Self-Torture is Not Spiritual Practice
Photo Credit: JKYog.org Self-Torture is Not Spiritual Practice Throughout history, seekers have often mistaken self-inflicted austerities for genuine spiritual practice. Fasting, extreme penances, or bodily mortifications are sometimes glorified as paths to enlightenment. Yet, such acts are not spirituality; they are merely another manifestation of the ego. When one says, “I am fasting today,” the emphasis is not on the practice but on the I . The ego becomes stronger, and the sense of self-importance grows. Instead of dissolving the ego, these practices reinforce it. True spirituality is not about torturing the body or mind. The body is a sacred vessel, and harming it does not bring one closer to truth. The mind, by nature, is restless, and austerities only give it another distraction. The ego cleverly disguises itself in the garb of discipline, whispering, “Look at me, I am spiritual because I suffer.” But suffering is not spirituality. It is attachment to the idea of ach...