More important than health is the wisdom to use health

The following is an excerpt from a samvaad (dialogue) session with Acharya Prashant.

“First of all, our young men must be strong. Religion will come afterwards. Be strong, my young friends; that is my advice to you. You will be nearer to heaven through football than through the study of the Gita. These are my bold words; but I have to say them, for I love you. You’ll understand Gita better with your biceps, your muscles, a little stronger. You’ll understand the mighty genius and the mighty strength of Krishna better with a little strong blood in you.”

~ Swami Vivekananda

Question: “I’ve observed that doing physical exercise certainly has an energizing effect on both the body and mind. On the other hand, fitness seems to bring in the danger of becoming even more body-centric. To what extent is physical strength useful on the spiritual path?

Acharya Prashant (AP): It is peripheral. Do you really find Liverpool and Chelsea players really spiritually…