Personality Development-Physical Dimension

Physical Dimension

The human body is a rare gift of god. Good health is a source of happiness and success in life. Since the body and mind are closely related to each other. Ill health causes mental warriors and depression, not enabling to pursue a definite goal in life. Swami Vivekananda has rightly said that:

" most of our miseries are caused by our physical weakness."

Our ancient Teachers said: “The body is the means for the pursuit of religion”. Therefore, it is our duty to maintain good health. Swami Vivekananda repeatedly asserted that we must develop muscles of iron and nerves of Steel. In one of his lectures, he said: “Be strong, my young friends, that is my advice to you. You will be near to Heaven through football than through the study of Gita. These are a my bold words, but I have to say them, for I love you. I know where the shoe pinches. I have gained a little experience.  You will understand the Gita better with your biceps, with your muscles, a little stronger”.   

Poor health not only creates tension in the person concerned, but also disturbs the whole family. To meet the medical expenses, the whole family has to suffer from financial strain. A healthy person always keeps is mine cool in all circumstances. He performs his duties efficiently, enthusiastically, and cheerfully. The development of physical strength, which is indispensable to serve others, to protect one’s self interest, should not be abused for by destroying National property. Uncontrol physical energy many times erupts in the form of caste and communal rights, Anti Social activities,  violence robbery, harassment, etc., disturbing the peace and harmony in the society. One must chanalize this physical energy into constructive purposes.

Habits play a vital role in the developing physical dimensions. Bad habits such as drinking, smoking, drug addiction, etc., do great harm to the physical health, making a person weak and susceptible to chronic disease. One must be very careful and should never fall prey to such harmful habits. Even the company of such people who are the victims of bad habits should be shunned at all cost. The influence of bad company is very harmful to the teenagers. Their tender their tender and immature mind can easily succumb to the Temptations of bad habits. Therefore, parents and teachers should keep watch over them and motivate them to cultivate good habits. Developing food habits regarding food, sleep, exercise and work is thesecret of good health.

In ancient India, learning in the Gurukula system, students use to spend their early days in the company of enlightened teachers. By practising strict discipline, such as, brahmacharya, physical austerities, service to guru, study of different branches of knowledge, etc., they would attend tremendous energy within themselves. They were capable of retaining all the Vedas in their memory. The obvious reason is conservation of sensual and mental energy. Over-indulgence in sensual pleasures make the senses bereft of vigour and strength, and unfit for higher achievements in life. Though our sages were married, they have tremendous control over their senses. 

By the practice of brahmacharya, one can easily transform the sexual energy into Ojas, which makes the brain and The Nervous System strong and brings new vigour and enthusiasm in blood. Single-pointed concentration and memory power are the result of Brahmacharya. Swami Vivekananda has rightly said: “Do you see, simply by strict Brahmacharya (continence) all learning can be master in very short time. One has an unfailing memory of what one hears or knows. It is owing to this want of continence that everything is on brinks of ruin in our country."

So, nutritious food, regular exercise, cultivating good habits and self-control helps us to improve our health, which forms a part of personality development. 

Read on Strong Mind and Weak Mind.