I’m not this body says Meher Baba. Buddha says don’t worship my form. So what are these spiritual masters trying to impress on us. It is the importance of the inner connection which comes to a point where it surpasses the outer connection God willing. Looking at God in the physical form or practices of worship of God at some point move from this connection with the physical form to a clearer connection from only within.
And this last point is most poignant as this inner link is at the Grace of the master. This inner link can be developed to a point with an inner vision to still the mind and find peace. You can empty your mind or bring it under sufficient control to allow Grace in. When your inner connection is still and sincere enough an addition connection is made that is the grace of God. God comes to you linking from above down to your level instead of you looking for him by looking up or in. This I call God’s Grace or decent of Grace. Everything is by the Grace of God but we are not always aware of it. This is the start of a more direct connection.