The body, according to the Indian yogic sage Patainjali, is a temple, and we are on a pilgrimage towards it. Hence it is important to maintain the sanctity of the body, through proper food, thought, word, action and exercise, so that we may reap deep spiritual realisation. Patainjali was wise and systematised yogic practice under the eight limbs known as Astaunga (Ashtanga) Yoga. More on the eight limbs of Astaunga Yoga in the future.
Shrii Shrii Anandamurti said that the earlier stages of realisation depend on nerve cells and fibres, and that the higher ones do not. This implies that there is great value in working on the body on the journey to self-discovery, rather than relying solely on meditation for self-development. The body is the vessel for the mind and the spirit, and vessels need to be fit for what they're intended to carry. Expansion of mind and realisation of spirit will depend on the state of the body.
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