Your body – The living temple of God

I once met a biker. He was cleaning his bike with great care. He obviously loved his motorcycle dearly. “This bike has been my best friend for the last 20 years he said. “I have travelled far and wide on this bike and I maintain it in perfect condition,” he told me proudly. The gleaming bike was proof of his love and care. 

Then sadly he went on to say how because of his numerous health issues he was unable to ride his beloved bike anymore. All he could do now was admire his perfectly maintained bike, remembering the wonderful times he had had but with the regret that he would no more ride it. 

There is a great learning for each one of us here. 

The biker maintained his bike in the best condition but failed to give that same care and effort for his own health. 

We human beings take great care of our worldly possessions like our vehicles, house, gadgets etc. but often ignore the beautiful divine machine that drives all of these, your body. The best knowledge, greatest wealth, and finest physical pleasures in the world are useless with a body that is incapable of enjoying them. 

Health is the condition in which one maintains oneself where the possibility of sickness, illness and weakness is eradicated. And how does one maintain good health? The basic requirement to keep oneself healthy are nourishment, exercise and rest. One should take the effort to have a nutritious diet, right exercise and adequate rest. Without the balance of these three pillars maintaining health is not a possibility. Health, isn’t only about strengthening your weaknesses but also maintaining the strengths you already possess. 

Once healthy, the foundation is laid to enjoy your wealth, knowledge and achievements. A healthy body is the necessary requirement even to experience the divine. 

Be it the Bhagwat Gita, the Bible or the Quran, every great scripture emphasises the value of caring for one’s own body and health. It is a responsibility that must be fulfilled. 

The Bible refers to the body as the ‘living temple of God’ because your body is the only temple where you can experience the Divine. 

Wishing you a life of peace, happiness and success. 

Aham Brahmasmi!!