Importance of health for spiritual progress
Question
Once saint swami vivekanada told that it is better to play football than only reading gita to see god and it better to worship god with biceps and strong muscles(he told this in those days of british ruled india in the context of our freedom movement). Now my question is how important role does health of the practitioner play in his practice? I mean india has half of its population malnutritioned. So is india's prospect bright enough in this regard?
Answer
A body & mind plagued by illness cannot carry out Sadhana to realize the self. Hence, one must ensure that health and fitness are maintained. Having said this, one should not get obsessed with the body and its glorification. The aim should be to be healthy and not a craving to beautify the impermanent bag of flesh. If one does his Dharma right, leading an active and productive life backed by Yoga & Brahmacharya to realize the self, health and well being come on their own.
ॐ तत् सत्
(That Supreme being is the absolute truth)