In the quote by Orest Bedrij, featured in Mark Nepo's "The Book of Awakening," the author emphasizes the necessity of embodying divine qualities to truly understand God. Simply acknowledging or recognizing God without reflecting His attributes is insufficient, akin to attempting to swim without immersing oneself in water. This suggests that genuine spiritual understanding arises from active engagement and transformation rather than mere intellectual acknowledgment.
This perspective encourages readers to cultivate qualities such as compassion, love, and humility, which are central to many spiritual teachings. By living these qualities, individuals can experience a deeper, more personal connection with divinity. The quote serves as a reminder that true spirituality involves taking action and embracing the characteristics that align with a divine nature.