How to Become a God: Spiritual Paths to Divinity

The path to becoming a god represents humanity’s most profound spiritual quest, transcending ordinary human limitations to achieve divine status or god-like qualities across philosophical, religious, and esoteric traditions. From ancient Greek philosophers to modern spiritual teachers, the journey to godhood involves specific practices, perspectives, and transformations that elevate consciousness beyond human constraints.

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Contents

• Philosophical Perspectives on Becoming Divine
• Spiritual Paths to Godhood Across Traditions
• The Concept of Theosis and Deification
• Practical Steps in Esoteric Traditions
• Hindu and Buddhist Approaches to Divinity
• Western Esoteric Practices for Becoming Divine
• Challenges and Considerations on the Path to Godhood
• Modern Interpretations and Contemporary Applications
• Sources
• Conclusion

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Philosophical Perspectives on Becoming Divine

Early Greek philosophy offered some of the first systematic approaches to human divinity, where becoming god-like was achieved through philosophical inquiry and reason. Heraclitus viewed the mind as a dialectical movement between synthesis and analysis, representing a “divine chiasmus of unity and plurality.” This philosophical perspective suggests that by engaging in deep thought and self-inquiry, humans can access divine qualities within themselves.

Parmenides took this further by arguing that thinking is identical to divine being. His famous declaration that “thought and being are the same” implies that by assimilating our minds to truth, we approach a god-like state of existence. In his view, the philosopher who thinks truly participates in the divine realm.

Plato developed this concept most comprehensively through his doctrine of “homoiōsis theōi” (likeness to God). This philosophical path to godhood involves aligning one’s mind with divine reason and engaging in recollection of eternal Forms. For Plato, philosophical inquiry isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about transforming the self to become like the divine. As he expressed in the Symposium, the philosopher’s soul turns toward contemplation of the Beautiful itself, gradually ascending toward the divine.

The philosophical path to becoming divine requires:

• Deep self-inquiry and examination of one’s beliefs
• Commitment to rational thought and logical consistency
• Practice of contemplation and philosophical dialogue
• Development of wisdom that transcends ordinary human concerns

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Spiritual Paths to Godhood Across Traditions

Across spiritual traditions, the journey to becoming divine follows remarkably similar patterns despite different cultural expressions. In the Dada Bhagwan tradition, becoming a god involves first acquiring knowledge of the Self through meeting a Gnani Purush or following the Akram Vignan path. This provides experiential knowledge of the Self that transcends intellectual understanding.

The second step in this spiritual path involves practicing pratikraman—repentance and asking for forgiveness—to destroy faults whenever they arise. As your vision becomes flawless and you stop binding new karma, you gradually develop flawless conduct and become a living god. This transformation requires daily practice of self-knowledge and inner purification.

In Christian mysticism, similar principles apply. The concept of theosis—the process of becoming divine—teaches that humans can participate in the divine nature through grace and spiritual practice. This isn’t about becoming God in the ontological sense, but about sharing in divine qualities through spiritual transformation.

The common threads across spiritual paths include:

• Self-knowledge as the foundation for divine realization
• Purification of consciousness through various practices
• Development of virtues that reflect divine qualities
• Surrender to a higher power or divine reality
• Transformation of the ordinary human into something transcendent

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The Concept of Theosis and Deification

Theosis, or deification, represents one of the most profound concepts in spiritual traditions regarding human potential for divinity. In Christian theology, theosis refers to the process by which humans participate in the divine nature through grace. As 2 Peter 3:4 states, “partakers of the divine nature,” this concept suggests humans can share in divine qualities while remaining distinct from the essence of God.

Joseph Smith taught that humans must “learn how to be a God yourself in order to save yourself.” This radical idea posits that becoming divine involves transcending the egoic self and fully realizing union with all of creation. The path requires overcoming our egoic psychological self, which blinds us to the Divine reality that is already existent within and around us.

The concept of theosis involves several key aspects:

• Union with the Divine while maintaining personal identity
• Participation in divine energies rather than divine essence
• Transformation of human nature through divine grace
• Development of divine qualities within the human framework
• The recognition that “ye are Gods” as scriptures declare (Psalm 82:6; John 10:34)

This spiritual transformation isn’t about becoming God in the sense of omnipotence or omniscience, but about becoming fully human in the way God intended—sharing in divine love, wisdom, and creative power.

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Practical Steps in Esoteric Traditions

Esoteric traditions offer concrete practices for those seeking to become divine through direct spiritual experience. The first step involves choosing a path: the Right Hand Path seeks union with the Absolute, while the Left Hand Path seeks to become a separate divine force. Your choice will determine your entire approach to spiritual development.

Next, study esoteric systems such as Kabbalah, Hinduism, Taoism, or Hermeticism, and learn practices like meditation, chakra opening, or Qi Gong. Each tradition offers unique methods for accessing divine energies and transforming consciousness. The key is to find a system that resonates with your temperament and spiritual goals.

Commit fully to your chosen tradition, as switching paths will hinder progress. Esoteric development requires consistent practice over extended periods. Seek a master who has achieved godhood or deep spiritual insight for guidance—true wisdom comes from those who have walked the path themselves.

The practical steps include:

• Daily meditation and contemplation practices
• Rituals that connect you with divine energies
• Living in accordance with spiritual principles
• Overcoming personal limitations and ego attachments
• Cultivating virtues that reflect divine qualities

As the scriptures declare, “ye are Gods” (Psalm 82:6; John 10:34), but accessing this divine potential requires dedicated practice and spiritual discipline.

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Hindu and Buddhist Approaches to Divinity

Hindu philosophy offers unique insights into becoming divine through devotion and spiritual practice. In this tradition, one can become God by never thinking they are already God, as exemplified by Hanuman who always saw himself as the servant of the Lord despite attaining divine powers. Radha became the queen of Goloka, which is above the Brahma Loka, while still considering herself the most beloved servant of the Lord.

The secret in Hindu spirituality is to maintain humility while developing spiritual powers. If you think that you are the Lord already, you will not attain the grace of the Lord. Only demons thought that they are the Lord or greater than the Lord. The path to becoming God involves devotion while maintaining a servant’s heart.

Buddhist approaches to divinity differ significantly, focusing on enlightenment rather than godhood. In Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva path involves becoming a Buddha for the benefit of all beings. This requires developing wisdom and compassion to the highest degree, with the goal of helping others achieve liberation.

The Hindu and Buddhist paths share some common elements:

• The importance of humility in spiritual development
• The need for consistent practice over many lifetimes
• The cultivation of virtues that reflect spiritual maturity
• The transformation of consciousness through dedicated practice
• The recognition of the divine potential within all beings

While the Hindu path emphasizes devotion to personal deities, the Buddhist path focuses on transcending all conceptual limitations, including the concept of a personal god. Both traditions agree that becoming divine requires overcoming ego attachments and expanding consciousness beyond ordinary human limitations.

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Western Esoteric Practices for Becoming Divine

Western esoteric traditions offer sophisticated methods for those seeking to become divine through spiritual practice. The Hermetic tradition, based on the Emerald Tablet’s axiom “as above, so below,” teaches that humans can participate in divine energies through meditation, ritual, and inner alchemy. This process involves transforming the base metals of ordinary consciousness into the gold of divine realization.

Kabbalah, the mystical tradition of Judaism, provides a detailed map of the divine realms and the human soul’s journey toward godhood. Through meditation on the sefirot (divine attributes) and practice of tikkun (repairing the world), practitioners gradually align themselves with divine energies and consciousness.

Theurgical practices, from ancient Greek theurgy to modern ceremonial magic, aim to unite the practitioner with divine forces through ritual, prayer, and spiritual discipline. These practices often involve invoking deities, working with spiritual hierarchies, and performing sacred acts that bridge the human and divine realms.

Western esoteric practices for becoming divine include:

• Meditation on divine names and attributes
• Rituals that create sacred space and time
• Study of esoteric texts and symbolic systems
• Development of psychic and spiritual abilities
• Living in accordance with spiritual principles

The esoteric path requires serious commitment, as it involves profound transformation at every level of being. As the ancient Hermetic maxim states, “Know thyself, and thou shalt know the universe and the gods.” Self-knowledge is the foundation for divine realization.

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Challenges and Considerations on the Path to Godhood

The journey to becoming divine presents significant challenges that test the aspirant’s commitment, patience, and wisdom. One of the greatest obstacles is the ego, which constantly seeks to claim spiritual achievements for itself. True divine realization requires transcending the very notion of “I” who is becoming divine.

Another challenge involves the purification of consciousness. Becoming divine requires letting go of attachments, desires, and limitations that keep us bound to ordinary human existence. This process can be painful and disorienting, as it involves confronting our deepest fears and insecurities.

The path also demands unwavering consistency. Spiritual development isn’t about occasional peak experiences but about maintaining awareness and practice through all circumstances. As the saying goes, “spiritual progress is made inch by inch, not mile by mile.”

Considerations for the path include:

• The importance of finding authentic guidance and teachers
• Balancing spiritual practice with ordinary life responsibilities
• Dealing with doubt, discouragement, and spiritual dryness
• Avoiding the trap of spiritual pride and ego inflation
• Understanding that becoming divine is a process, not a destination

The journey to godhood also requires facing the shadow aspects of oneself—the parts we’d rather not acknowledge or integrate. True divine consciousness includes and transcends all aspects of human experience, not just the pleasant or elevated ones.

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Modern Interpretations and Contemporary Applications

In contemporary spirituality, the concept of becoming divine takes on new forms and applications. Modern interpretations often emphasize psychological and practical aspects rather than metaphysical ones, focusing on developing divine qualities in daily life rather than achieving literal godhood.

Some modern approaches draw from ancient traditions while adapting them to contemporary contexts. Psychological interpretations of theosis view it as the process of individuation—becoming fully oneself, which includes accessing the transpersonal dimensions of consciousness. From this perspective, becoming divine means realizing one’s highest potential and deepest essence.

Contemporary applications include:

• Mindfulness practices that cultivate present-moment awareness
• Ecological approaches that see divinity in nature and the environment
• Transpersonal psychology that explores expanded states of consciousness
• Integral approaches that integrate multiple spiritual traditions
• Social applications that focus on serving others as a path to spiritual growth

Modern spirituality often emphasizes that becoming divine isn’t about escaping human life but about embracing it more fully. As one contemporary teacher expressed, “The divine is not something to become, but something to realize that you already are—right here, right now, in this ordinary human experience.”

This contemporary understanding suggests that the path to godhood involves recognizing the divine spark within all beings and living in alignment with that recognition. It’s both an inner journey and an outer expression of love, wisdom, and compassion in the world.

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Sources

1. Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews — Review of “Becoming God: Pure Reason in Early Greek Philosophy”: https://ndpr.nd.edu/reviews/becoming-god-pure-reason-in-early-greek-philosophy/
2. Dada Bhagwan Foundation — Spiritual teachings on becoming a god through self-knowledge: https://www.dadabhagwan.org/path-to-happiness/spiritual-science/knowing-god/how-to-become-god/
3. Thy Mind, O Human — The concept of theosis and becoming divine through transcendence: https://www.thymindoman.com/learning-how-to-be-a-god/
4. Astrogle — Hindu philosophy on how to become God while maintaining humility: https://www.astrogle.com/philosophy/the-secret-of-how-to-become-god.html
5. The Occultist — Esoteric practices for becoming a god or goddess through dedicated spiritual work: https://occultist.net/how-to-become-a-god-or-a-goddess/

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Conclusion

The path to becoming a god represents humanity’s most profound spiritual aspiration, offering diverse approaches across philosophical, religious, and esoteric traditions. From Greek philosophers who saw becoming divine through reason and inquiry, to spiritual teachers who guide students through practical steps of purification and self-realization, the journey consistently involves transcending ordinary human limitations to access something greater within.

Whether through philosophical contemplation, spiritual practice, esoteric ritual, or devotional surrender, the common thread is transformation—of consciousness, of being, of how we relate to ourselves and the world. The process requires humility, dedication, and the willingness to undergo profound inner change, while paradoxically maintaining the recognition that the divine we seek is already present within us.

In the end, becoming a god may not be about achieving supernatural powers or transcending the human condition entirely, but about realizing our deepest nature and living in alignment with the highest principles of wisdom, love, and creativity. As the ancient traditions remind us, the divine journey is both an inner exploration and an outer expression—a path that transforms not just the individual, but the world through which they move.