The phrase "Temple is the human body and God is in the heart" captures a profound teaching in Hinduism that emphasizes the sanctity of the human body and the inner presence of the divine. This concept has several layers of meaning and is rooted in various Hindu scriptures and philosophical traditions. Here’s an expanded explanation:
The Human Body as a Temple
- Sacredness
of the Body: In Hinduism, the human body is often likened to a temple.
Just as a temple is a physical structure where devotees worship and seek
communion with the divine, the body is seen as a sacred vessel that houses
the soul (Atman). This perspective encourages reverence for the body,
recognizing it as a gift from the divine and a crucial instrument for
spiritual practice.
- Yoga
and Discipline: The body is considered a means to achieve higher
states of consciousness and spiritual enlightenment. Practices like yoga,
meditation, and pranayama (breath control) are means to purify and prepare
the body for spiritual experiences. Maintaining the body through healthy
living and ethical behavior is akin to keeping a temple clean and worthy
of divine presence.
- Symbolism
in Scriptures: Various Hindu texts, including the Upanishads,
emphasize the idea that the body is a microcosm of the universe. For
instance, the Mundaka Upanishad speaks of the body as having "nine
gates" (the openings in the human body) through which one experiences
the external world, similar to how a temple has gates for devotees to
enter and exit.
God in the Heart
- Inner
Divinity: Hindu philosophy teaches that God, or Brahman, resides
within the heart of every individual. This is articulated in the Bhagavad
Gita, where Krishna tells Arjuna that the Supreme Being is present in the
heart of all beings (Gita 18:61). This indwelling presence of God is often
referred to as the "Antaryami" (inner controller).
- The
Heart as the Seat of Consciousness: The heart, in Hindu metaphysics,
is more than a physical organ. It is the seat of consciousness and the
center of spiritual intuition and feeling. Meditation practices often
involve focusing on the heart chakra (Anahata), which is believed to be
the center of love, compassion, and divine connection.
- Path
of Devotion (Bhakti): In the Bhakti tradition, which emphasizes loving
devotion to a personal God, the heart is considered the primary locus of
devotional practices. Devotees are encouraged to cultivate love and
surrender to God within their hearts, fostering a direct and personal
relationship with the divine.
Practical Implications
- Holistic
Living: Recognizing the body as a temple encourages a holistic
approach to living. This includes physical health through diet and
exercise, mental health through meditation and positive thinking, and
spiritual health through prayer and ethical living.
- Self-Realization:
The idea that God resides in the heart underscores the importance of
self-realization. Spiritual practices aim to help individuals realize
their true nature and the divine presence within, leading to a state of
liberation (Moksha).
- Interconnectedness:
This teaching also promotes the understanding that all beings are sacred,
as the divine resides in everyone. It fosters a sense of respect,
compassion, and unity towards others, breaking down barriers of separation
and promoting universal love.
In summary, the teaching "Temple is the human body and
God is in the heart" encapsulates the Hindu view of the body as a sacred
vessel and the heart as the abode of the divine. It highlights the importance
of maintaining the purity of the body and mind, engaging in spiritual
practices, and recognizing the divine presence within oneself and others. This
holistic perspective encourages a life of devotion, self-discipline, and inner
exploration, ultimately leading to spiritual fulfillment and enlightenment.