively interpreted the meaning of his words and the significance of his holy life and death.
Caught up as they were in these religious tasks, the people of this tribe completely forgot the art of making fire.
It’s a reminder that while we’re surrounded by many holy books, no amount of reading will provide that original fire we’re really seeking.
Enjoy your day!!❤️
Really good story! So much you could unpick from it!