A Body Builder

[Vijaya Baladeva das]

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 lady 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.

Your servant,
Vijaya das