There are two selves in us: the higher-self or Atman and the lower or egoistic self. We should always be conscious of our higher-self, but our ignorance, desires, other weaknesses, body, mind, intellect, ego, wealth, name and fame delude us into giving more importance to our lower-self. This causes pain due to false pride.

Children are not conscious of their bodies because they have not developed the sense of obvious sex, etc. Around the age of 12 to 14 years, body-consciousness is much more evident. This becomes the entry phase of bodily pleasures. Saints are like children and therefore are beyond body consciousness.

In the realistic unreal world, we should be conscious of utilizing our body and other organs (mind, intellect and ego) to our advantage. We should be humble but firm, self-possessed, decent and good mannered. We should not knowingly expose our body to invite trouble for ourselves and for others. We should not expose our foolishness in the name of wisdom.

Evil company should be avoided altogether or else pay the price. Have friends of a pure nature to raise your divinity consciousness and not the body consciousness. Be conscious that you and all others are part of the divinity.

-- Swami Radhanandaji