Question: Is it true that cosmic gods assume physical forms and disguises and appear before us in order to teach us or examine us? Also, can spiritual Masters assume different physical forms?
Sri Chinmoy: It is true in a certain real sense. The spiritual Master or the cosmic god does not create a new physical form, but rather he acts in and through people or other forms to achieve something or inspire someone. A new physical form is not created, but instead the consciousness of the cosmic god or the Master enters into an individual so that he may act as an instrument.Also, a Master can reveal different faces or make his own features appear as someone else’s face. I had a disciple in Puerto Rico who invoked me so soulfully and devotedly that others used to see my face while looking at her. I am male and she is female, but they used to clearly see my face on hers.
Sri Chinmoy, The soul and the process of reincarnation, Agni Press, 1977