To Keep The Body In Good Health Is A Duty

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“To keep the body in good health is a duty, for otherwise we shall not be able to trim the lamp of wisdom, and keep our mind strong and clear. Water surrounds the lotus flower, but does not wet its petals.” – Buddha

This quote by Buddha emphasizes the importance of taking care of our physical health in order to cultivate wisdom and maintain a strong and clear mind. The quote suggests that just as the water surrounds the lotus flower, yet does not wet its petals, we must also be mindful of our physical health and well-being in order to cultivate inner wisdom and peace.

The lotus flower may be one of the most mentioned and praised flowers in ancient and religious literature. It has been a symbol of beauty and purity in Buddhism, representing spiritual awakening and enlightenment. Its significance does not lie solely on its beauty but also on its ability to thrive in muddy water and bloom unstained by its surroundings.

Buddha considered the lotus as the full embodiment of the essence of detachment and purity. The flower grows out of muddy water yet its petals remain unsullied by the mud; representing the ability to rise above the difficulties and suffering of the world and to attain spiritual purity. The quote, by comparing the body to the lotus flower, suggests that, by taking care of our physical health, we are better able to cultivate inner wisdom and spiritual growth.

The life of Buddha is also a powerful illustration of the importance of taking care of the body in order to cultivate wisdom. Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, was born into a royal family and lived a life of luxury. However, he was deeply moved by the suffering he saw in the world and decided to leave his comfortable life in search of a way to end suffering. He spent years meditating and studying under various spiritual teachers, but it wasn’t until he found the Middle Way, which emphasized the importance of balance between self-indulgence and self-denial, that he attained enlightenment and became the Buddha.

The lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is an aquatic perennial plant commonly cultivated in water gardens. The seeds or roots of lotus are planted deep in the soil of the pond or river bottom. It normally grows up to 150 cm in height and spreads up to 3 meters. The leaves float on top and may be as large as 60 cm in diameter, while the flowers which are usually found on thick stems can be up to 20 cm in diameter.

To quote Sai Baba: “You must be a lotus unfolding its petals when the sun rises in the sky, unaffected by the slush where it is born or even the water which sustains it.”