Why is cultivation more beneficial than just being alive

[Ascetic]

I've been thinking about this a lot, it's odd to me that the body's natural behavior isn't the ideal and that we by acting ideally can somehow benefit ourselves with our own initiative.

Now I also have seen the benefits of cultivation, so I'm not a skeptic. It's just odd and sincerely one of the deepest rabbit holes that have come up for me.

Edited 17 hours ago by Ascetic

[Sanity Check]

I would guess it mirrors identical reasons for the average person lacking the physical capabilities of an olympic athlete.

 

The highest levels that can be attained require time and energy to develop.

 

Although it should be mentioned there are many false paths of development. Even in bodybuilding there are things like steroids which can present an illusion of development on the outside. While being harmful and damaging on the inside.

 

And so even someone like myself who is known for being reckless would exercise an extreme level of caution if ever attempting any form of cultivation or spiritualism.

[idiot_stimpy]

Following the Buddhist Path, to reduce suffering.