The Soul is Immortal and the Body is Mortal

Almost all men are ignorant or have false ideas about the mysterious relationship between the soul and the body. From where the soul enters the body and where it goes after the body’s death has always been a matter of debate. The Gita very clearly states that the soul cannot be cut or pierced, no fire can burn it. Nor water wet it nor can the wind dry it. Thus it is clear that the body does die, but despite its death the soul does not die. The soul is immortal, always exists and is eternal. Despite the death of the body, the soul remains as it is.

Although the soul and the body are different in nature, they stay together. The sage tells us in the scripture ‘kathopanishad’ that the body is like a chariot with horses harnessed to it. The reins of the horses are in the grip of the charioteer, and the drives them although his boss is sitting behind. The charioteer drives the chariot according to the order of his boss. The body is the chariot, the senses are the horses, the mind is the harness and the intelligence is the driver or the charioteer. The soul is the lord and master of this chariot and hence the intelligence has to do whatever the soul orders. The mind and the senses have then to act accordingly. As long as this process is followed, the chariot teaches the destination i.e. achieves spiritual uplift and salvation, otherwise one knows in which species the soul will have to migrate in the vicious circle of births and deaths.

There is a paradox of immortality of the soul and mortality of the body, and yet there is an unbreakable relationship between the tow. As long as the body is alive, the soul does not leave it despite whatever disregards man shows for his soul. For practical living, both spiritualism and materialism are necessary. There should be simultaneously an attempt must be made for the uplift of the soul. We should review every moment our deeds and go on purifying our attitudes. Self restraint should be made regular feature. Attention must be given to mental health along with physical health also. Pure thoughts are born only when both remain healthy.

The usefulness of the body lies in deeply imbibing this truth deep within the heart and bringing it in one’s conduct.

The jewel of the soul is priceless and yet is being squandered like this, in exchange for a mere shell.

One has to try to develop one’s inner feelings, which can be done simply by training one’s mind. This is a priceless human asset and one you don’t have to pay income tax on.

Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today