We are so asleep that we believe the physical experience is all that exists. This is similar to the mentality of an animal in a cage who has no idea about the world outside the cage. By awakening consciousness, we learn how to get out of the cage and learn about life and real living. Then, with proper effort, we can free ourselves of the cage completely, and live life as it should be lived: without bondage.

Unfortunately, we are so hypnotized by physicality that we do not realize that the body is merely an impermanent shell.

Those who awaken consciousness remain awake when outside of the body, whether that body is asleep or dead. In this way, we realize that we are not the body, and our experience of living is not limited by the presence or absence of the body.