Acharya Prashant clarifies that the idea of an awakened person necessarily falling ill or dying young is a myth and a superstition. He explains that there is no fixed rule regarding the physical health or lifespan of a realized being; some have lived long and healthy lives, while others have passed away early due to illness. He emphasizes that while an awakened individual respects the body as a vehicle and an offering in the sacrifice of life, they may neglect its needs if circumstances demand it. For instance, if a house is on fire, the savior does not worry about their own wounds while rescuing others. Similarly, a realized person might ignore or even sacrifice their body for the greater good or public welfare, as seen in the case of Jesus, but this is not an intentional desire to destroy the body. Spirituality does not teach the destruction of the body; rather, ancient sages often lived to be very old, indicating they maintained their health. The body is worthy of respect and nourishment, and its neglect or sacrifice is only a response to specific, critical situations where personal survival is secondary to a higher cause.
