A Journey of Self-Discovery and Cosmic Connection
Every human being, at some point, grapples with the concept of divinity. How we perceive the divine greatly influences how we understand ourselves and our place in the cosmos. While there are many ways to envision divinity, let us ponder the “Three Faces of God” – “I am That,” “Thou art,” and “It, the Ground of All Being.” Each provides a distinct lens through which we may view and experience the divine.
1. Divine Within: The Face of “I am That”
“I am That” is a call to recognize the divine within us. It is not just a statement; it’s an acknowledgment of our inherent divinity. This perspective dissolves the illusion of separateness, helping us realize that we’re not merely fleeting existences in an indifferent universe, but integral fragments of a divine whole.
This face asks us to engage in deep introspection, to see beyond the veil of our mundane identities, and to understand that our true essence is not our transient ego, but the eternal spirit. Could it be that we’re more divine than we’ve ever imagined? This face prompts us to explore that possibility.
2. Divine As Other: The Face of “Thou Art”
The face of “Thou Art” offers a contrasting perspective. Here, the divine is seen as the ‘Other,’ an entity outside ourselves with whom we can establish a personal connection. This relationship with the divine, filled with reverence and love, is akin to the bond between a devotee and their deity.
In this model, God is the figure we pray to, seek comfort from, and surrender our troubles to. It’s a perspective that creates a powerful, intimate bond with the divine, letting us experience the divinity not as a part of us, but as a separate, caring, and guiding entity.
3. Divine As All: The Face of “It, the Ground of All Being”
The third face, “It, the Ground of All Being,” portrays God as an impersonal essence, the primal energy that permeates the cosmos. This face of divinity does not personify the divine but sees it as the raw material of existence. It is the unchanging reality amidst the ceaseless flux of the universe.
This view urges us to go beyond the traditional understandings of God and probe deeper into the mysteries of existence. Could it be that the divine is not just a deity or a spirit within, but also the very fabric of reality?
Wrapping Up
The Three Faces of God offer a multidimensional understanding of the divine, guiding us on our spiritual and philosophical quest. They propose different ways to connect with the divine, based on our personal inclinations and spiritual needs. More than a simple triad, they represent a spectrum of possibilities on our spiritual journey.
In acknowledging these perspectives, we can foster a richer understanding and experience of God, allowing us to discover the divine within ourselves, in an intimate relationship, and as the underlying reality of existence. Such an exploration can become a catalyst for personal growth and spiritual evolution, leading us to new levels of self-discovery and cosmic connection. After all, isn’t that what the quest for understanding divinity is all about?
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
Morgan O. Smith 