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All the shastras ascertain that one should not be attached to his own body. But at the same time if one feels that,‘This body is an instrument using which I am able to serve my Guru and the Lord. For that sake I should take care of this body,’ it is considered as a virtue.

Sri Nampillai, one of the Vaishnava Ãchãryas, lived at Sri Rangam. ‘Pinpazhagiya Perumal Jeeyar' was one of his disciples. Once, Pinpazhagiya Perumal Jeeyar,was afflicted by a disease as a result of which he experienced unbearable pain. He asked the other disciples of Sri Nampillai to pray to Sri Ranganatha for his quick recovery. The disciples too did as bid by Pinpazhagiya Perumal Jeeyar and by the Lord's grace his health was restored quickly.

The other disciples remonstrated about that to Sri Nampillai,“Swami! You have always advised us that one should be devoid of attachment towards one’s own body? This being the case, Pinpazhagiya Perumal Jeeyar prayed to Lord Ranganatha through us for curing his illness. Is it not against the principles of a true Vaishnava?”

Though fully aware of the heart of his disciple Pinpazhagiya Perumal Jeeyar, Sri Nampillai wanted the other disciples also to know about it. So Sri Nampillai called Pinpazhagiya Perumal Jeeyar and asked, “Why did you ask them to pray for curing your illness? Is it not against the principles of a true Vaishnava?” Pinpazhagiya Perumal Jeeyar replied, “Swami! Usually when you get ready after your bath you perspire profusely and I fan you. If I don’t take care of my body which enables me to be of service to you, I will lose that golden opportunity. That was the only reason for asking them to pray for the restoration of my health.”

Hearing this sweet reply from his disciple, Sri Nampillai happily blessed him with Lord’s prasad.

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