Vedic Worldview

Are Body-Based Goals Evolutionary?

Oct 1, 2023

The podcast explores the evolutionary aspect of body-based goals and whether they hinder our progress. It discusses remarkable individuals who achieved enlightenment despite physical limitations, such as Helen Keller. The story of Tatwala Baba, with 100-year-old dreadlocks, highlights the power of Vedic meditation. Embracing change and understanding our body characteristics are emphasized, along with the benefits of Ayurveda for perfect health. The podcast encourages prioritizing enlightenment and offers access to the Raju family, masters of Ayurveda in India.

19:04

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Quick takeaways

Having body-based goals can limit one's ability to raise consciousness and keep them tied to the cycle of reincarnation.

The goal of achieving Kaya Kalpa, the ability to consciously decide the time of death, can be realized through regular practice of Vedic meditation and understanding one's body nature through Ayurveda.

Deep dives

The Importance of Consciousness over Body-based Goals

The podcast episode explores the idea that having body-based goals can limit one's ability to raise consciousness and keep them tied to the cycle of reincarnation. The speaker discusses examples of enlightened individuals, such as the deformed Ṣṭavākra and Helen Keller, who achieved heightened states of consciousness despite physical limitations. They emphasize that while having a great-looking body may be desirable, it cannot be the sole focus for achieving enlightenment. The podcast highlights the importance of prioritizing one's consciousness state and paying attention to their inner growth rather than solely focusing on the physical body.

Introduction

2min

The Relationship Between Body and Enlightenment

6min

The Story of Tatwala Baba and Kaya Kalpa

6min

Embracing Change and Understanding Body Characteristics

3min

Exploring the Ayurvedic Approach to Perfect Health

3min

One of the features of modern life that sets us apart from our ancestors is our focus on the shape, form and function of our bodies, or “looking good,” so to speak.

Though many of us give little thought to the subject, some are obsessed with how we present ourselves physically, and most of us are somewhere in between.

It would be fair to say, though, that we’re probably much more “body-centric” than our grandparents or earlier generations were.

So is such behavior evolutionary or does it slow us down and keep us at the superficial level of life?

In this episode, a listener poses a question to Thom about the compatibility of body-based goals with our evolution, and whether they hold us back or not.

As is often the case, Thom makes the distinction between cause and effect, and gives us clear instructions on where to focus our efforts.

Episode Highlights:

[00:58] What's Beyond the Body?

[02:46] Overcoming Odds for Enlightenment: Ashtavakra and Helen Keller

[04:11] Magnificent Creatures

[07:00] Tat Wale Baba

[08:18] Jata

[10:00] Consciousness Shapes Appearance

[12:18] Aligning with the Laws of Nature

[14:01] Know Your Body

[16:01] Perfecting Health with Ayurveda

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