Buddhism Quote by Anthony de Mello
“What, concretely, is Enlightenment ?" "Seeing Reality as it is," said the Master. "Doesn't everyone see Reality as it is?" "Oh, no! Most people see it as they think it is." "What's the difference?" "The difference between thinking you are drowning in a stormy sea and knowing you cannot drown because there isn't any water in sight for miles around.”
About This Quote
Source Talk: Spiritual Teaching by Anthony de Mello, 1990
Enlightenment is seeing reality without mental projections; most perceive reality filtered through thoughts, not as it truly is.
In simple terms: Seeing reality without mental filters.
Practice observing thoughts without judgment.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- meditation retreats
- therapy sessions
- daily reflection
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What mental filters cloud your perception?
- Can you experience reality without interpretation?
Human cognition often resists seeing beyond ingrained narratives.