A Soul That Has Got a Body, Rather Than a Body That Has Got a Soul – Why This Shift Matters in Life & Business

Have you ever paused in the middle of your busy day and wondered, “Who am I really?” Not the professional title you carry, not the roles you juggle — but the “you” beneath all of that?

This simple reflection is at the heart of one of the oldest truths in Indian philosophy:
You are a soul that has got a body, not a body that happens to have a soul.

Understanding this early in life — and especially in business — can change everything.

1. The Real Difference Between the Two Mindsets

When you think of yourself as a body that has a soul, your identity depends on external factors:

How you look
What you own
How much you earn
What people think of you
The position you hold

This creates pressure, comparison, and a constant feeling of “not enough.”

But when you realise you are a soul using a body, the experience flips:
Your self-worth becomes internal.
Your decisions become purposeful.
Your life feels less like a race and more like a meaningful journey.

It’s like shifting from running on a treadmill to walking through a garden.

2. Real-Life Examples From Indian Leaders Who Lived “Soul-First”

APJ Abdul Kalam – A Life Driven by Purpose, Not Position

Dr. Kalam never saw himself as his title. Even as President, he lived with childlike curiosity, humility, and service.
His decisions came from inner conviction, not external pressure.
That soul-first leadership made him deeply loved across generations.

Ratan Tata – Compassion as a Corporate Strategy

Ratan Tata is respected not just for business success but for how he treats people.
He once personally visited injured employees after an attack — not out of duty, but humanity.
This soul-centered leadership helped Tata Group build decades of trust.

Narayana Murthy – Values Before Valuation

When Infosys was young, Narayana Murthy rejected shortcuts that could harm integrity, even when money was urgent.
He built an organisation where ethics and purpose came before profit.
That clarity created long-term global respect.

Sudha Murty – Heart-Led Giving

Sudha Murty’s philanthropic work is guided not by “how it looks,” but by genuine care — from education to healthcare to rural development.
Her soul-first approach makes her work impactful across India.

These leaders remind us that true power comes from inner clarity, not outer noise.

3. How This Shift Impacts Your Life

Ask yourself:

Do I react quickly because my ego feels attacked?
Do I compare myself because my confidence depends on external things?
Do I chase goals without knowing if they align with who I truly am?

When your identity comes from the soul:

You stop competing unnecessarily
You find clarity in chaotic situations
You become emotionally stable
You make wiser decisions
You attract healthier relationships
You grow without losing peace

Life becomes intentional, not accidental.

4. How This Shift Helps in Business

Businesses today fail not because of lack of strategy — but because of lack of inner stability in their leaders.
A soul-centered leader:

Communicates with empathy
Builds trust naturally
Makes decisions beyond ego
Handles pressure calmly
Inspires teams through authenticity

This is why modern leadership frameworks talk about purpose, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and consciousness — all ancient ideas in India.

5. Practical Tips to Apply This Today

Here are simple practices you can start immediately:

1. Pause Before Decisions

Ask: “Am I choosing from fear or from purpose?”

2. Morning Reflection (3 minutes)

Sit silently and remind yourself: “I am a soul. My body is my instrument today.”

3. Practice Detachment

Not disconnection — but freedom from over-attachment.

4. Gratitude for the Body

Instead of judging your body, thank it for carrying your soul every day.

5. Journal Prompt

“What does my soul actually want today?”

Tiny shifts. Huge impact.

Conclusion — The Understanding That Changes Everything

When you live as a soul first, you stop living life on autopilot.
You start leading — yourself, your work, your relationships — with clarity and calm.
Your purpose becomes clearer.
Your business decisions become wiser.
Your life becomes deeper, not heavier.

And that is the difference the world desperately needs today.

If this message resonated with you, I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below.
Your perspective might help someone else reflect more deeply.

Also, please share this article with at least one person you feel needs this understanding right now.
And if you haven’t subscribed yet, make sure to enter your email in the Subscription Box at the bottom of the page — more meaningful content is on its way.

Stay tuned!