Geetartha Chintane 124: Experiences of Body Belong Solely to Soul

Childhood, youth, and old age are all transitional phases—states of change. The transition from one state to another, like the change from childhood to youth, does not alter the relationship between the body and the soul. The same connection that exists between the body and the soul in youth continues into old age.

When the body is destroyed, does it seem as though it is completely lost? If one body ceases to exist, another body will be taken up in due course. Childhood or old age does not “die.” However, when the body transitions (dies), does it cease to exist? This question cannot be answered without accepting the existence of the soul.

The progression from childhood to youth confirms the uniformity of the experience of “I.” This affirms the existence of the soul. The same observer (witness) who exists in youth and bodily transition also exists in the soul. While childhood and youth affect the body, the soul experiences them.

A dead body does not experience anything. Death and its accompanying experiences do not occur to the corpse because the sensory organs are no longer functioning. As the organs have ceased to work, the body does not experience the sensations of death.

The statement Aham Manushyaha (“I am human”) affirms the existence of a deeper consciousness. If sensory organs alone were considered as the soul, there would be no experience at all. Thus, all experiences ultimately belong to the soul.

~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha

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