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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…” quote by Anthony de Mello
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“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.”

Anthony de Mello

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.

Key Takeaway

Practice observing thoughts without judgment.

Themes

mindfulness perception spirituality

Mood

contemplative calm

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • meditation retreats
  • therapy sessions
  • daily reflection

Key Concepts

non-duality cognitive bias awareness

Questions to Reflect On

  • What mental filters cloud your perception?
  • Can you experience reality without interpretation?
A Different Perspective

Human cognition often resists seeing beyond ingrained narratives.

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