Sadhana: A Way to God

Front Cover
Crown Publishing Group, 1984 M09 1 - 144 pages

Christian Exercises in Eastern Form

Truly a one-of-a-kind, how-to-do-it book, this small volume responds to a very real hunger for self-awareness and holistic living. It consists of a series of spiritual exercises for entering the contemplative state -- blending psychology, spiritual therapy, and practices from both Eastern and Western traditions.

Anthony de Mello offers here an unparalleled approach to inner peace that brings the whole person to prayer -- body and soul, heart and mind, memory and imagination. In forty-seven exercises that teach things such as awareness of physical sensations, stillness, healing of hurtful memories, and consciousness of self and world, de Mello succeeds in helping all who have ever experienced prayer as difficult, dull, or frustrating. The essential key, he notes, is to journey beyond mere thought-forms and discover satisfying new depths in prayer from the heart. This allows for a greater sense of awareness amid silence, and disposes the one who prays to untold riches, spiritual fulfillment, and ultimately, a mystical experience of God-centeredness. Drawing on Scripture, as well as insights from Eastern and Western spiritual masters, the author has a unique appeal that transcends time, culture, and religious background.

For many years a bestseller in the English language, Sadhana has now been translated into more than two dozen foreign languages. Readers the world over have eagerly received this sincere spiritual leader, who has led many toward the wealth of insight and spirit that dwells within them.

 

Contents

AWARENESS
7
Awareness and Contemplation
28
Personal Benefits from Awareness
56
There and Here
65
The Return to Galilee
69
The Joyful Mysteries of Your Life
71
The Sorrowful Mysteries
73
20
75
Awareness of Persons
103
DEVOTION
105
The Benedictine Method
107
Vocal Prayer
111
The Jesus Prayer
114
36
117
See Him Looking at You
119
The Heart of Christ
120

The Empty Chair
78
Ignatian Contemplation
79
23
85
Healing of Hurtful Memories
89
26
94
Saying Goodbye to Your Body
96
Your Funeral
97
Fantasy on the Corpse
98
Consciousness of the Past
99
Awareness of the Future
102
The Name as Presence
122
The Prayer of Intercession
123
Petition
128
Jesus the Saviour
130
Gospel Sentences
132
Holy Desires
133
Godcenteredness
135
Living Flame of Love
136
The Prayer of Praise
137
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About the author (1984)

Anthony de Mello, SJ, is the author of many spiritual bestsellers, including Awareness, and The Way to Love. A native and lifelong resident of India, de Mello taught throughout the world, and his books have been translated into more than thirty-five languages. He died in 1987.

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