This book was recommended to me by a Priest whom I greatly respect.  I still wonder what possessed him to pick this work or this author.
First, I must confess that this is the only De Mello work I am familiar with.  As it is the only work of his I am likely to read, this puts me at something of a disadvantage as a judge of this particular volume.
In general, however, Awareness comes across as something of a naked emperor.  Throughout, De Mello paints a picture that you "can't get" until you are "awake."  Thus far, it sounds a lot like any form of faith or mysticism.  Where De Mello diverges is that he defines this vision as a unique entity.  It is impossible to call his vision Christian, let alone Catholic; throughout Awareness De Mello has much more use for the Buddhist transcendentalism than for Christian approaches to God.
As a form of spirituality, "Awareness" is watered-down yogiism, with a dose of EST & a little bit of Simon & Garfunkel thrown in.  This book will probably continue to be a hit with those spiritual seekers who are intent on new-age Godless spiritualism.  However, such a search will always be fruitless.  There is only one Way, and He is apparently of little use to De Mello.
I must, however, cite one benefit of his book.  After completing its nonsensical ravings, it occurred to me that it was right up the alley of a leftist/buddhist friend of mine.  I mailed him a copy, for which he thanked me... then I didn't hear from him for a couple of years.  Coincidence?  Perhaps.  Or perhaps De Mello's book can bring great benefits after all.
This book was recommended to me by a Priest whom I greatly respect. I still wonder what possessed him to pick this work or this author. First, I must confess that this is the only De Mello work I am familiar with. As it is the only work of his I am likely to read, this puts me at something of a disadvantage as a judge of this particular volume. In general, however, Awareness comes across as something of a naked emperor. Throughout, De Mello paints a picture that you "can't get" until you are "awake. "  Thus far, it sounds a lot like any form of faith or mysticism. Where De Mello diverges is that he defines this vision as a unique entity. It is impossible to call his vision Christian, let alone Catholic; throughout Awareness De Mello has much more use for the Buddhist transcendentalism than for Christian approaches to God. As a form of spirituality, "Awareness" is watered-down yogiism, with a dose of EST & a little bit of Simon & Garfunkel thrown in. This book will probably continue to be a hit with those spiritual seekers who are intent on new-age Godless spiritualism. However, such a search will always be fruitless. There is only one Way, and He is apparently of little use to De Mello. I must, however, cite one benefit of his book. After completing its nonsensical ravings, it occurred to me that it was right up the alley of a leftist/buddhist friend of mine. I mailed him a copy, for which he thanked me... then I didn't hear from him for a couple of years. Coincidence? Perhaps. Or perhaps De Mello's book can bring great benefits after all.