All questions at the public meeting that day were about life beyond the grave. The Master only laughed and did not give a single answer.
To his disciples, who demanded to know the reason for his evasiveness,
he later said, “Have you observed that it is precisely those who do not
know what to do with this life who want another life that will last forever?”
“But is there life after death or is there not?” persisted a
disciple.
“Is there life before death? That is the
question!” said the Master enigmatically.
Anthony de Mello
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Anthony de Mello (1931-1987) was an Indian Jesuit priest and psychotherapist. A spiritual teacher, writer and public speaker, De Mello wrote several books on spirituality and hosted numerous spiritual retreats and conferences. He continues to be known for his storytelling, which drew from the various mystical traditions of both East and West.
Image: A postage stamp issued by Mongolia in 1988 depicts dune Bagshai Buddha image. Courtesy https://www.buddhiststamp.com/