Would you like to see God?

If you have ever wondered what God looks like, here is a story that I love from the Indian spiritual teacher Eknath Easwaran.

Yesterday we had a triune celebration at Ramagiri. It was Easter, the wedding reception of our dear friends Steve and Debbie, and also the Kerala New Year. I had forgotten all about New Year, so I was a little surprised when I came out of our room after meditation on Sunday morning and found our two little nieces waiting on either side of the door.

I had my red knit cap on. They said, “Close your eyes, uncle.” I closed my eyes like an obedient uncle, and they pulled the wool over them. Taking my hands, they led me into their room and had me sit down. Then they asked, “Would you like to see the Lord?”

“Very much,” I replied.

“Then open your eyes!”

I did, and found myself looking into a mirror all beautifully decorated with fruits and flowers. The face I saw was my own.

This is the Kerala tradition, in which all members of the family are led to a mirror and reminded that the face they see there is the Lord’s. Once this tradition has seeped into our consciousness, it is enough for a woman in the home — mother, sister, wife, or niece — just to say in a very loving voice when we are getting angry: “Don’t you remember where you saw the Lord on New Year’s Day?” I have seen angry people breaking out in angelic smiles when they heard this. It is a beautiful thing to remind someone when he is angry that he is really trying to prevent the Lord within him from looking out through his eyes.

— Eknath Easwaran in The Bhagavad Gita for Daily Living Vol 1: The End of Sorrow

It is a remarkable thing to gaze in your own face and know that you are seeing God. Not only is it a stunning thing to do – the first time I did it, my eyes filled with tears – reading the story above reminds me of how interconnected we are. As the Quakers say, there is ‘that of God’ in all of us. Christians believe that Christ lives in them. The notion that we can see the Lord in ourselves – and other people too – is a truly unifying one.

I really recommend that you try this practice. You might do it with a partner, taking turns at leading and being led to the mirror – or by yourself. Decorate a little mirror and keep it somewhere close to where you most often pray or meditate, or just near your bed. First thing in the morning and last thing at night, see the Lord.