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Wellsprings: A Book of Spiritual Exercises
One of the most important inspirational writers of our time, and an internationally acclaimed spiritual guide, Anthony de Mello here presents a way toward peace of mind, inner power, and joy through simple spiritual exercises that blend the ancient traditions of the East with the psychological and philosophical perspectives of the West. Wellsprings is intended to guide us to a deeper appreciation of the physical and mystical realms within us.
In these pages, numerous aspects of self-awareness are explored that for many people are often left uncultivated in the rapid pace of modern life. In the tradition of the great spiritual leaders of the past, de Mello directs the whole person toward a state of harmony and grace -- in heart and mind, body and soul. This book's great insights into our universal spiritual yearnings have had tremendous resonance the world over, and its simple lessons of the spirit have touched the lives of millions.
Wellsprings is indeed a book for everyone who thirsts for inner growth -- regardless of age, religion, or cultural background. If read carefully, its exercises will lead from mind to body, from thought to fantasy and feeling. It is then that we are both freed and empowered, awakened to reality and our real selves. For, as the teacher explains, "in solitude your self is given back to you."
In these pages, numerous aspects of self-awareness are explored that for many people are often left uncultivated in the rapid pace of modern life. In the tradition of the great spiritual leaders of the past, de Mello directs the whole person toward a state of harmony and grace -- in heart and mind, body and soul. This book's great insights into our universal spiritual yearnings have had tremendous resonance the world over, and its simple lessons of the spirit have touched the lives of millions.
Wellsprings is indeed a book for everyone who thirsts for inner growth -- regardless of age, religion, or cultural background. If read carefully, its exercises will lead from mind to body, from thought to fantasy and feeling. It is then that we are both freed and empowered, awakened to reality and our real selves. For, as the teacher explains, "in solitude your self is given back to you."
240 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1985
81 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
Anthony de Mello
173 books994 followersAnthony de Mello was a Jesuit priest and psychotherapist who became widely known for his books on spirituality. An internationally acclaimed spiritual guide, writer and public speaker, de Mello hosted many spiritual conferences.
The few talks which he allowed to be filmed, such as "A Rediscovery of Life" and "A Way to God for Today," have inspired many viewers and audiences throughout the United States, Canada, and Central America. De Mello established a prayer center in India. He died suddenly in 1987. His works are readily available and additional writings were published after his death.
In 1998, some of his opinions were condemned by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI, wrote for the Congregation:
"But already in certain passages in [his] early works and to a greater degree in his later publications, one notices a progressive distancing from the essential contents of the Christian faith. ... With the present Notification, in order to protect the good of the Christian faithful, this Congregation declares that the above-mentioned positions are incompatible with the Catholic faith and can cause grave harm."
Some editions of his books have since been supplemented with the insertion of a caution:
"The books of Father Anthony de Mello were written in a multi-religious context to help the followers of other religions, agnostics and atheists in their spiritual search, and they were not intended by the author as manuals of instruction of the Catholic faithful in Christian doctrine or dogma."
The few talks which he allowed to be filmed, such as "A Rediscovery of Life" and "A Way to God for Today," have inspired many viewers and audiences throughout the United States, Canada, and Central America. De Mello established a prayer center in India. He died suddenly in 1987. His works are readily available and additional writings were published after his death.
In 1998, some of his opinions were condemned by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI, wrote for the Congregation:
"But already in certain passages in [his] early works and to a greater degree in his later publications, one notices a progressive distancing from the essential contents of the Christian faith. ... With the present Notification, in order to protect the good of the Christian faithful, this Congregation declares that the above-mentioned positions are incompatible with the Catholic faith and can cause grave harm."
Some editions of his books have since been supplemented with the insertion of a caution:
"The books of Father Anthony de Mello were written in a multi-religious context to help the followers of other religions, agnostics and atheists in their spiritual search, and they were not intended by the author as manuals of instruction of the Catholic faithful in Christian doctrine or dogma."
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 26, 2016
Harjoituksia sisäiseen työskentelyyn mystikkojen tyyliin.
"... Jos kykenen näin pitkälle,
olen päässyt maistamaan
puhtainta mystiikkaa,
nimittäin kaiken hyväksymistä sellaisena kuin se on."
"... Jos kykenen näin pitkälle,
olen päässyt maistamaan
puhtainta mystiikkaa,
nimittäin kaiken hyväksymistä sellaisena kuin se on."
November 18, 2023
I got this collection of works from a dear friend and mentor when I graduated from Lipscomb, and it took me a while to actually pick it up. I am glad I waited until this past February because I was not prepared to drink deep the water from the “wellspring” that these works are until I knew how to sit still better.
De Mello has a very unique, and interesting way of writing. What I enjoyed most about these poems and short reflections was that it was a full mind, body, and soul experience. He had this way of inviting and coaxing all of ones person to participate in what he was drawing forth.
There are many of the works that I have earmarked to return to frequently because of the way that so graciously slowed my pace, sat me down, and invited me into some simple communion with God.
I’ll be honest, some of the reflections I had a hard time understanding and following, which puts it at a 4, but this is definitely something I hope to pick back up as a companion on the journey to knowing God more.
De Mello has a very unique, and interesting way of writing. What I enjoyed most about these poems and short reflections was that it was a full mind, body, and soul experience. He had this way of inviting and coaxing all of ones person to participate in what he was drawing forth.
There are many of the works that I have earmarked to return to frequently because of the way that so graciously slowed my pace, sat me down, and invited me into some simple communion with God.
I’ll be honest, some of the reflections I had a hard time understanding and following, which puts it at a 4, but this is definitely something I hope to pick back up as a companion on the journey to knowing God more.
July 19, 2024
Was like 1000 mini meditations with the sweet sweet voice of Anthony in my ear. Relatively religious and enjoyed some more than others but recommend if you are a fan of his other work
October 5, 2025
Loved it. Love all his stuff. Great daily meditations.
April 27, 2025
REFLECTING ON LIFE AND GRATITUDE. Think about being on your dying bed - imagine being unable to enjoy your favorite meal, drink, or travel destination ever again. Reflect on how much you value these experiences. Yesterday and even an hour ago, there were many reasons to be happy that you might have overlooked. Gratitude and unhappiness cannot coexist. Cultivating gratitude leads to contentment. Happiness often stems from unnoticed blessings. Listen to those who are happy despite poverty, illness, or lost reputation, and contrast that with the discontent of those who have wealth, health, and freedom but remain unhappy. Gratitude reveals what truly matters.
FREEDOM AND SACRIFICE. The author presents a deep perspective on Jesus dying on the cross, describing it as the ultimate liberation. Jesus lost everything - friends, reputation, health, freedom, and life itself. In losing everything, he became completely free. Naked on the cross with nothing left to hold onto, Jesus embraced this sacrifice and the freedom it brought at the highest price. The message is clear: “If you want to follow me, you must follow with your cross.” Dropping attachments to success, security, or fear frees us from anxiety and allows us to live fully.
CHALLENGES AS BLESSINGS. Everything bad in life is ultimately a gift meant to teach us grace and humility. Even bad experiences can be blessings if we learn to see them as opportunities for growth. Everything sent to us, both good or bad, is a blessing. Living for tomorrow is not truly living. Life is about taking risks, not clinging to security. Those who embrace risk and let go of safety will find their lives enriched and meaningful.
LOVE, VULNERABILITY, AND FAILURE. Love requires vulnerability - it’s for those willing to take risks. The author uses Jim Rohn’s metaphor of sowing seeds: some seeds fall on rocks or are eaten by birds, yet even these seeds serve their purpose in ways we may not understand. We are encouraged to love the rocks and the birds because failure is part of life’s process. Even seeds lost to oblivion are blessed.
TEMPORARY ATTACHMENTS. Reflect on your attachments from 10 or 20 years ago - the loves and fears you thought you couldn’t live without. Many of them have faded away, yet you continue living without them effortlessly. This reveals how temporary attachments are and how freeing it can be to let go of them. Letting go can open the door to greater freedom and peace.
FREEDOM AND SACRIFICE. The author presents a deep perspective on Jesus dying on the cross, describing it as the ultimate liberation. Jesus lost everything - friends, reputation, health, freedom, and life itself. In losing everything, he became completely free. Naked on the cross with nothing left to hold onto, Jesus embraced this sacrifice and the freedom it brought at the highest price. The message is clear: “If you want to follow me, you must follow with your cross.” Dropping attachments to success, security, or fear frees us from anxiety and allows us to live fully.
CHALLENGES AS BLESSINGS. Everything bad in life is ultimately a gift meant to teach us grace and humility. Even bad experiences can be blessings if we learn to see them as opportunities for growth. Everything sent to us, both good or bad, is a blessing. Living for tomorrow is not truly living. Life is about taking risks, not clinging to security. Those who embrace risk and let go of safety will find their lives enriched and meaningful.
LOVE, VULNERABILITY, AND FAILURE. Love requires vulnerability - it’s for those willing to take risks. The author uses Jim Rohn’s metaphor of sowing seeds: some seeds fall on rocks or are eaten by birds, yet even these seeds serve their purpose in ways we may not understand. We are encouraged to love the rocks and the birds because failure is part of life’s process. Even seeds lost to oblivion are blessed.
TEMPORARY ATTACHMENTS. Reflect on your attachments from 10 or 20 years ago - the loves and fears you thought you couldn’t live without. Many of them have faded away, yet you continue living without them effortlessly. This reveals how temporary attachments are and how freeing it can be to let go of them. Letting go can open the door to greater freedom and peace.
September 29, 2009
As the author of the spiritually-themed book, [...:], I am always on the outlook for books that feed my spirit. This is definitely one of them.
I was introduced to this book when I first came into recovery from alcoholism, over twenty years ago. I had just come to embrace that God could do for me what I could not do for myself. Prior to that time, I had become alienated from my Christian roots. This book opened up my eyes in ways I never would have believed.
Anthony DeMello was a Christian mystic who taught his students how to develop a personal relationship with God. This book laid the groundwork for me in order to do that. I cannot begin to tell you how this transformed my life and my relationship with Jesus.
This book is filled with wonderful meditations and visualizations that will help someone find the connection that their soul is thirsting for. Once you have read it, you will want to read his others. I own most of them and they are powerful! He is one of my favorite spiritual authors.
If you like Eckhardt Tolle or Deepak Chopra, you will love Anthony DeMello. He opens doors for people who have become stuck upon theology and have come up empty. Through this book, he provides a key that will open the door to your relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Davis Aujourd'hui, author of "The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude"
I was introduced to this book when I first came into recovery from alcoholism, over twenty years ago. I had just come to embrace that God could do for me what I could not do for myself. Prior to that time, I had become alienated from my Christian roots. This book opened up my eyes in ways I never would have believed.
Anthony DeMello was a Christian mystic who taught his students how to develop a personal relationship with God. This book laid the groundwork for me in order to do that. I cannot begin to tell you how this transformed my life and my relationship with Jesus.
This book is filled with wonderful meditations and visualizations that will help someone find the connection that their soul is thirsting for. Once you have read it, you will want to read his others. I own most of them and they are powerful! He is one of my favorite spiritual authors.
If you like Eckhardt Tolle or Deepak Chopra, you will love Anthony DeMello. He opens doors for people who have become stuck upon theology and have come up empty. Through this book, he provides a key that will open the door to your relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Davis Aujourd'hui, author of "The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude"
December 10, 2019
Poetic, empathetic, experiential writing by a Jesuit pining after Buddhist ideology. This is a fascinating and lovely set of thought experiments that blur Christian ideas into mind settings that Buddhists can accept and meditate on. I found it to be quite lovely.
August 27, 2009
Would not be everyone's cup of tea, but I enjoyed looking at life from his particular spiritual viewpoint. Found it thought-provoking.
January 3, 2015
Fabulous book for christians, a deep thought provoking basis for christian meditation. I couldn't finish it because I am going in other directions with meditation.
February 3, 2016
Inspirador.
October 10, 2016
Excellent book to have on hand to guide your times with the Lord.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews