I really appreciate your comment. I think I’ll remember the phrase “Buddhism on easy mode” for the rest of my life! Your observation about preparation, behavio

I really appreciate your comment. I think I’ll remember the phrase “Buddhism on easy mode” for the rest of my life! Your observation about preparation, behavior, state of life etc is also very poignant. I am Catholic and something that I’ve found delving into the writings of the saints is that it is often like staring at the sun: it’s too intense and I’m not ready for it. For example, when I was an atheist in college I read St Augustine’s Confessions and found it interesting from a philosophical point of view and an easy read. Now, as a believing and practicing Catholic, I can’t even finish the book. It’s spiritual fruit, of which I was ignorant in my youth, are too intense for me. I come back to it every couple of years and each time make it a little bit further. That is all to say, it is funny how in mainstream discourse about religion/spirituality there is very little mention of “ability”. “Religious practice” is most certainly a skill that is acquired and refined through hard work (and grace).