Relation between Soul, Mind, and Body
As I mentioned in my last blog, the soul is eternal, invisible, pure, and the very essence of our existence. It is not something we can see, touch, or measure, yet it is the most fundamental part of who we are. Across spiritual traditions, the soul is understood as that which gives life meaning beyond the physical body and the thinking mind.
In Hindu philosophy, the soul is described as Nirakar—formless, shapeless, and beyond physical attributes. Being Nirakar means the soul has no color, no gender, no age, no size, and no boundaries. It does not belong to the material world and therefore cannot directly interact with physical objects.
Because of this, the soul requires a physical body to experience and function in the physical world. The body becomes the vehicle, the instrument through which the soul can see, hear, touch, taste, and act. Yet, even while residing in the body, the soul remains completely distinct from it.
Three Distinct Yet Interconnected Elements
To understand human existence more clearly, it helps to look at the three core components of our being: the soul, the mind, and the body.
Soul
The soul can be thought of as the true self—the silent witness, the source of consciousness, and the inner moral compass. It is often described as the "user" of the system. The soul does not think in words, nor does it crave or fear. Its natural qualities are peace, love, compassion, gratitude, and truth.
Body
The body is the physical vessel. It allows us to interact with the world through the five senses. The body experiences pleasure, pain, hunger, fatigue, and the effects of aging. Biological processes govern it and continually change from birth to death.
Mind
The mind acts like the software running the system. It processes thoughts, beliefs, memories, desires, fears, logic, and emotions. The mind operates at both conscious and subconscious levels and plays a critical role in decision-making and behavior.
You can think of the mind as the body's CPU (Central Processing Unit). It receives inputs from the senses, processes information, and sends commands that result in action.
A Common Misunderstanding
Most of us grow up believing that the mind drives everything. We assume our thoughts control our actions, and our actions define who we are. While this is partly true, it is incomplete.
In reality, the body, mind, and soul constantly influence one another. None of them operates in isolation.
How the Body Affects the Mind and Soul
The condition of the body can significantly impact the mind and even our awareness of the soul.
For example:
Hormonal changes can alter mood, motivation, and emotional stability.
Age affects memory, energy levels, and emotional responses.
Illness or chronic pain can make the mind anxious, fearful, or depressed.
When the body is weak or imbalanced, the mind becomes restless. When the mind is restless, it becomes harder to hear the quiet guidance of the soul.
How the Mind Affects the Body
Modern science increasingly confirms what spiritual traditions have long taught: the mind has a powerful influence on the body.
Stress, anxiety, anger, and unresolved trauma can trigger the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, these can:
Increase heart rate and blood pressure
Disrupt digestion
Weaken the immune system
Affect sleep patterns
Negative thought patterns do not remain confined to the mind; they manifest physically.
The Role of the Soul
While the mind thinks and the body acts, the soul provides direction.
The soul is the source of:
Moral clarity
Inner peace
Unconditional love
Gratitude
Joy that is not dependent on circumstances
The soul does not seek short-term pleasure. It seeks truth and harmony. It does not operate from fear or ego, but from wisdom.
In this sense, the soul acts as the moral compass for the mind and body.
The Inner Conflict: Soul vs. Mind
There is often an ongoing conflict within us.
The mind tends to:
Act in self-interest
Seek pleasure and comfort
Avoid discomfort and uncertainty
Choose short-term happiness
The soul, on the other hand:
Encourages honesty, even when difficult
Chooses compassion over convenience
Values long-term peace over temporary pleasure
Inspires selfless action
This conflict is why we sometimes know what is right but still struggle to do it.
Happiness vs. Joy
The mind seeks happiness, which is usually external and temporary.
The soul offers joy, which is internal and lasting.
Happiness depends on situations.
Joy comes from alignment with the soul.
Strengthening the Soul
The soul itself is pure and complete, but our connection to it can be weak or strong. When the mind dominates, the soul's voice becomes faint. When the soul is nurtured, it naturally guides the mind.
Spiritual practices help strengthen this connection:
Meditation
Prayer
Self-reflection
Gratitude
Selfless service
Ethical living
These practices quiet the mind and allow the soul's qualities to surface.
When the Soul Leads
As the soul becomes stronger, its influence over the mind increases. Decisions begin to shift:
From selfishness to service
From fear to trust
From impulsive reactions to thoughtful responses
A stronger soul does not suppress the mind; it guides it.
Living in Alignment
Actual spiritual growth is not about rejecting the body or silencing the mind. It is about alignment.
The body becomes a disciplined instrument
The mind becomes a clear processor
The soul becomes the guiding force
When all three are aligned, life feels meaningful, peaceful, and purposeful.
Closing Thought
Understanding the relationship between soul, mind, and body helps us understand who we really are. We are not just bodies reacting to the world, nor are we merely minds chasing thoughts. At our core, we are souls using our minds and bodies as tools to experience, learn, and grow.
And when the soul leads, life moves from mere existence to conscious living.
