For happiness, we must listen to the four components that constitute our existence in the following order — soul, intelligence, mind and body
There are four basic components that constitute one’s existence. These are soul, intelligence, mind and body. Desiring, deciding, enjoying and suffering are the functions of the soul. The intelligence is the power of learning, understanding and reasoning. It is boosted by superior knowledge and rich experience. Then comes the mind. Its functions are thinking, feeling and willing. Mental strength comes from the power of equanimity in all circumstances. last comes the body. It has external as well as internal functions. The external functions are mostly performed by its senses. The internal systems contribute to keep the body going.
All these functions are important and interconnected. For example, when a food item is offered to us, all the four components come into play. The soul has to decide whether to accept it or not. The intelligence is required to assist the soul in making this decision. The mind, being the leader of senses, is eager to indulge the tongue. And the body through the tongue and the belly is eager to receive it.
let us take the case of talking. It is a function of the body. The intelligence should determine what should be spoken by us, but invariably it is the mind which decides what we say. No wonder we often get in trouble by not considering the consequences. Take the case of desiring. This is in the domain of the soul. Unfortunately, we allow the mind to take over this function, and the mind is mainly guided by lusty thoughts. Our intelligence does not help because it is mostly based on material knowledge. What about willpowerIJ It is a function of the mind. This is weakened if we allow our minds to be influenced by real or imaginary concerns about the body or by lusty thoughts or desires.
We have duties towards all these components. We, as souls, should connect with God, which brings out our intrinsic qualities of eternity, consciousness and bliss. The intelligence should always be upgraded with sound knowledge, especially spiritual. The mind should be made peaceful and strong. And the body should be kept as healthy as possible. However, if there is a conflict between the duties of these components, the pecking order is: Soul, intelligence, mind and body.
One must, therefore, remember the order of importance of these four components. However, for most people it is exactly the reverse. We consider our bodies as most important; the mind comes next, following by the intelligence, and soul is nowhere in the picture. This is the reason for most of our troubles. So, for a happy and peaceful life, we must arrange these components according to their importance.
The writer is a spiritual commentator