Etash Kiladar - Spiritual and Hindu point of view on the human body

Project by: Etash Kiladar

Mentor: Smt. Sindhu Santpure

In Hindu cosmology, the human body is not merely flesh and blood, it is a profound symbol, a sacred mirror of the universe itself. From the Rig-Veda’s cosmic sacrifice of Purusha to the yogic understanding of chakras and meditative practice, the body is portrayed as both the stage and the instrument of spiritual awakening. It is creation, vehicle, battlefield, and temple all at once, a convergence of the physical, elemental, and divine. Some texts see it as Nature’s web binding the Self, while others reveal its sanctity as a vessel of divine presence. Thesis: In Hindu philosophy, the body is interpreted through multiple symbolic lenses from a divine creation to a spiritual vehicle each offering profound insights into the nature of existence, the Self, and the path to liberation. To understand the body is to begin understanding the Self, and ultimately, the universe.

In Hindu thought, the human body is a microcosm of the universe. The Rig-Veda describes Purusha, the primal being, who sacrifices Himself to create the cosmos, linking the body and the universe. In Vedantic philosophy, the universe is seen as Brahman’s body, emerging from formlessness into form. The body, composed of five elements (bhutatma), mirrors the cosmic structure and returns to these elements upon death, emphasizing the cyclical nature of existence. The Upanishads use various metaphors to describe the body: as a city with eleven gates, a chariot driven by the mind, a sacred field (kshetra) tended by the Self, and a divine vehicle (vahana). These images highlight the body as both sacred and transient, a site of cosmic interaction. The chakra system further emphasizes this, aligning the body with spiritual energy centers. Ultimately, the body serves as a sacred instrument where the divine manifests, capable of both bondage and liberation through self-awareness and spiritual practice.

In Hindu philosophy, the body is Prakriti, the feminine principle that binds the Self to mortality. It is a temporary construct, like a spider’s web, fragile and impermanent. The body acts as a prison for the Self, trapping it in the cycles of birth, death, and rebirth. This physical form, bound by desires and ignorance, limits spiritual progress. The Upanishads describe the body as a prison, confining the soul until liberation. The body also serves as an obstacle, with its desires and attachments obscuring the true nature of the Self. Spiritual practices such as meditation, yoga, and ethical living aim to transcend these bodily limitations.

Through detachment and self-awareness, individuals can overcome the body’s constraints, achieving liberation (moksha) and freeing the Self from the cycle of suffering.

It is thought that in hinduism, the body is a manifestation of Brahman, emerging from His formless state into form. The universe, along with the body, is seen as Brahman’s body (murta), reflecting the divine essence in the material world. Creation, therefore, is not an external event but an ongoing process within the body and the cosmos. The body and the universe are interwoven, with each reflecting the other. As the Upanishads teach, Brahman, the ultimate reality, is the source of all creation, and the body serves as a vehicle for experiencing this divine reality. The body is composed of the five elements (bhutatma), mirroring the elemental structure of the universe. The interplay between body and spirit represents the dance of creation—where the physical and spiritual realms are intimately connected. Spiritual practices, particularly meditation and yoga, aim to recognize this unity and transcend the limitations of the body. By doing so, one can break free from the illusion of separateness and achieve liberation (moksha), recognizing the Self’s inherent connection to Brahman and the cosmos.

Hindu scriptures state, the body is often depicted through symbolic analogies that illustrate the journey toward inner mastery. The body as a city, with eleven gates, represents the senses and openings through which external influences enter. Mastery over these gates—through ethical living and discipline—leads to liberation (moksha). The body as a chariot further emphasizes this idea, where the senses are like horses, the mind holds the reins, the intellect is the charioteer, and the Self is the rider. This analogy underscores the importance of balance: when the senses, mind, and intellect work in harmony, the chariot of the body moves toward spiritual fulfillment. Similarly, the body is seen as a battlefield, with the senses as the site of conflict between divine forces (devas) and demonic forces (asuras). How one uses the senses determines the outcome of this inner struggle. Ethical living through practices like yama, niyama, and dharma help align the body’s actions with spiritual principles, fostering self-discipline and mastery over one’s desires, ultimately leading to the realization of the true Self.

At a spiritual view, chakras are energy centers within the body that align the physical and spiritual dimensions, guiding the flow of vital life force, or prana. These seven main chakras correspond to different aspects of consciousness and govern the integration of body and spirit. The Muladhara (Root Chakra), located at the base of the spine, represents grounding and survival, providing stability and a connection to the earth. The Svadhishthana (Sacral Chakra), found below the navel, governs creativity, sensuality, and emotional expression, fostering healthy desires and pleasure. The Manipura(Solar Plexus Chakra) at the diaphragm symbolizes willpower, self-discipline, and personal strength, fueling confidence and inner drive. The Anahata (Heart Chakra) in the chest represents love, compassion, and empathy, cultivating a deeper connection to others and the divine. The Vishuddha (Throat Chakra), located in the throat, governs truth and self-expression, aligning one’s voice with higher wisdom. The Ajna (Third Eye Chakra), between the eyebrows, awakens intuition and insight, allowing one to perceive beyond the material world. Finally, the Sahasrara (Crown Chakra) at the top of the head symbolizes divine unity and spiritual enlightenment, connecting the Self to the cosmos. Aligning and balancing these chakras is essential for spiritual evolution, enabling energy flow that supports self-realization, personal growth, and liberation (moksha).

In Hinduism, the body is sometimes seen as impure—flesh and fluids that decay and return to the earth. This view encourages detachment from the body, promoting renunciation of worldly desires. However, the body is also revered as sacred, likened to a temple that houses the Self. Every act, from bodily function to spiritual practice, is an opportunity for honoring the divine. Hinduism promotes a balanced approach: neither indulgence in physical pleasures nor extreme denial, but respectful care for the body. By transcending attachment, the body becomes an instrument for spiritual growth and ultimately leads to liberation (moksha).

Our body is made up of tatva abhimani devatas who will help us endure any tasks and body functions. The first level of management in our bodies is thought to be lord Krsishna. He is not controlled by anybody, but he controls everyone and everything in our body. Krishna controls everything from the top of our body, and then comes maha lakshmi devis,who control our variety of our body’s operations. Furthermore, brahma deva and vayu deva are the controllers of our breath. The next god is sri saraswati, followed by bharati devi. Our body is made up of these thatvas, maha thatva, vignana thatva, avyaktha thatva, ahankaar thatva, manas thatva, pancha gnayendriyas ( ears, eyes, nose, skin, tongue, pancha karmendriya (mouth, hands, legs anus, gemitals) and etc. For every thatva, there is a god assigned, and that's why we have to pray to the thatva abhimani devatas everyday. The feet are dedicated to jayanta deva, and he makes sure that we take the right steps (like going to a temple instead of somewhere bad. the tongue is taken by varna deva, he makes sure that we always sing and praise god's name. Indra and daksha controls the hands.

The body in Hinduism is symbolized through many metaphors: a vehicle, battlefield, field, temple, and prison, each highlighting its dual nature. It is both a divine tool and a source of delusion, serving as a means of spiritual growth yet also a trap for the soul. Hindu philosophy teaches that through knowledge (jnana), meditation (dhyana), ethical living, and chakra alignment, the body can be transformed from a source of bondage into a sacred instrument for liberation. To understand the body is to understand the Self, and through the Self, one can realize the interconnectedness of the universe, ultimately attaining moksha.

Link to Final Presentation File