The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff.
Hanuman, the devotee of Rama, said: When I identify myself with the body, O Lord, I am Thy creature, eternally separate from Thee. When I identify myself with the soul, I am a spark of that Divine Fire which Thou art. But when I identify myself with the Atman, I and Thou art one.
Knowing that I am different from the body, I need not neglect the body. It is a vehicle that I use to transact with the world. It is the temple which houses the Pure Self within.
While fasting detoxifies the body, silence purifies speech and brings rest to the chattering mind, and meditation takes you deep into your own being.
Keep your body as clean as possible, your mind as clear as possible. That’s all you need. And do it in any way you can, in your own way. It doesn’t matter. And then you’ll be useful.
As long as you have attachment to the body and attachment to objects, fear and suffering will be with you. Therefore Krishna told Arjuna to develop his discrimination and rid himself of body consciousness. Only then he would be able to develop integral vision.
Our body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care.
Our body in Kali Yuga is a field of action: As a man sows, so is his reward. Nothing by empty talk is determined: Anyone swallowing poison must die. Brother! Behold the Creator’s justice: As are a man’s actions, so is his recompense.
If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body. You are the continuation of each of these people.
