Understanding the impermanence of the physical body from "summary" of The Bhagavad Gita by Swami Sivananda
The physical body is impermanent, my dear Arjuna. It is subject to birth and death. Just as the self passes through childhood, youth, and old age in this body, it also passes into another body after death. The wise man is not disturbed by this constant cycle of birth and death. He knows that the physical body is just a temporary abode for the eternal self. The physical body is like a garment that the self wears. Just as we discard old clothes and put on new ones, the self discards old bodies and takes on new ones. This is the nature of the material world - everything is subject to change and decay. The physical body is made up of the five elements - earth, water, fire, air, and ether. These elements are constantly in flux, giving rise to the changing nature of the body. The wise man understands that the self is not bound by the physical body. It is eternal and unchanging, while the body is temporary and perishable. By realizing this truth, one can transcend the fear of death and suffering. The physical body is like a machine that the self operates. Just as we use a car to travel from one place to another, the self uses the body to experience the world. The physical body is a tool for the self to fulfill its desires and duties. It is important to take care of the body and keep it healthy, but one should not become attached to it. Attachment to the body leads to suffering, as one identifies with its changing nature. By understanding the impermanence of the physical body, one can cultivate detachment and focus on the eternal self within.
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