The Song of the Bird

For people who like to start (or end) the day with positive, uplifting spiritual thought, these parables, chosen from many different beliefs, all speak to the universal truths: kindness, forgiveness, honoring the divine in everyone. They embody the principles espoused by most (if not all) of the world's major religious traditions and focus on the importance of what we do rather than what we preach. I've read this book off and on for years, and it never gets old.

I liked it.

deMello has taken 124 ancient and contemporary stories from various religious traditions and recorded them in a sequence that leads the reader to greater spiritual growth. Most stories are followed with a commentary that provide insight for further reflection. In the preface, deMello instructs the reader to read each story three times before moving on to the next, taking time to reflect on its inner depth and meaning. I followed deMello's instruction and confined my reading to one parable or tale each morning. Throughout the day it would return to me, either to amuse, enlighten or both.. Interestingly, I was already familiar with many of the tales but viewed them differently in the past. deMello has generated a refreshing, sometimes novel, interpretation that always inspires. Song of the Bird is a book that will be read again and again. The compilation is proof that although Truth has many ways of revealing itsself, it remains consistent and eventually reveals itself to all who seek it.

The most interesting thing about reading this book, beyond the wisdom to be gleaned, is seeing the religions and philosophies together in one place.

I found this book in 1984 while on a retreat and it opened me to a new way of looking and thinking that changed my life for the better. The book in in the form of short parables and stories followed by comment by deMello. From there I discovered other Anthony de Mello books as they came out. Unfortunately, deMello died in 1987, but some of his followers created a foundation that continued to discover and print his notes in the form of several books. Since reading his books and listening to his lectures on the Internet, I have continued to expand my knowledge of the blending of Eastern/Western thought. He pierces through our labels and conceptual thinking to the deeper truth.

I've had this book for years. Lots of wisdom in it. I loaned it to a friend, and she returned it, wanting me to copy a couple of pages for her; I thought I'd do better than that, so I bought her a copy. It has a new cover on it, but it's the same contents. It has stories you read in little increments and then ponder them; they cause you to think, and they may cause you to laugh. You will want to keep a copy of this in your library.

Good thought provoking short stories.

Nothing

Ce livre se lit facilement, à n'importe quelle page si on le souhaite. Chaque petit poème nous amène à prendre conscience de nos comportements, de nos conditionnements en utilisant l'humour, ou l'étonnement. Je recommande particulièrement son autre ouvrage "appel à l'amour" qui est incroyable de justesse et vous guidera vers l'éveil de votre conscience.

Nice to read

De Mello combines Christian and Hindu exercises to help one pray, but also to help people to deal with stress. The exercises I found relaxing and they built or sharpened my senses at the same time. One soon experiences that prayer comes from the heart. The breathing exercise alone is beautiful. This small book is a treasure and is the best gift one could give to a friend. Also if you love nature or want to become more aware do the exercises in a special place. I sit by the lake. And you can do them any time alone or with others if you wish to share your experience. Today I think a family would benefit the 10 minute exercises.

Muy buen libro, fácil de leer y con muchas enseñanzas todos lo deberían de leer. Lo recomiendo ampliamente para padres maestros, estudiantes.

Still one of the best and most accessible of de Mello's work. I've bought lots of 2nd hand copies to give to friends; nice to find a new reprint. The cover is a tad, well, underwhelming and gives little insight into the contents, but this is an established classic so really, who cares?