Spiritual Practices Lead to Longevity
Ever since Bryan Johnson and David Sinclair popularized the idea that humans have the potential to extend their lifespan, the concept has captured my attention. What fascinates me most is that the foundation of longevity is far more spiritual than many people realize.
Why Live Long?
If good people don’t live long enough to spread their wisdom and kindness, they risk leaving the world in the hands of oligarchs who promote materialism and exploit the planet to its detriment. A longer life allows us to contribute positively to society, preserving values that foster harmony and sustainability.
How Can Spirituality Increase Your Lifespan?
1. Conscious Eating for Longevity
Spirituality teaches us to respect all life forms, which naturally influences dietary choices. Studies suggest that different diets affect aging speeds:
- A standard non-vegetarian diet ages the body at 100% speed.
- A vegetarian diet (including dairy and eggs) slows aging to 91%.
- A fully vegan diet further reduces it to 85%.
- A vegan + fish diet can slow aging to 81%, though similar benefits can be achieved through Omega 3-6-9 vegan supplementation.
Adopting a mindful diet not only enhances longevity but also aligns with a compassionate way of living.
2. Strengthening the Body as a Spiritual Vessel
Spiritual practitioners view the body as a vehicle for their journey, requiring proper care. Buddhist monks, Indian yogis, and other spiritual individuals emphasize physical discipline through exercise and breath control. Studies show that regular physical activity can reduce all-cause mortality by 25%, reinforcing the need for movement and body awareness. A person who masters their breath and physical control cultivates a stronger mind and spirit.
3. Cultivating a Healthy Mind
The human brain is designed to function optimally until around the 70s, after which issues like Alzheimer’s and dementia become common. However, spiritual practices can help maintain cognitive health well into old age.
- Reduce Mental Clutter: Many of our daily decisions—what to eat, what to watch, whom to talk to—consume unnecessary mental energy. Planning ahead and keeping lists can help reduce decision fatigue.
- Balance Stimulation and Rest: The brain thrives on both challenge and peace. Instead of mindless entertainment, prioritize learning new things daily while ensuring mental relaxation through meditation or spiritual detachment.
- Practice Detachment: Detachment doesn’t require isolation in a mountain cave; it can be practiced in everyday life. Minimalism, for example, is a form of spiritual detachment that helps clear mental and physical clutter. You Don’t Need to Renounce the World for Salvation – Ekam Sad
4. Finding Purpose Beyond Ambition
Many people chase ambition, believing it will bring them happiness through fame, money, or retirement. However, true fulfillment comes from engaging in work that aligns with personal joy and benefits the world.
- Japanese call it Ikigai—finding purpose in what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what sustains you.
- Hindu philosophy calls it Nishkaam Karma—selfless action without attachment to the outcome.
Lao Tzu beautifully expressed this idea: “One who is in harmony with the Tao (the Way) loses their sense of self and becomes one with their actions. Those who flow as life flows know they need no other force.”
Final Thoughts
Spirituality and longevity are deeply interconnected. By aligning diet, physical health, mental well-being, and purpose with spiritual values, we can lead a life that is not only longer but also more meaningful and impactful.
