The Song of the Bird

Written by Anthony De Mello

Narrated by Homer Todiwala

Every one of these stories is about you. (Anthony de Mello)

Everyone loves stories, and in this audiobook, the best-selling author of Sadhana: A Way to God shares 124 stories and parables from a variety of traditions both ancient and modern. Each story resonates with life lessons that can teach us inescapable truths about ourselves and our world.

De Mello's international acclaim rests on his unique approach to contemplation, and ability to heighten self-awareness and self-discovery. His is a holistic approach, and in the words of one reviewer, his mysticism cuts across all times and peoples, and is truly a universal invitation.

The Song of the Bird uses the familiar yet enduring medium of the story to illustrate profound realities that bring us in touch with the problems and concerns of daily life, as well as with our common spiritual quest. The aim is to develop the art of tasting and feeling the message of each story to the point that we are transformed. Let the story speak to your heart, not to your brain, the author directs. This may make something of a mystic out of you.

Beautifully narrated by Homer Todiwala, this is indeed a volume to treasure, to share, and to listen to many times over, for it is everyone's best companion on the road to spiritual growth.

©1982 Anthony de Mello. Produced and published by Echo Point Books & Media, an independent bookseller in Brattleboro, Vermont.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Echo Point Books & Media, LLC
• Release date: Aug 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9781666677317

Anthony De Mello

Anthony de Mello, geb. 1931 in Bombay, studierte nach seinem Eintritt in den Jesuitenorden Philosophie, Theologie und Psychologie in Barcelona, Poona, Chicago und Rom. Bis zu seinem Tod 1987 leitete er ein Beratungs- und Ausbildungszentrum in Lonavla in Indien. Er gehörte zu den großen Weisheitslehrern der Gegenwart.

Reviews for The Song of the Bird

[RafaelP1956 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A collection of tales, stories, anecdotes, reflections, mostly of Eastern origin, though also Christian, that make us think and reflect on many topics, mostly related to human values and spirituality.

I found it interesting, although I viewed some stories or tales as disconnected or poorly developed. (Translated from Spanish)

[MaW · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It has its charm, especially if one, in pursuit of its story, and God knows what else, is willing to be indulgent. It's not the attitude that generated me, nor will I invoke it, especially since I have disappointed expectations. Each narrative has at least three others ahead that will be a very similar copy: in this, the author is honest and tells you that they are grouped to develop a "thread." But in general, you feel that it’s the height of it all, that the first time it had already been made crystal clear.

It annoys me that it has been introduced under a cloak of "compilation of multicultural stories, which speak for themselves," and then you have explanations several times longer, giving the impression of a fabric stretched much more than could be expected of it under the criteria of decency: "What? You can’t wear a corset tie?" Yes, my dear, if it were possible, it’s your book, you can do whatever you want, but don’t pretend that your very clear opinions, aimed at directing the interpretation of the tales, go unnoticed, which you use more as a deification of your arguments than as a source for them.

That said, there are some very interesting stories (1 in every 20), especially if one doesn’t allow seeing them three more times to overshadow the shine of the first time. Moreover, they are very short; before you say quidditch, you’ve already finished one, so it’s a low-risk investment.

I also understand that your insistence on certain arguments is partly in resistance to some quite tiresome trends in the hegemonic discourse of the Church. So in the end, welcome and blessed be as a bell holding different notes, and all those stories that one ultimately does take to heart. (Translated from Spanish)

[GuilloHerrera · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Anthony de Mello (Bombay, 1931—New York, 1987) was a Jesuit priest whose books sold millions during the 1980s; they contained simple, enjoyable, and profound reflections. His texts were kept on hand in many homes. Unfortunately, his legacy was overshadowed by the intervention of the Holy Office, led by Ratzinger, which issued a resolution or whatever it's called in ecclesiastical censorship stating that many of his reflections contradicted Catholic doctrine. Many years have passed and perhaps Anthony de Mello is out of fashion, but I believe that if his reflections help us become a little better human beings, then they are welcome, because the rest matters little. (Translated from Spanish)

[TresDelfines · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Phrases, short stories, fables, morals, teachings, sometimes dialogues, sometimes soliloquies, and sometimes just imagination... A compendium of a little wisdom, a little good advice, and a lot of good reading. (Translated from Spanish)

[Silviadelvalle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Essential for the header (Translated from Spanish)