Human body is like entire creation. It is, in fact, simulated ‘Brahmanand’. This is essentially something we receive from nature. The human body is composed of millions of cells containing the building blocks of life. The knowledge through modern scientific research unfolds the complicated and intricate nature of cells. Consider of a million groups each one composed of a million sub-groups. Human existence is regulated by minute living organisms and herein lies a great philosophy. 

The human body is often described as a vessel and it is so if we look at its contents. Scientists estimate that the number of cells in human body could be up to several trillion. Human life-span depends on the health of these cells. Medical science confirms that longevity can be affected due to stress and tension in our day-to-day life.

The Ishopanishad, in its second sloka, says that one can aspire to live a hundred years, if one so desires. But, for this, one needs to follow a certain life-style and adopt a holistic living regime. It emphasizes on adopting right living – comprising of pure food, pure living and pure thoughts (sattvic aahar, saattvic aachar and sattvic vichaar).

As such, selfless actions (nishkaam karma) generate healing energy and minimize damage to body cells and in this manner they ensure longer life-span. On the contrary, when the body is stressed by selfish pursuits (sakaam karma), a chain reaction starts which hampers normal functioning of the body cells. This reduces energy level and so the life-span of the body cells. Thus using energy judiciously can ensure longevity.

We can say that human body is a super computer with bionic chips at work. Too much selfish pursuit reduces the functional efficiency of the body cells and diverts valuable life-giving energy, which adversely affects not only the quality of life but also the life-span. Selfless action makes one’s life transparent i.e. makes us free from unnecessary stress and tension. The Upanishads proclaim that we are evolved, involved and ultimately dissolved by Brahman. Brahman is one but its forms are innumerable and countless.

Solar energy is responsible for sustenance of life. Apparently food and oxygen are considered fuel for one’s body. But thoughts, strong desires and selfish actions also act as high energy level fuels for one’s body.

Righteous thoughts and right type of life-style are low energy fuels and they sustain life in a dignified and lasting way, whereas actions and provocative thoughts, strong desires and selfish actions are the cause of ‘ego’ which is high energy level fuel that burns the body rapidly and shortens one’s life-span.

Yoga can prove to be fruitful if the body is maintained toxin and pollution-free by adopting right style of living. The body is highly sensitive and if we treat it carelessly and roughly, we would not only weaken it but would be affecting our thought-process and so the mind as well. Remember, the welfare of one depends on the welfare of the other. So, we have to keep the BODY and MIND both healthy and righteous. We need to keep and treat our body with care and lead a holistic life of equipoise, which gives opportunity to become SHATAYU” – the coveted hundred years GOAL within a healthy body.

(The author, an Engineer-cum-Industrialist by profession is a man of varied interests in the fields of education, social work and spiritual awakening. He is an active member of Bharat Vikas Parishad and Chinmaya Mission. His book ‘GRACEFUL AGING’ is a tribute to his rich experience of an eventful life)