1. The Car Lease Experience

Two years ago, I leased an Alcazar—a 7-seater premium SUV priced at ₹25 lakh—through my company’s lease policy. Compared to the Creta, the Alcazar is a better option in terms of space and features. The lease initially seemed lucrative due to the tax savings. Instead of paying taxes, I was paying interest to the leasing company, which felt like a smart move.

However, when I decided to close the lease early, I had to pay a penalty for pre-closure. In the midst of this process, I completely forgot about renewing the car insurance. When I tried to renew it later, the insurer informed me that the vehicle needed inspection.

The inspector arrived, took photos of the car’s interior and exterior, and checked the readings. I stood by, watching the entire process from the outside, feeling oddly detached.

2. The Term Insurance Puzzle

On another occasion, I was considering term insurance for myself. The common advice is to take coverage worth 20–30 times your annual gross income. But I questioned this logic.

For me, the “freedom number” (the minimum income required to comfortably sustain a family) is only 50% of my annual income. I reasoned that one could secure a family’s future with a policy worth 20 times the freedom number, instead of the higher amounts suggested online.

If you’re wondering what a “freedom number” is, it’s the baseline amount needed to live without financial stress. (I’ve written about it in another blog—feel free to check it out! https://iraivan.me/startup/early-retirement/ )

3. Tests for 40+ Life

Being over 40, I was required to undergo several tests for term insurance approval. First came a video consultation with a doctor, where she asked the usual questions: “Do you smoke? Do you drink?” I answered “No, no, no,” and her surprised expression was priceless! “You’re perfectly alright, sir,” she remarked.

Then came the physical tests—bloodwork, an ECG, and more. While lying down during the ECG, a profound thought struck me.

4. The Body and the Soul

The world is obsessed with the physical body, treating it as if it’s the ultimate reality. Yet, the soul—the silent witness to all of this—is invisible to the outside world.

This reminded me of the car insurance inspection. There I was, standing outside as the inspector examined the car. Similarly, the soul stands apart, watching as the body undergoes its “inspection.”

The car body and the human body are similar; both are vessels. The driver and the soul are the same. Understanding this distinction can help us handle life’s challenges with calmness and clarity, ensuring positive outcomes for ourselves and those around us.

Summary

This blog shares my experiences with car leasing, term insurance, and the profound realization that the body is just a vehicle for the soul. Whether it’s renewing car insurance or managing health, detaching from the material perspective can lead to greater peace and wisdom.

Joke of the Day

Why did the soul refuse to take driving lessons?
Because it already knows how to steer life’s challenges!