Page 2 - Tapovan Prasad 2026

When students first encounter this teaching, some
misunderstand it. Having heard that they are not the body,
they begin to neglect it. Others go to the opposite extreme and
subject themselves to harsh so-called spiritual disciplines such as
excessive fasting or deprivation. Both attitudes are incorrect. When
Vedanta says, “You are not the body,” it is only negating your
sense of identification with the body. It is not negating the
existence of the body.
In fact, Vedantic scriptures repeatedly emphasize how rare
and precious the human body is. It is a wonderful gift from the
Lord. Hinduism teaches that human birth is the result of
countless lives of accumulated puëya. If that language of
spirituality does not appeal to you, then at least consider Darwin’s
perspective: the human body is the product of thousands of years
of evolution!

Therefore, the body should never be taken lightly. It must be
cared for properly so that it remains healthy and serves as an
effective instrument for fulfilling our purpose in life. Indeed, it is
the most precious gadget we possess – far more valuable than
the latest cellphone, jewelry, property, or any other asset. We
must learn the proper use of this extraordinarily complex, yet
extraordinarily useful instrument.

Tapovan Prasad 20 August 2026