# The material body as a vehicle *The material body is a temporary vehicle for the eternal soul, awarded according to one's desires and karma. Like a machine or a dress, the body can be changed, but the soul within remains constant. The Vedic scriptures explain that the wise do not identify with the body but understand themselves as spirit soul. By proper use of this human body in devotional service, one can achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death.* ## The Body Is Like a Machine or Dress for the Soul ![[bg/2/22]] ![[bg/18/61]] ## The Soul Is Different from the Body ![[bg/2/13]] ![[bg/2/20]] ## The Body Is Obtained According to Karma ![[bg/13/22]] ![[sb/4/29/60]] ## The Body Is a Source of Suffering ![[bg/13/21]] ![[sb/5/5/4]] ## The Human Body Is a Rare Opportunity ![[sb/5/5/1]] ![[sb/3/31/19]] ## The Body Should Be Used for Spiritual Realization ![[sb/7/6/1]] ![[cc/madhya/24/211]] ## From the Index - [[index/entries/body|Body]] — Material and spiritual - [[index/entries/soul|Soul]] — The eternal self - [[index/entries/transmigration-of-soul|Transmigration]] — Changing bodies