“At every moment we have to decide whether a particular action will serve the atman or the body. We cannot, however, break open the cage of the body, and so we must simultaneously follow vidya and avidya, of knowledge and ignorance.”
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Probable attribution
This saying is widely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, but the attribution is not supported by a reliable primary source.
Likely origin: From 'The Bhagavad Gita According to Gandhi'; commentary on serving the atman vs the body and following both vidya and avidya.
About this quote
Every choice quietly feeds either your higher aims or your immediate comfort, yet you can't opt out of having a body and its needs. The workable path holds both at once: tending real duties while keeping them pointed at something beyond appetite.
When to use it
- A nurse takes the meal and rest she needs so she can keep showing up for patients.
- Someone enjoys a good dinner without letting the whole evening become about the next craving.
- A founder pays the bills and chases growth, but keeps checking that the work still means something.