Through attachment to the body, the perception of “Aham Manushyaha” (I am human) arises. However, in reality, it is not necessary for us to be human. A human body can house the life of a crow, a dog, or even that of a tree. If the life within a tree perceives itself as human, it becomes a delusion. It is merely recognizing the humanity present in the body it occupies.

Similarly, we identify with the mind. However, knowledge does not reside in the body or the mind—it resides solely in the soul (Atman). The Atman has no inherent humanity. The notion of “I am human” arises not from the body but from the soul’s association with the body. This feeling is born from attachment to the body.

This attachment (Abhimana) is also the reason we attribute all experiences and emotions of the mind to ourselves. For instance, if the mind experiences boredom, we say, “I am bored.” In reality, it is the mind that feels bored, but we perceive it as our own sadness because of the attachment and the notion that “the mind is mine.”

There are two types of suffering: physical suffering and spiritual suffering. Due to the mind’s attachment, we express suffering as “my sorrow.” When we say, “my mind was bored,” it does not mean I was bored; rather, it means the mind experienced boredom.

~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha

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