care of the self

Dear Kassy, Om Namo Bhagavate Sri Ramanaya Namaste. Thank you for your message. It is natural that every creature values its life. Transcendence ofthe bodily form and of the prana (animating life energy) and detachment,which are attained by Knowledge, are not antithetical to care of the body.However, whether or not the care is temporarily successful, and all bodiesare transient, one is thereby free of suffering. To know that happiness is within and not dependent on anything else,such as things and circumstances, is the dawn of wisdom. Yes, as the Upanishad proclaims, where there is duality, as it were,there is fear. Freedom from dualism is freedom from fear. Therefore,ardently inquire to know yourself. If you are not already doing so, you may find it helpful to read,even a little, each day from teachings of Sri Ramana, Sri Sankara, or frombooks like Self-Knowledge. May you abide in the deep Knowledge of the Self and thus be everhappy. Ever yours in Truth, Nome