Question: Does the body have an identity separate from the soul?

Sri Chinmoy: It depends on the soul. When a very powerful, mature soul comes into a body, it can force the physical consciousness to follow its direction. The physical consciousness performs what the soul dictates; body and soul act as a single entity. But if the soul is not very powerful, then it is like a mother who is physically weak and cannot make her child do what she thinks best for him. In that case the soul simply watches what the physical consciousness is doing. If the soul wants to do something, the body may do just the opposite. At that time the soul and the body appear as two different identities.

From:Sri Chinmoy,AUM — Vol.1, No.12, 27 December 1974, Vishma Press, 1974
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