Changing Matter Into Spirit
by Jaya Gurudeva Dasa
Today was a typical Saturday afternoon at a local shopping center. It could be anywhere in the world, but this happened to be at the precincts of Prague. Nervous drivers were looking for an empty parking space, agressive shoppers were making their way to their cars and filling their trunks with shopping bags. I eagerly approached a man who was just about to start his engine and leave.
"Hello sir. Here's something for you. We're distributing these books for a small donation".
"Forget it. I don´t read such books!" he exclaimed.
"So what books do you read?" I asked with a curious voice.
"Well, I'm really into alchemy, science fiction, and you know stuff that deals with transmutation, making gold and controlling others minds".
"Really, that's interesting! Then you will surely like this book too".
"No I won't. It's all about God and religion. I'm against organized religions and all their dogmas; burning witches, waging wars on heathens and all that stuff. Forget it. I won't buy your book!"
"You see, I think there's a small misunderstanding on your part. These are not just some religious books. And I'm not out here representing some organized religion either. In fact, I have practiced magic for many years."
The man then turned off his engine. "What do you mean by magic?" This time he spoke in a completely different tone.
"I practice changing matter into spirit. It is the highest form of magic".
"Are you serious?"
"Of course. Everyday I chant mantras that change everything into spirit. I even recite mantras that change my material mind and body into a pure spiritual body and mind".
He looked puzzled. "And you mean that I can find out about this magic in your book?"
"Well, of course", I smiled as he changed from his initially defiant mood to a rather friendly one. "But remember if you want to change matter into spirit, you have to be a devotee of God, this magic doesn't work otherwise."
"I'll try it", he said, and placed the book on the seat of his car and gave a nice donation.
We waved to each other as he drove away. He seemed curious and eager to find out more about the magic of Krishna Conciousness found in one of Srila Prabhupada´s books.
