How the Body Becomes an Ally

Day 132

The Benefits of Enlightenment: How the Body Becomes an Ally

Vasistha continues his discourse, highlighting the advantages an enlightened being enjoys by dwelling in a physical body. 

The Body as a Tool, Not a Trap:

The text acknowledges that the body functions like a potter's wheel, driven by past karma (actions). However, for the enlightened individual, this body is not a source of suffering or limitation. They've transcended attachment and use the body as a tool for experiencing life and liberation.

Finding Pleasure and Purpose in the Physical:

An enlightened person discovers pleasure in the very existence of the body. They appreciate sensory experiences, social connections, and the freedom of movement the body offers. It becomes a source of delight for living a fulfilling life and pursuing spiritual growth.

The Body as a Vehicle for Wisdom and Liberation:

The body is compared to a chariot or a city. Just as a king uses his chariot to navigate and rule his kingdom, the enlightened one uses the body to move through the world and experience life with wisdom. It's a vehicle for achieving liberation, not a hindrance.

Immunity from Temptation and Ignorance:

The enlightened being isn't susceptible to the usual temptations that plague mortals. Their senses and desires are under control. They experience the world objectively, without getting swayed by cravings or fear.

Detached Engagement:

Vasistha uses the analogy of air touching a pot. The enlightened one interacts with the body as long as it exists, but they remain untouched by its limitations. They are neither overly attached nor repulsed by the physical form.

Actions Without Consequences:

The text mentions a story of Lord Shiva consuming poison without harm. Similarly, the actions of an enlightened person don't bind them to the cycle of rebirth. They've transcended the limitations of karma and act from a place of pure awareness.

Wisdom is the Key to True Enjoyment:

The passage emphasizes that true happiness arises from a disciplined mind, not external pleasures. Just as a freed captive cherishes simple things, the enlightened one finds joy in the present moment, free from desires.

Conquering the Internal Enemy:

Vasistha underscores the importance of mastering the mind and senses. This internal battle is far more significant than conquering external foes. By achieving self-control, true liberation becomes possible.

In essence, this passage from the Yoga Vasistha presents a compelling vision of enlightenment. It's not about denying the body or the world, but about using them both as instruments for growth and liberation. When we cultivate wisdom and detachment, the body becomes an ally, not an obstacle, on our spiritual journey.