When one closely observes the whole of our being in a technical sense, we can fragment it into its various components. Sri Aurobindo broadly classifies it into five aspects. And lays the fundamental importance in perfecting the five aspects of life, the physical, the vital, the mental, the psychic, and lastly the spiritual.
There are many yardsticks by which one can qualify the quality of health. One of the most basic ways of understanding the ideal physical body is the body that has a sound health and is devoid of any illness. Probably, the simplistic way could be the appearance of an individual. Going a bit further one can look into the height-weight ratio, vitality, metabolism, and the ability to endure physically. Taking the discussion to the non-physical level, the health of the physical body in totality isn’t solely dependent on the health of the parts of the body but rather on how harmoniously are they working with the rational and spiritual parts of the being.
I feel that it has become a norm to think of an ideal physical body as a toned, muscular, equal bust and hip with a narrower waistline. This is overrated. It is fine to have a good body shape, but the ideal physical body can’t be in any way narrowed down to body shape or the measure of physical attractiveness. The most important part of the ideal body is to consider its interrelations with other dimensions of life— the higher intellectual, the psychic, and the spiritual. When one considers them, having a few pounds extra or less, being a few inches taller or shorter isn’t really something that makes you feel better or worst. There is an old Sanskrit adage that says that Sariram Khalu Dharmasadhanam - i.e. the body is a means of fulfillment of dharma. Dharma is the highest ideal that we can set on ourselves in our work.
Our body is driven by impulses, the vital controls the body. The ideal body is the body that has the intellect as the master and allows the working of spiritual knowledge. The physical body can be prepared according to Sri Aurobindo such that it receives higher spiritual light and rejects the lower vital impulses when it acts. The body in its present state has animalistic instincts but if we work on it we can transform it into an instrument that acts in accordance to the greater truth, we have seen that body itself has been divinized by the sages and the saints.
My idea of the ideal body has constantly changed. A decade back I used to think that a good-looking body is an ideal physical body. Now, it makes little sense to consider the physical body a separate entity. In addition to eating habits and physical activity, our thoughts and emotions play a crucial role in the health of the physical body. When we are filled with positive thoughts, it becomes fodder for the physical body. And, you might have experienced that the body rejuvenates with energy and it becomes as light as the air.
The ideal physical body is the one that supports the seeking of the greater truth, and is ever ready to act as directed by the deeper knowledge.
Wishing you the very best.
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I love the day of attuning the body to be a vehicle for our divine expression...our dharma. Have you heard of Kaia Ra? She talks about this in a very powerful way!