Dhyana Benefits the Physical Body

Question: When observing that the body is neither the self nor belonging to the self, during meditation the body becomes very soft, feeling as if the bones have softened. Does this affect physical strength?

Answer: All states of meditative concentration benefit the material body. Consider the material bodies of devas as an example—particularly those in the form realm, which are incomparably splendid. Even the material bodies of desire realm devas far surpass those of humans. This difference arises from disparities in meditative concentration and meritorious virtues. Regular meditation practice unblocks the mental faculties and energy channels, leading to a body that is light, comfortable, and soft throughout. However, physical strength does not necessarily diminish; when the energy channels are well-unblocked, strength may even increase, resulting in a healthy, robust, and vigorous body.