By: David Goodman
Source: The Daily Guardian https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/view/2643/the-daily-guardian-mumbai/15
Dated: June 28th, 2025

In spiritual terms, as we aim for some kind of spiritual perfection, it can seem daunting, unreachable, and our own imperfections can block the way forward as we are reluctant to look closely at them and reveal them to others. However, imperfections can be embraced. In Japan, they make a work of art out of broken bowls; they mend the fractures with gold, and celebrate the imperfections. 

If we consider other terms for the word perfection, the path can take on another appearance all together. The word ‘flawless’, for example, is beautiful. A diamond that is flawless is one that reflects and refracts light. The word ‘ideal’ is a state of being the best possible version of something. ‘Unblemished’ is free of all damage or blemishes. ‘Superb’ is outstandingly great. All of these words make reaching our highest possible spiritual stage seem far more tangible. When we understand what it is we are trying to achieve, in real terms, then the journey to spiritual perfection seems possible. When we understand what perfection really is, then the steps we take in a state of imperfection, are just part of the journey and we can find the courage to accept, or even embrace the imperfections, because as we travel on, they become fewer and fewer.

If, however, we become ‘perfectionists’, appalled at our own failings, brought down by our mistakes, dropping our head in despair, we will not be able to even see the destination, and fear of failing further will root us to the ground, frozen and self-absorbed. We have all made mistakes, and will continue to do so, until we stop making them. Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, is said to have made more than 1,000 attempts, in other words 1,000 failures. He did not see them as failures, but as learning. He famously said that he had simply found 1,000 ways that did not work. When we embrace imperfection, we are being authentic, we give ourselves the opportunity to focus, to be creative, to rethink and start again. But we never start again at the beginning. Each mistake becomes part of our experience, to build upon.

We all recognise our imperfections, and those on a spiritual journey wish to smooth away the imperfections, to reach a better, or the best version of ourselves. We can only be ourselves, we cannot be someone else; comparison kills appreciation of the self, kills self-respect and kills self-belief. Each one of us is unique. We are all actors in this drama of life, and no-one can play my part better than me.

So, what is spiritual perfection? It is the return to the original self. The original self is unpolluted, unspoiled, unblemished, perfect. If we were to look at a river as it reaches the ocean, having passed through a massive industrial city, it would be hard to describe it as beautiful. However, if we trace the source back to the mountain where it originated, the water would sparkle, be fragrant from the herbs that frame its banks, and be totally clean and pure. So, was the dirt and debris of the river or in the river? It was not there at the beginning, so it has all accumulated in the river, on its journey. The same is true of the soul. The soul, a luminous, conscient, spark of eternal light has, in its journey through lifetimes, acquired distortions, flaws, blemishes. The original state of the soul is of peace, wisdom, happiness, and purity, all of which has simply been covered up. The blemishes can all be removed, through meditation, through a connection with the true self and a connection with the Supreme Source of perfection. We can return to our original state of perfection. It takes time, and most importantly, consistent practice, but it is possible. We can accept the imperfections as we continue onwards, because we know they will slowly dwindle away until the soul sparkles with power and light once more.

David Goodman is a former dentist
and co-ordinates activities for Brahma Kumaris in Leeds, UK.