Who Am I? Body vs Soul (Atman)

myNachiketa
7 hours ago
3 min read

Hello, little friends! Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered, “Who am I?” Is it just the face and body that we see, or is there something more inside? Today, we’re going to talk about two important parts of us: our body and our soul, also known as Atman. Let’s begin this fun journey together!

Our body is an amazing vehicle that carries us through life. Think of our body like a bicycle—it helps us move, play, and do fun things. But just like a bicycle needs a rider to go anywhere, our body needs something inside to give it life. That special something is called the soul, or Atman.

The soul is considered our true self, the eternal part of us that is endless. Imagine having a tiny, glowing light inside you—this beautiful light represents your Atman, shining bright with love and knowledge.

myNachiketa presents Who Am I? Body vs Soul (Atman)

In the Bhagavad Gita, Bhagwan Krishna teaches us about body and soul; he says that while our bodies may grow old and change, our Atman remains constant and forever. Bhagwan Krishna explains to Arjun that the body is temporary, like a worn-out piece of clothing, but the Atman is like a diamond that stays forever shiny and precious.

देहिनः अस्मिन यथा देहे कौमारं यौवनं जरा।

तथा देहान्तर-प्राप्तिः धीरः तत्र न मुह्यति।।

Dehinosmin yatha dehe kaumaram yauvanam jara

tatha dehantara praptir dhiras tatra na muhyati

This shloka (verse) means: “Just as the body changes from childhood to old age, the soul changes from one body to another. The wise, however, do not get confused.”

This teaches us that we are not just our bodies. Our real self is the soul inside, which lives on even after the body changes.

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So, how can we take care of our soul? Here are some simple and fun ways:

Practice kindness: Every time you help someone or share with a friend, your soul shines brighter! For example, when you hold open a door for someone or share your toys, you become happy from the inside.
Think positive thoughts: When you fill your mind with happy and positive ideas, you are taking care of your Atman. Talk to yourself like a friend and say, “I can do this!”
Meditate or pray: Spending a few quiet moments, thinking about good things, or simply expressing gratitude can help connect you with your soul. Close your eyes, breathe gently, and picture your glowing light (soul); it can be magical!
Respect all living beings: Treat animals, plants, and people with love and respect, because we all have Atman in us. When you water a plant or play gently with a puppy, you are showing love and respect to all life. This makes your soul (the inner self) happy.

When we take care of our souls, we understand that we are all connected. Each of us has a special light inside (Atman). And when we all take care of our souls and respect each lives, we make the world bright and beautiful!

Remember, friends, your body is a wonderful part of you, but your soul is truly who you are! So let's promise to take care of both—looking after our bodies with good food and exercise, while also caring for our souls with kindness and love.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Shri Krishna says:

नैनं छिन्दन्ति शस्त्राणि नैनं दहति पावकः।

न चैनं क्लेदयन्त्यापो न शोषयति मारुतः॥

Nainam chindanti shastrani Nainam dahati pavakah

Na chainam kledayanti apo Na shoshayati marutah

This means that no weapon can cut the soul, fire cannot burn it, water cannot make it wet, and wind cannot dry it.

Dear Children, think of a fruit, like an apple. The outer part (the peel and the juicy fruit) is like our body. The seed inside is like the soul.

The outside can be cut, eaten, or get spoiled — like our body can get hurt or grow old.
But the seed inside stays whole, like the soul stays safe and untouched.

Dear Children, with this Shloka, Krishna Bhagwan wants us to understand that you are not this body. You are the soul inside—strong, safe, and full of light. The body may change, but you, the soul, stay the same.

So, kids, always remember—your body helps you do fun things, but your true self is the soul inside, which is full of light, love, and happiness. Take care of both, and let your inner light shine bright every day!