The Cult of the body

The body is our vessel and tool and is revered in human history. Thus the phenomenon of the "Cult of the body" is when an individual holds his/her pbysical prowess and abilities in reverence and seeks to continually improved himself/herself in this field. This is a multi-dimensional phenomenon which on a biological level is related to the biological imperative to reproduce and produce offspring. The physical characteristics of the body then serves as bodily markers of hereditary traits. The "Cult of the body" also serves as bodily markers hich are directly or indirectly linked to positive capabilities. These capabilities are those that are held in high regard and tied to concepts of the positive examples of what it means to be a particular sex. To be manly is to be fit for example.

But beyond this, I will explore the relevance of the 'Cult of the body' and its connections with my Moral man theory. Firstly, the 'Cult of the body' can be understood as the conduit of the perfection of the mind through the body. This can be explained through physical activities that the person puts his body through in order to achieve temperance of his mind where the 'mental monkey is caged in the battered body'. This no doubt is a good action and purpose of the 'Cult of the body' where the Moral man can then better understand worldly pain and struggles through first-hand physical experiences. The Moral man can also better understand worldly constructs of what can be accomplished by the human body and thus the limits of the human condition.

But this is only skin-deep. The next level of progression is where the body and mind are both equally challenged and the Moral man harnesses the 'Cult of the body' to express his will in the utmost experience of reality. This is when he stretches his mind and body to the limit of where it can go and he appreciates the co-existence and importance of each faculty. He is no longer purely interested in moving faster, jumping higher for example. He is now interested in how this abilities make his mental perception of the world sharper. He enjoys the light breeze that graces his sweat-laden frame whilst in motion. This combined application of both body and mind gives him joy past pure sporting achievement and social recognition. It also alleviates him from worldly pain and burdens as it is a spiritual recluse for him.

The final and ambitious level of progression is when the Moral man achieves the infinite (mind) through the finite (body). In fact, this is the level where the Moral man gets as close as he can to perfection (God) as he stretches his finite through his infinite. This is also when he can spread this phenomenon to others through infectious displays of physical prowess that inspire others to try similarly. The Moral man should also seek to cultivate this in others so that they too can be as close to God as possible and feel the weightless joy that he does.