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The importance of human body
Wealth, friends, property, and even
wife if lost, can be acquired again, but the human body is not
like that; once it goes, it can never be got back, no matter how
hard one may try. Human life is most precious, highly sacred,
beautiful and invaluable. It is therefore the prime duty of every
individual to take the greatest possible care of the body. The
body is an indispensable vehicle for experiences. Without it
nothing can be done, not even a simple task. The human body is,
therefore, more precious than worldly wealth and such other
material acquisitions. Life must be sanctified by making proper
use of the body and engaging it in sacred actions. Time gone will
never come back. Once the Ganges merges in the ocean, you cannot
get back even a drop of its sacred water. Likewise, once life ebbs
out and the body is gone, it cannot be recovered.
The human body is
also a clock marking time and the passage of life. It ticks away
the seconds, minutes, days, weeks, months, and years. Man knows
that life is ticking away and yet he does not bother to enquire
about the real purpose of life. No one can say when the clock will
stop. It is, therefore, most essential to make proper use of life
while it is still available. The body is the vehicle for the
journey of life. If the vehicle is not properly maintained, then
one must be prepared to face serious problems on the way.
The
body has been gifted in order to serve others. You must firmly
resolve not only to take care of yourself but also others.
Unfortunately, man today does not know what service means. The
essence of all the eighteen Puranas
can be summarized in two short sentences: Help Ever. Hurt Never
Though God has given
the body for service man does not seem to understand what help
means, being ever immersed in selfishness. Every thought, every
word, and every action is driven by selfishness. Man has become a
puppet in the hands of selfishness and self-interest. How can a
puppet ever be called independent? Selfishness must therefore be
totally rejected and selflessness must be wholeheartedly embraced.
Then alone would the real purpose of the human body and human life
be realized.
You must make an
effort to realize that the body is just an instrument given to you
for a specific purpose, and must further understand that purpose.
The body must be used only for performing good deeds. You must
lead a virtuous life. In the end, you must give up the body with
good thoughts. Do not assume that the body has been given for
enjoyment, comfort seeking, beautification, and useless pursuits
of that nature. Indulgence in pleasure seeking, comfort and luxury
can be dangerous. God has not given this body for indulgence.
Safeguard your body
by all means and take full care of your health, but use your body
solely to perform good actions.
Source:
Radio Sai
E-Magazine March 1, 2004
http://www.radiosai.org/Journals/Vol_02/05March01/03_Spiritual_Blossoms/01_Sathya_Sai_Speaks/sai_speaks.htm
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