In the physical realm, intelligence is confined to one's narrow desires and thoughts, reflected through others' provocations, typically activating the illusory soul's binding force. An action resulting from this may give a temporary, false sense of satisfaction but deprives us of contentment and happiness.
This false sense of loving oneself actually deprives us of the greater love we are created with and for. Gurudev always emphasizes that spiritual cultivation is like churning milk into ghee.
The physical body is not for forsaking in order to achieve the spiritual treasure. It is the well-being of the body that is required for spiritual progress. If milk decays, we can never attain ghee, which doesn't expire. Lord Buddha forsook mortification and adopted the middle path for spiritual attainment.
Following this middle path is to balance one's physical and spiritual dimensions. The body is then a vehicle, a machine that the soul drives to reach the destination.
The mobile case is useless without its software. The soul is thus the life-force.
This consciousness is eternal.
Physical well-being is inevitable for preparing oneself for meditation.
The routine of waking up at Brahma Muhurta, i.e., at 4 am, taking a bath, doing physical exercises, including 'pranayama' (regulation of the prana or life force by regulating the breath).
Then, sitting to practice meditation with 'Gyan' (knowledge or wisdom imparted by Gurudev) yields regular spiritual progress. It fills and unites us with divine cosmic energy or consciousness.
Then, we perform daily activities with divine intelligence, which gives us contentment and deeper self-realization of our glorious and loving mystical nature. A vegetarian lifestyle creates harmony with the universe and enables spiritual progress.
It enables us to understand animal consciousness.
Conclusively, spiritual fruit is to be tasted while in the physical body and not to await death or old age, when our body might not be strong enough to sit for meditation.
Gurudev's voice always guides us to balance our physical and spiritual realms.