Embracing Health: A Dharmic Perspective on Well-Being

We live in an age where health has become both more attainable and more idolized than ever before. Wearables track our every heartbeat, companies ship us at-home blood panels, and AI interprets our biomarker data in real time. With such tools at hand, the possibility of living a longer, healthier life seems within reach.

But with this new power comes a new distortion. Health itself is in danger of becoming a god. The rise of figures like Bryan Johnson, with his “Don’t Die” mantra and highly publicized protocols, shows how easily the pursuit of well-being can flip into a new form of bondage. Johnson is not a villain—he has inspired many to take their health more seriously—but his message is misaligned. “Don’t Die” is not dharmic; it is a call to cling harder to the very thing we must eventually release.

Health as Dharma, Not Worship

Vedanta and the Gita regard the body as a dharma-instrument (dharma-sādhanam)—a chariot for the Self. It is to be cared for, not discarded, because through the body we act, learn, and ultimately realize the truth. However, the body is not to be mistaken for the Self, nor elevated to the highest good.

Two errors are common:

• Neglect: Some ascetics, monks, or modern seekers ignore the health of the body, eating poorly and failing to exercise. This leads to unnecessary suffering and obstructs clarity.

• Obsession: Others—especially in modern wellness culture—make health an idol. They measure every number, optimize every diet, and cling to the fantasy of eternal youth.

  
  

Both are forms of maya: illusions that bind rather than liberate.

The Gunas and the Illusion of Health

The Gita (17.7–10) classifies foods according to the gunas:

• Sattvic food is fresh, pure, nourishing, and promotes clarity.

• Rajasic food is spicy, stimulating, and promotes restlessness.

• Tamasic food is stale, heavy, or impure, promoting lethargy.

  
  

But perhaps we need to update this teaching for the age of quantified health:

• Sattvic health is care that serves clarity, balance, and peace—health as stewardship.

• Rajasic health is restless optimization, constant measurement, the endless chase for one more supplement, one more percentage point of performance.

• Tamasic health is neglect, apathy, or indulgence in habits that decay the body.

  
  

Seen this way, much of today’s longevity movement is rajasic—full of energy, drive, and measurement, but still caught in restless striving. It keeps the mind outward-turned, forever hunting youth, instead of inward-turned toward freedom.

Youth Culture and Narcissism

“Don’t Die” fits neatly into our culture’s obsession with youth. Billions are spent on cosmetics, surgeries, supplements, and wellness retreats that promise the fountain of youth. But the Gita teaches that attachment to the body—especially in its youthful form—only binds us further.

When health becomes identity, the self-image becomes brittle. The pursuit of “optimal health” easily leads to narcissism: a constant comparing, displaying, and proclaiming of one’s superior metrics. This is why Bryan Johnson’s repeated claim to be “the healthiest person alive” rings hollow. Even if the numbers were true, it reveals a subtle bondage—the ego must affirm its health constantly, or else it falters.

Health, Dharma, and Freedom

The dharmic approach is simpler:

• Care for the body so that it does not obstruct your higher pursuit.

• Use the modern tools available—wearables, bloodwork, nutrition science—but do so in the spirit of stewardship, not worship.

• Eat sattvic food, live a sattvic lifestyle, and let health serve clarity and freedom, not vanity and fear.

  
  

In this light, a motto like “Don’t Die” is deeply rajasic. A more dharmic motto would be:

• “Don’t Waste”—don’t waste your health, your energy, your awareness.

• “Live Free”—use health to cultivate inner freedom, not to deny mortality.

• “Die Well”—let the body go with clarity and dignity when its time comes.

  
  

The Role of Mindfulness in Health

Mindfulness plays a crucial role in how we approach health. When we practice mindfulness, we become aware of our thoughts and feelings without judgment. This awareness allows us to make better choices regarding our health. Instead of succumbing to the pressures of modern wellness culture, we can listen to our bodies and respond with compassion.

The Importance of Balance

Finding balance is essential. We must not swing too far toward neglect or obsession. Instead, we can cultivate a harmonious relationship with our bodies. This means nourishing ourselves with healthy foods, engaging in physical activity, and allowing ourselves to rest when needed. Balance leads to clarity and peace.

Connecting with Nature

Nature has a profound impact on our well-being. Spending time outdoors can rejuvenate our spirits and remind us of the interconnectedness of all life. Whether it’s a walk in the park or a hike in the mountains, nature invites us to slow down and appreciate the present moment. This connection can ground us and help us find perspective in our health journey.

The Power of Community

Community support is invaluable in our pursuit of health. Sharing our experiences with others can provide encouragement and insight. Engaging in discussions about health and well-being fosters a sense of belonging. We can learn from one another and grow together, creating a supportive environment for our journeys.

Embracing Change

Health is not static; it evolves as we do. Embracing change allows us to adapt our practices and beliefs. As we age, our bodies and needs may shift. Instead of resisting these changes, we can welcome them as opportunities for growth. This mindset fosters resilience and a deeper understanding of ourselves.

Conclusion

Modern health culture, for all its progress, is still entangled in maya. It seduces us with numbers, data, and the illusion of immortality. But dharma teaches another way: health as the servant of truth, not its master.

Caring for the body is noble and necessary. But to bind ourselves to it—whether through neglect or obsession—is to miss the point. True health is sattvic: clarity of mind, lightness of body, and freedom of spirit. And that health does not fear death.

In this journey, let us remember that health is not the ultimate goal. Instead, it is a tool to help us navigate the complexities of life. By embracing a dharmic approach, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.