Meaning: The quote by Bede Griffiths, a clergyman and theologian, reflects a profound realization about the nature of spiritual seeking and the relationship between the individual and the divine. In this quote, Griffiths expresses the moment of insight when he recognizes that it was not his own efforts that led him to seek God, but rather, it was God who was actively seeking him. This realization leads to a shift in perspective, as he acknowledges that he had been self-centered and turned away from God.

At the core of this quote is the concept of divine grace and the idea that the initiative for spiritual awakening and connection comes from a force outside of the individual. Griffiths' revelation speaks to the experience of many spiritual seekers who come to understand that their longing for something greater than themselves is, in fact, a response to a call from the divine.

The image of having one's back turned to God is a powerful metaphor for the self-absorption and preoccupation with one's own desires and concerns that can prevent an individual from recognizing the presence of the divine. Griffiths' acknowledgement that he had made himself the center of his own existence reflects a common human tendency to prioritize personal ambitions, fears, and desires above the pursuit of spiritual truth and connection.

Bede Griffiths was known for his interest in the intersection of Christianity and Eastern spirituality, particularly his immersion in Hindu culture and philosophy. This quote can be understood in the context of his exploration of the ways in which different religious traditions conceive of the relationship between the individual and the divine. In Hinduism, for example, the idea of God actively seeking devotees and guiding them on their spiritual paths is central to many devotional traditions.

Griffiths' insight also resonates with the teachings of various mystical traditions within Christianity, where the concept of divine grace plays a central role. Mystics such as Meister Eckhart and Julian of Norwich emphasized the idea that God's presence and action in the world precede and surpass human efforts to comprehend or reach out to the divine. This perspective challenges the notion that spiritual growth is solely a result of human striving and underscores the role of divine agency in the process of seeking and finding God.

In a broader sense, Griffiths' quote can be seen as an invitation to reconsider the nature of spiritual seeking and to shift from a self-centered approach to a more open and receptive orientation. It encourages individuals to be attentive to the ways in which the divine may be reaching out to them, even when they are unaware or resistant. This shift in perspective can lead to a deeper sense of humility, gratitude, and awe in the face of the mystery of existence.

In conclusion, Bede Griffiths' quote encapsulates a profound moment of realization about the dynamics of spiritual seeking and the relationship between the individual and the divine. His recognition that it was God who had been seeking him challenges conventional notions of personal agency in the spiritual quest and invites a more open and receptive stance toward the presence of the divine. This insight has resonance across religious traditions and serves as a reminder of the transformative power of recognizing the divine initiative in the human search for meaning and connection.