In English
The Body Is A Temple
Since God resides in the shareera (body), he is called “.” Since He resides in the deha (body), he is called “.” Since he resides in the field of the body (kshetra), He is called “.” You must recognise the truth that a resplendent, self-effulgent Divine Flame exists in the human body, beyond the darkness of ignorance. You must make efforts to have the vision of the (embodiment of Divine consciousness) within the human body, which is (made up of earth). Within this (the individual self in the body), which is made up of the five elements (namely, earth, water, fire, air and space), one must be able to recognise the Divine . One can find a gem in the earth, `but not in the mind. By the reading of scriptures and by listening to the teachings of elders and great people, one must try to locate the abode of God. This body is not an ordinary thing. It is a temple, which houses God. This is a chariot in which God moves. God is taken in a ceremonial procession installed in this chariot. Hence, it is unbecoming of us to neglect this body or to fill it with impurities. This body must be engaged in sacred and selfless activities, devoid of ego. It should never be allowed to indulge in evil and unrighteous deeds. The reason being “” (the body is a temple and jiva, the life principle, is verily the Eternal Divinity that resides in it). We protect the temple of God with honour and respect, in ever so many ways. We consider it a very sacred place. Such a sacred body, the temple of God, is being neglected today and engaged in evil ways and evil deeds. In fact, it is being defiled. The body is like a boat that ferries you across the (the ocean of birth and death and the sorrow resulting out of it). This can not be obtained easily. This has come to you as a reward for the meritorious deeds you performed in several of your previous births. Therefore, to engage this body in wrong ways is to waste the great merit accumulated in several previous births. “” — so goes the saying. It is very, very difficult to get a human birth. In fact, it is our greatest fortune to have got this human life.