
The Song of the Bird

Now I know that I couldn’t really change until I found someone who would love me whether I changed or not.
Anthony De Mello • The Song of the Bird
THE LITTLE FISH “Excuse me,“ said an ocean fish. “You are older than I, so can you tell me where to find this thing they call the ocean?” “The ocean,” said the older fish, “is the thing you are in now.” “Oh, this? But this is water. What I’m seeking is the ocean,” said the disappointed fish as he swam away to search elsewhere.
Anthony De Mello • The Song of the Bird
SEARCHING IN THE WRONG PLACE A neighbor found Nasruddin on hands and knees. “What are you searching for, Mullah?” “My key.” Both men got on their knees to search. After a while the neighbor said, “Where did you lose it?” “At home.” “Good Lord! Then why are you searching here?” “Because it’s brighter here.” Search for God where you lost him.
Anthony De Mello • The Song of the Bird
A VITAL DIFFERENCE Uwais the Sufi was once asked, “What has grace brought you?” He replied, “When I wake in the morning I feel like a man who is not sure he will live till evening.” Said the questioner, “But doesn’t everyone know this?” Said Uwais, “They certainly do. But not all of them feel it.”
Anthony De Mello • The Song of the Bird
“That’s the eagle, the king of the birds,” said his neighbor. “He belongs to the sky. We belong to the earth—we’re chickens.” So the eagle lived and died a chicken, for that’s what he thought he was.
Anthony De Mello • The Song of the Bird
you more fish and more money. Soon you would have enough money to own two boats…maybe even a fleet of boats. Then you would be a rich man like me.” “What would I do then?” “Then you could really enjoy life.” “What do you think I am doing right now?”
Anthony De Mello • The Song of the Bird
Stop searching, little fish. There isn’t anything to look for. All you have to do is look.
Anthony De Mello • The Song of the Bird
THE CONTENTED FISHERMAN The rich industrialist from the North was horrified to find the Southern fisherman lying lazily beside his boat, smoking a pipe. “Why aren’t you out fishing?” said the industrialist. “Because I have caught enough fish for the day,” said the fisherman. “Why don’t you catch some more?” “What would I do with it?” “You could
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EAT YOUR OWN FRUIT A disciple once complained, “You tell us stories, but you never reveal their meaning to us.” Said the master, “How would you like it if someone offered you fruit and masticated it before giving it to you?” No one can find your meaning for you. Not even the master.