Anthony de Mello

Anthony de Mello, SJ, was an Indian Jesuit, spiritual teacher, and psychotherapist, born on September 4, 1931, in Bombay. As the oldest of five children in a Catholic family, he dreamed of joining the Jesuit order from a young age. At the age of sixteen, he entered the Society of Jesus and later studied in Spain and India, where he was ordained as a priest in 1961.

De Mello was known for his unique approach to spirituality, which blended elements from both Eastern and Western mystical traditions. In 1972, he founded the Sadhana Institute of Pastoral Counseling, where he helped many individuals on their spiritual journeys. His first book, Sadhana – A Way to God, was published in 1978 and popularized various meditative practices.

As an author, de Mello wrote numerous books, with Awareness and The Way to Love being among the most well-known. His stories and teachings continue to inspire people today, encouraging them to seek their inner truth and freedom. He passed away in 1987 in New York, but his legacy lives on in works that resonate with spiritual seekers around the world. De Mello was recognized as an exceptional spiritual leader who, through his authenticity and humor, broke down barriers and encouraged people to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.