NEWS
Fr. Scaria Thuruthiyil’s Antivirus Calls for Freedom from the ‘Ego-Virus’
Fr. Dr Scaria Thuruthiyil SDB says the human ego is a “virus” that infects the mind with sorrow, anxiety and fear in his latest book, Antivirus: Choiceless Awareness.
Published by Royal Book Publishing, the 128-page volume comprises 18 chapters, 20 illustrations and QR codes linking readers to related video clips. Building on Jiddu Krishnamurti’s philosophy, the book proposes “choiceless awareness” — a state of pure observation without judgment — as an antidote to the ego and its debilitating effects.
“Choiceless awareness is both the state and the action of our true nature (soul, spirit, atman), which is grounded and in union with the Absolute Spirit,” Fr. Scaria writes.
The book begins with what the author describes as a stark diagnosis of the human condition: “This virus controls our brains, psyches, and minds — the ‘separate self/ego’ — preventing us from living a life of freedom, creativity, and joy.” He argues, in turn, that the ego is not merely a philosophical concept but a lived reality that can generate fear, anxiety and sorrow.
From there, the author places Krishnamurti’s vision within a broader spiritual and intellectual tradition, drawing parallels with the insights of Anthony de Mello, Eckhart Tolle, Rupert Spira, Deepak Chopra, Osho and Zen masters. He also makes an unexpected connection with martial artist and philosopher Bruce Lee, highlighting the cross-cultural resonance of awareness, freedom and self-transformation.
A recurring theme of the book is Krishnamurti’s rejection of prescribed paths, systems and methods. Instead, Antivirus invites readers to observe themselves and reality without judgment or predetermined conclusions. Fr. Scaria presents this awareness as both a spiritual discipline and a radical transformation of consciousness.
“This book is written solely for those who want to change direction,” he writes, describing his intended readers as those “brave-hearted enough to spark a radical revolution that transforms the mind.”
Fr. Scaria, who has authored 14 books in English, Italian and German, combines philosophical reflection with an accessible and pastoral style. In keeping with this approach, Antivirus seeks to reach readers across religious and intellectual traditions.
“The life of one who lives in choiceless awareness,” he writes, “is a life of love that embraces the Supreme Being and permeates creation with its perfume.”
Against the backdrop of an increasingly fragmented and digitally mediated world, Antivirus: Choiceless Awareness presents the metaphor of the “ego-virus” as a contemporary diagnosis of human unrest and offers awareness as its radical antidote. In the end, the book challenges readers to move beyond fear and self-centeredness towards freedom, creativity, love and what the author describes as enlightenment.















