You Should Take Food Just to Maintain Your Health Nicely - Prabhupada 0751

Summary

In this discussion, Prabhupāda addresses the importance of health in spiritual practice, emphasizing the need for balance in eating and taking care of the body. He highlights how excessive or insufficient food intake can lead to health issues and affect one’s ability to practice Kṛṣṇa consciousness. He shares the story of Sanātana Gosvāmī, who was embarrassed by his illness but was reminded by Caitanya Mahāprabhu that his body, dedicated to the service of Kṛṣṇa, should be cared for properly. Prabhupāda concludes by stressing that while the body should not be overly pampered, it should be maintained well enough to avoid illness and continue serving Kṛṣṇa effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Prabhupāda notices many people coughing and questions if there is a health issue.
• 🤧 A devotee mentions that a cold is going around and affecting many people.
• 🧣 Prabhupāda emphasizes the importance of wearing warm clothes and taking care of one's health.
• 🍽️ He references the Bhagavad-gītā, stressing moderation in eating and other bodily needs to maintain health.
• ⚠️ Overeating can lead to health problems like diabetes, while undereating can lead to issues like tuberculosis.
• 🍎 It's better to eat less than more, as overeating is more dangerous than undereating.
• 👶 Children may eat more due to high activity levels, but adults should avoid overeating.
• 🤲 Prabhupāda shares a story about Sanātana Gosvāmī, who suffered from wet itches but was still embraced by Caitanya Mahāprabhu.
• 🙏 Sanātana felt ashamed, but Caitanya Mahāprabhu reminded him that his body was dedicated to Kṛṣṇa and should not be harmed.
• 💪 Those dedicated to Kṛṣṇa should care for their bodies, as they belong to Kṛṣṇa, but should avoid excessive worry over health.

Q & A

Why does Prabhupāda ask about everyone coughing?

Prabhupāda notices that many people are coughing and is concerned about their health, asking if there is a specific cause for it.

What reason does the devotee give for people coughing?

The devotee explains that there is a cold going around, affecting many people.

What advice does Prabhupāda give about maintaining health?

Prabhupāda advises taking care of one’s health by wearing sufficient warm clothing and being mindful of eating habits, emphasizing that health is important for practicing Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

What does Prabhupāda say about eating too much or too little?

Prabhupāda emphasizes that it's better to eat less than more, as overeating can lead to health issues like diabetes, while undereating can cause diseases like tuberculosis. Moderation is key.

How does Prabhupāda relate health to spiritual practice?

Prabhupāda states that poor health can hinder one's ability to execute Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Therefore, maintaining good health is important for spiritual practice.

Why does Prabhupāda refer to Brahmānanda?

Prabhupāda refers to Brahmānanda as an example of how poor health can prevent someone from participating in spiritual activities, as Brahmānanda was unable to attend due to illness.

What story does Prabhupāda share about Sanātana Gosvāmī and Caitanya Mahāprabhu?

Prabhupāda recounts a story where Sanātana Gosvāmī suffered from wet itches, but Caitanya Mahāprabhu still embraced him despite the condition. Sanātana felt ashamed and considered suicide, but Mahāprabhu reminded him that his body was dedicated to Kṛṣṇa and should not be harmed.

What lesson does Prabhupāda draw from Sanātana Gosvāmī’s experience?

Prabhupāda emphasizes that those who dedicate their bodies to Kṛṣṇa should take care of them, as the body no longer belongs to the individual but to Kṛṣṇa.

What does Prabhupāda say about caring for the body?

Prabhupāda states that while one shouldn't overcare for the body, it is important to take basic care to avoid disease, as a healthy body is necessary for practicing Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

How does Prabhupāda compare taking care of the body to caring for a temple?

Prabhupāda compares the body to a temple, saying that just as devotees take care of a temple because it belongs to Kṛṣṇa, they should also take care of their bodies, which are dedicated to Kṛṣṇa.