The first truth I am referring to is realizing that the human body, given to us, is owned by God. It is neither us nor our property. We are spiritual souls and our material bodies are God’s property. The following facts will substantiate this statement.
A soul is a part of God (The Bhagavad-Gita verse # 15.7). He is given two bodies, both material. The gross body, which we see, is made up of five elements, which are earth, water, fire, air and ether (7.4). The subtle body, which we don’t see, is made up of mind, intelligence and ‘ahankar’ (ego) (7.4). This subtle body, when we lose the gross body upon death, accompanies us to the next gross body we are given. As regards the gross body, it is provided by God to a soul for use during one’s lifetime. God decides how long a soul will occupy a body, being its owner (Shri Ramcharitmanas Ayodhya Kand # 171).
Now using a metaphor of a house, let us understand this spiritual truth. Who builds a house? The answer is: a builder. Who gives us material bodies? God, of course! And what does a builder do? Rents it to a tenant. Who maintains the house? The builder of course! In case of a body, the maintenance is part of the ‘Karmaphala Principle, which is: “What we sow is what we reap.”
Unfortunately, we get attached to our material bodies, just like a tenant many times refuses to leave the house. But the landlord takes help from a court and ejects the tenant. Similarly, the Divine Authority separates the soul from the material body after the given lifespan is over.
After understanding this reality, let us see what a soul should do with the body given to him for a limited period. The main purpose must be to get liberated from this ‘duhkhalaya’ (place of misery) (18.15). Lord Krishna has spoken about it in many verses in the Gita, especially in the last instruction (18.66). Also, during the lifespan given to him, one should aim to get maintained nicely (3.8), which is conducive to progress to liberation.
Lord Krishna has guided in the verse # 9.22 about how to achieve this state. All one has to do is to cut out all thoughts, which do not relate to one’s maintenance and goal of liberation. Then, God will ensure that one will get what one needs for maintenance and protect what is dear to one. All troubles will be dealt satisfactorily with His help (18.58). One will be really peaceful (18.62).
Thus armed, one will be in a good position to advance towards liberation (18.66). One has to just shed attachments gradually (Shri Ramcharitmanas Sundar Kand # 47.3). God will help generously, if we decide to do this. Fear of death will go away assured as one will be of getting a spiritual body next and a place in ‘Vaikuntha’ (Dham of God). Life will run smoothly till the end. What more can one ask for?
The author is a spiritual teacher and a columnist