"العالم والمعلوم واحد. الناس البسطاء يتصورون أنه يجب عليهم رؤية الله وكأنه واقف هناك وهم هنا. الأمر ليس كذلك. الله وأنا واحد في المعرفة."

This quote is all about the deep connection between the observer and what is observed, and it highlights the unity between God and the individual through knowledge. It’s saying that rather than seeing God as a separate entity, standing apart from us, there’s a profound oneness where God and our understanding merge into one.

Historically speaking, this quote is attributed to Meister Eckhart, a German theologian, philosopher, and mystic who lived during the late 13th and early 14th centuries. Eckhart was known for his teachings on the direct connection between the soul and God, which often diverged from the more traditional views of the church at the time. He believed in an intimate and immediate experience of the divine, rather than a distant or hierarchical relationship.

Now, let’s paint a picture to make this idea tangible. Imagine a musician who’s deeply connected to their instrument. When they play, it’s not just about hitting the right notes. There’s a unity between the musician and the music – they become one with the melody. You watch them and can almost feel that they aren’t playing the music; they are the music. That’s the kind of oneness Eckhart is talking about, but in the context of our relationship with God and knowledge.

Think about how you might apply this in your life. If you’ve ever tried meditation or mindfulness, you know it’s about getting to a place where you’re fully present. Start by quieting your mind, focusing on your breath, or repeating a simple mantra. In those moments, you might feel a sense of unity with everything around you. It’s not about seeing God as some far-off figure but sensing that connection deeply within yourself.

Here’s a story to bring this home. Picture Sarah, a young artist. She’s always felt a spiritual connection when she paints. One afternoon, she’s working on a new piece. As she lets her brush glide over the canvas, she loses herself in the process. The colors, the strokes – everything flows naturally. In that moment, she feels like the art and she are one. It’s as if she’s not just creating the painting; she’s experiencing it, living it. Later, when she reflects on this experience, it strikes her that this is how she feels connected to something greater, something divine. She understands that it’s not about searching for God outside but feeling that unity within her own act of creation.

In our daily lives, pursuing this sense of oneness can be transformative. Whether you’re tackling a challenging project at work, playing with your kids, or even just enjoying a walk in nature, try to immerse fully in the experience. Let go of the separation between you and the task. Feel the flow, the connection, the unity.

So next time you find yourself seeking something greater, remember Eckhart’s wisdom. Don’t look outside for a distant figure. Try to find that oneness in your own experiences, your own knowledge, your own being. It’s right there, waiting for you to recognize it. And that, my friend, is where the magic happens.