"Lulu's Insanity" by Anthony de Mello

A visitor to an insane asylum found one of the inmates rocking back and forth in a chair cooing repeatedly in a soft, contented manner, Lulu, Lulu…

What’s this man’s problem? he asked the doctor.

Lulu. She was a woman who jilted him, was the doctor’s reply.

As they proceeded on the tour, they came to a padded cell whose occupant was banging his head repeatedly against the wall and moaning, Lulu… LULU…..

Is Lulu this man’s problem too? asked the visitor.

Yes, said the doctor. He’s the one Lulu finally married.

This is from The Heart of the Enlightened, a book of spiritual stories by Anthony de Mello.

What is the Spiritual Moral / Meaning of the “Lulu’s Insanity” Story?

One of the profound spiritual lessons embedded within this story is the nature of attachment and its impact on our well-being. The inmate rocking back and forth in a chair, softly uttering the name “Lulu,” illustrates how attachment to a person or an idea can consume one’s thoughts and emotions. When we become fixated on someone or something, it can lead to a state of mental unrest and dependency, inhibiting our ability to find peace within ourselves.

Another spiritual moral illuminated by this tale is the theme of acceptance and letting go. The inmate who was jilted by Lulu demonstrates the pain that can arise from clinging to past hurts and unfulfilled desires. By repeatedly cooing her name, he remains trapped in a cycle of suffering, unable to release the grip of his attachment. Learning to accept what has transpired and relinquishing the need for external validation is essential for inner peace and healing.

The padded cell occupant banging his head against the wall represents the destructive consequences of unresolved emotions and bitterness. Despite Lulu marrying him, he continues to torment himself with thoughts of her, manifesting his inner turmoil through self-inflicted harm. This aspect of the story serves as a poignant reminder of the toxicity of resentment and the importance of forgiveness in the journey towards spiritual liberation.

A deeper spiritual insight conveyed by this narrative is the illusion of external sources of happiness and fulfillment. Both inmates attribute their suffering to their relationship with Lulu, believing that their happiness is contingent upon her actions or presence in their lives. However, the story unveils the fallacy of seeking happiness outside of oneself and underscores the importance of cultivating inner contentment and self-love.

The contrasting responses of the two inmates also shed light on the power of perception and attitude in shaping our experiences. While one inmate finds solace in reminiscing about Lulu, the other is consumed by anguish and despair. This juxtaposition underscores the role of mindset in navigating life’s challenges and highlights the transformative potential of choosing gratitude and acceptance over bitterness and resentment.

Furthermore, the story invites reflection on the interconnectedness of suffering and liberation. Both inmates are bound by their attachment to Lulu, albeit in different ways, and their suffering stems from their inability to transcend the limitations of their egoic desires. However, it is through their suffering that they may eventually find the path to liberation, as suffering often serves as a catalyst for inner transformation and spiritual growth.

Ultimately, this story serves as a profound reminder of the importance of inner freedom and liberation from the shackles of attachment and ego. By letting go of the need for external validation, embracing acceptance, and cultivating gratitude, we can free ourselves from the cycles of suffering and find true peace within. It is through this journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening that we can reclaim our power and experience the profound joy of being.

Personal Reflection Questions

Spiritual stories are an opportunity to reflect on your own life. Here are 10 questions you can use to go deeper with the teachings in this story:

Reflecting on the characters in the story, what emotions arise within you as you envision the inmate rocking back and forth in contentment while uttering “Lulu, Lulu”?
How does the image of the inmate’s repetitive actions prompt you to consider the nature of attachment and its impact on mental well-being?
As you contemplate the doctor’s explanation of Lulu being the source of the man’s suffering, what insights does this offer about the complexities of human relationships and the pain of unrequited love?
Consider the inmate in the padded cell who bangs his head against the wall, consumed by anguish and despair. How does his behavior resonate with experiences of internal conflict or unresolved emotions in your own life?
Reflect on the symbolism of the name “Lulu” in the story. What personal associations or memories does this name evoke for you, and how might they relate to themes of longing, loss, or unfulfilled desires?
In contemplating the visitor’s question about whether Lulu is also the padded cell inmate’s problem, how does this prompt you to explore the interconnectedness of suffering and the ways in which it can manifest differently for each individual?
Consider the doctor’s response to the visitor’s inquiry, revealing that the padded cell inmate is the one Lulu eventually married. How does this twist in the narrative deepen your understanding of the complexities of human psychology and the cyclical nature of suffering?
Reflect on the contrasting reactions of the two inmates to their experiences with Lulu. How does this juxtaposition prompt you to consider the role of perception and attitude in shaping one’s response to life’s challenges?
As you contemplate the themes of acceptance and letting go within the story, what insights emerge about the transformative power of forgiveness and the importance of releasing attachment to past hurts?
In reflecting on the overall message of the story, how does it invite you to explore themes of liberation, resilience, and the journey towards inner peace amidst life’s adversities?