Table Of ContentPRATING
N AKE D
Boston Public Library
bosion, iviA UZ H6
PRAISE FOR
Praying Naked:
The Spirituality of Anthony de Mello, S.J.
“Praying Naked is about awakening. Awakening to the treasures
within you. Father Stroud says he’s not trying to change your life,
simply pointing to the treasures inside you. But, of course, if you
constantly realize how rich you are within, your life will change of
itself. This book should carry a health warning: it could change
your life—for the better.”
—Peter de Rosa, author of Rebels: The Irish Rising of 1916
“Vast numbers of people have already benefited from Father Stroud’s
teaching of the spirituality developed by Reverend Tony de Mello;
and vastly more can benefit from reading Father Stroud’s new book.”
—Sir John M. Templeton, spiritual philanthropist
and founder of the Templeton Fund
“This fascinating book is an excellent choice for those who yearn for
spiritual happiness, self-discovery, and self-awareness.”
—Thomas Murphy, former president of Capital Cities ABC, Inc.
“This enlightening book captures Tony de Mello’s wit together with
his spiritual insights. Reading it will enhance your life. It is an
owner’s manual for the spiritual human being.”
—Peter O’Malley, former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers
“I loved Praying Naked. Father Stroud’s reflections on the spirituality of
Anthony de Mello are filled with humor and wisdom. He shows us
how to be calm, to be accepting, and to be loving, but more impor-
tant, he just shows us how ‘to be.’ Father Stroud enhances his insights
with excellent anecdotes, quotations, and exercises. If you enjoy this
book as much as I do, you’ll be quoting from it often.”
—Carmen Finestra, producer of ABC’s Home Improvement and
president of Wind Dancer Production Group
“At some point in every life it’s only the inner path to growth that
matters. Father Francis Stroud’s Praying Naked provides all the map-
ping you will need along that path.”
—Norman Lear, executive producer of All in the Family
and seventeen other major TV productions
IMAGE BOOKS
DOUBLEDAY
New York London Toronto Sydney Auckland
j. Francis Stroud, S.J.
AN IMAGE BOOK
PUBLISHED BY DOUBLEDAY
a division of Random House, Inc.
IMAGE, DOUBLEDAY, and the portrayal of a deer drinking from a stream
are registered trademarks of Random House, Inc.
Book design by Caroline Cunningham
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Stroud, J. Francis.
Praying naked : the spirituality of Anthony de Mello, S.J. / J. Francis Stroud.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references.
1. Spiritual life—Catholic Church. 2. De Mello, Anthony, 1931— I. Title.
BX 2350.3.S77 2005
248.4'82—dc22
2004064940
ISBN 0-385-51314-3
Copyright © 2005 by J. Francis Stroud, S.J.
All Rights Reserved
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
October 2005
First Image Books Edition
13579 10 8642
This book is the result of years of study of the work of
Anthony de Mello, S.J. My own association with him, my
reading of his books, listening to his presentations, producing
television programs and tape recordings with him have all
contributed to what is contained herein.
However, if there is one person who has made Tony’s ap-
proach to spirituality come alive in my own life, I would have
to say that I am indebted to—more than anyone else—Tony’s
dearest and closest friend, Dick McHugh, S.J. Dick confronted
Tony with his own clay feet and probably more than anyone
else made him the fine spiritual teacher he was. Dick has re-
lentlessly done the same for me. As much as I resented this at
the time of its happening, I stand today ever grateful to him
for his honesty and abiding friendship. It is hard for me to dis-
v
tinguish between the values imparted to me by Tony de Mello
and the painful growth afforded me over the years by Dick
McHugh.
For this reason, with heartfelt gratitude, I dedicate this
book to Dick McHugh, S.J.
Of course, there are others who have made this work pos-
sible. I couldn’t write this dedication without mentioning
Jonathan Galente. No one has made my life and work easier,
more enjoyable, and more productive than Jonathan. Only he
and God know the depth of my gratitude. I also thank my
helpers in locations around the world, who assist in organizing
and presenting de Mello conferences. And I thank all who
helped prepare the physical manuscript of this book, including
writer-editor Carole Spearin McCauley for her capable ser-
vices.
}. FRANCIS STROUD, S.J.
FORDHAM UNIVERSITY, NEW YORK
Contents
Foreword xi
Introduction xiii
o ii e
The de Mello Three-Minute Meditator i
The Meditation Method
Improving Tour Self-Image: Four Steps
Tapping into Your Own Treasures
Waking Up: Getting into the Present
Spiritual Principles
Summary for Awakening
vn
Happiness 49
illusions
How to Experience Happiness
t n r e e
Self 66
False Selves
r o u r
Suffering and Illusion 83
Three Thoughts to Ponder
Love
Becoming Loving
Becoming Real
“Don’t Change”
Spirituality in Relationships with Friends
and Business Associates
Waking Up: Three Stories
Dispositions Needed for Awakening
Contemporary Catholic: Live TV Interview
about Prayer 126
vm
