What does it mean to truly ‘Know God’

Across cultures and civilizations, the questions “Who is God?” and “How can one know God?” have remained at the heart of the human spiritual quest. From ancient sages meditating in deep forests to seekers in silent prayer rooms, from elaborate rituals to philosophical inquiry, this longing for the Divine has shaped both our inner and outer worlds.

Yet even today, for many, the idea of “knowing God” remains abstract and unreachable. True knowing of God is not merely belief, nor an intellectual conclusion; it is a living, transforming experience. It is not confined to any one religion, region, or ritual. It is not about memorizing scriptures or mastering philosophies. To truly know God, we must recognize, realize, and reflect God within ourselves. God is not someone far away to be searched for; God is the very core of one’s being, to be remembered. As the Upanishads affirm: Tat Tvam Asi — “That Thou Art.” This is not just a poetic metaphor, but an existential truth.

The Divine is not apart from us, but within us — ever-present, waiting to be unveiled through self-inquiry, self-purification, and selfless service. Knowing God is not about adopting a belief system, but about shedding all that is false and unreal within us — ego, desire, fear, attachment. When these fall away, what remains is pure awareness, love, and joy — the very essence of divinity. “To know God is to be God, to be Love — not in form, but in the formless qualities of love, compassion, and sacrifice.”

It is a state of inner blossoming, where the soul shines without obstruction. This knowing is not distant or mystical. It is immediate and practical. When one truly knows God, there is a deep inner stillness — an equanimity not shaken by success or sorrow. The mind becomes calm, the heart expands, and life takes on a sacred dimension. Every action becomes an offering; every moment, a movement toward selflessness. This realization must express itself in the world through loving service.

Knowing God is not a withdrawal from life, but a deeper engagement with it — with clarity, compassion, and conviction. Whether through a kind word, a healing touch, or a selfless act, every small gesture becomes an instrument of the Divine when done with awareness of unity. At the heart of our global humanitarian mission — encompassing free education, medical care, nutrition, and rural upliftment — lies this vision of divinity in action. It is not about speaking of God, but about being God-like in how we serve, love, and live. That is true devotion. That is true knowledge. In an era where beliefs are scattered — with some seeking God in remote temples and others in abstract philosophies — the message we must carry is this: “Turn your eyes inward. Keep quiet. You will see the One you are looking for — not as an abstract idea, but as your truest Self.” Truly knowing God is, therefore, to be awakened to this inner presence and to live every day as a humble reflection of it. It is not merely the end of the quest, but the beginning of a divine journey.— By Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai.