The scriptures often describe the human body in negative terms. Why is this, and what should our attitude towards our body be?

According to the teachings in Chapter 8, the human body is described in stark terms to discourage attachment to it. It is called a 'house for worms and insects,' a 'carriage of flesh, blood, and muscle,' and a 'direct prison for the soul.' The text emphasizes its impurity and transient nature, being a foul place of phlegm, pus, and saliva, destined to perish. However, despite this perishable and impure nature, the same chapter clarifies that it is only through this human body that one can reach the Lord. Therefore, our attitude should be to treat the body as a servant, not the master. We should provide it with food and clothing for sustenance but ultimately apply it toward spiritual progress to overcome the cycle of birth and death, rather than pampering it and making it a 'doorway to hell.'