In many eastern spiritual teachings, you’ll come across the phrase, “you are not the body and not the mind.” This assertion is challenging as we invest so much in the mind-body complex all our lives. That investment creates identifications that compel us to defend the body.
Ironically, I have seen people who resonate with the concept that we are not the mind-body complex take excellent care of their minds and bodies, whereas those who defend are callous and neglectful. Of course, this is my myopic viewpoint, but the idea is that knowing “I am not the body” does not imply being neglectful towards it. It is the container that facilitates traversing life and living through interactions.
I recently saw an image of Sri Ramana Maharshi sitting in a squatting position alongside the revered cow Lakshmi. How many of us can perfectly squat like that? To view this image, search for Ramana and the cow Lakshmi. It is available on David Godman’s website.
Adi Shankaracharya said, “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.”
Ramesh Balsekar was a bodybuilder in his youth, and he spent a lot of time walking in his old age, which kept him fit. I myself follow a regimen of high intensity workout every single day to keep the body fit. Yet, I say I am not the body.
With love,
Jagjot
