A Book for a Body Builder

As Gita Marathon is approaching us a very short story related to book distribution.

I was distributing books at a university when I motioned for a student to come to my table. He came over, and I began explaining some of Krsna’s teachings in the Bhagavad-gita. He didn’t show much interest. From his bulging muscles, I could tell he lifted weights and worked out a lot. I said, “It’s good that you’re taking care of your body, but did you know that while we’re talking right now your body is dying? Every second you’re getting closer to death, and in a relatively short time, your body will be dead. But you, the soul, will never die.”

He said, “So you say I’m wasting my time trying to stay physically fit?”

“No, it’s good to be physically fit. I go on power walks and do yoga to stay physically fit. But I know that although this body is going to die eventually, I, the soul, will never die. So I’m also trying to become spiritually fit so I can become self-realized. If you read the book I’ve shown you, it will help you become spiritually fit.”

I told him the story of the woman with the bird in a birdcage. She was so enamored of the beautiful and valuable birdcage that she forgot about the bird inside and it died. So I told him, “Don’t be like this foolish lady who forgot about the bird and thus caused its death. The body is like a cage for the soul. If you forget the soul and become enamored of the body, that would be very unfortunate.”

“I like what you’re saying. Very interesting. I’d like to read the book.”

He gave a nice donation, and hopefully, by the mercy of Krsna and Srila Prabhupada, he will become spiritually fit.

Source: BTG, Nov. 2010

Share:

Follow us

Padmanayana Krsna Dasa

Recent Posts

Trivikrama Prabhu, or Maharaja?

Join us today for a critical examination in light of shastra and previous acharyas the…

7 days ago

Is the ritvik system the solution to fallen gurus?

Join us for an in-depth discussion from our June 12, 2025, meeting exploring the controversial…

2 weeks ago

Introducing: “The Mood And Mission of Srila Prabhupada”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsnHpPFurKA Buy now: https://books.bvks.com/book/view/the-mood-and-mission-of-srila-prabhupada.html Support us: https://donate.bvksmedia.net/ Recorded on May 20, 2025 in Atlanta, GA,…

3 weeks ago

Solving The Hindu Muslim Problem – Bhakti Vikasa Swami

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8tKOB314rE Support us: https://donate.bvksmedia.net/ Recorded on May 2, 2025 in Atlanta, GA, USA. For thousands…

3 weeks ago

Ritvik Initiations Not Sanctioned by Shastra: Why this matters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ59taC_9yw In this discussion, members of the ISKCON the India Scholars Board explain why scriptural…

3 weeks ago

Ritvikism Debunked || The Complete Reference || HG Amogh Lila Prabhu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=notZek_H0nk The end of Ritvik Mayavad || Truth revealed || Ritvikism Debunked || The complete…

3 weeks ago