The Creature That Is Man
Is there more to mankind than the physical body that he carries about?
Humanity is different and unique in all creatures on earth, in that we stand on our two feet by walking straight. We are verbal, think, express an opinion, reason with our brain, create, as well as destroy.
We have the use of the four sense organs, that is we can see, hear, touch (or feel) and smell. These four senses are through the physical body, which perishes with the body at death.
It is therefore natural to serve the need of the body, without much thought to what happens after death. Some even deride the belief of life after death, according to them, no one has come back to tell us whether there is an afterlife.
The Inner Consciousness
The force that animates the physical body is the spirit, and this is the core. Various teaching, both secular and non-secular has different names for this core in man. In Vedic Scriptures, it is referred to as the ‘Atman’, the real self within- the source of life inside us.
Although this is a bit difficult to explain, the fact that we ‘explore’ during our sleep, by going places, and having a conversation while still lying on our bed indicates the duality that is in man. While the body is at sleep, the spirit goes on exploration, giving information where necessary.
This shows us that the Spirit is independent of the body. We know it is eternal and will continue to live on after physical death. The spirit manifests in intuitive perception which is also known as the inner voice, while the intellect arises in the brain, which perishes at death.
Hence it follows it is wise that the spirit takes the first place in a man’s life, and he must use the intellect rightly, as a complementary instrument on earth. But today, the reverse is the case, the intellect dominates the spirit, suppressing its voice and direction.
The inner spirit in man is one reason why it is possible to direct the affairs of a man who recognises and give credence to that power. It is for those who are able to have spiritual experiences because they have nurtured that part of themselves as being an equally important part of their existence.
This Spiritual nurture is NOT possible for those who immerse themselves purely in earthly matters. This necessarily does not have to be a religious issue or matter, but in thought and interest, and what predominantly occupies his mind.
Unfortunately, the man of today has little time for spiritual matters, which alone mediates eternal value to him.
It Is In The Air
Self-control and pure volition are what is needed to project one’s will consciously in the world. That is self-control over one’s thoughts such that one becomes cognizant of the thoughts that emanate from one.
Thought forms are so powerful forces that can affect our surrounding and therefore us. Our thoughts are not there to trifle with nor it is a playground because we affect everyone and everything with our thoughts. When we realise this, we want to ensure our thoughts regards everything around us is pure.
Thus man is co-creator of his path in life, he decides his path and navigates his terrain on earth by the thoughts he sent out. And unless he is spiritually conscious of this power in him, he is not going to take advantage of it by building a joyous and happy life for himself here on it.
In spiritual matters, only simple thinking and intuitive perceiving bring CLARITY. Man has no idea of the greatness of simplicity. He places little value on it and therefore does not recognise it either.
‘’To walk the spiritual path is to continually step out into the unknown.’’ Wallace Huey
With thought forms, as in all else in the spiritual realm, what you send out comes back to you. And because what you sent out is sowing, you reap in multiples of what you sowed.
All these prove that the creature that is man is more than just a physical body but a spiritual being on an earthly journey. When he is conscious of his power, it is possible for him to enjoy both the physical and the spiritual world intermittently.