Embracing the Perfection of the Present
Spirituality, a journey of profound self-discovery and growth, often carries with it a paradoxical essence that challenges our conventional understanding of progress. This paradox lies in the simultaneous pursuit of disciplined personal evolution and the acknowledgment that every aspect of the present moment, including oneself, is perfect as it is. My understanding is this very paradox defines the nature of spiritual enlightenment.
Contemporary spiritual teachings encourage the virtue of self-acceptance, which is undoubtedly needed, but there seems to be less emphasis on disciplined self-improvement. This isn’t a good reflection of Buddha's teachings, for instance, that emphasise the Eightfold Path as a disciplined guide to personal growth. As we tread this path, we cultivate virtues such as right understanding, right intention, and right effort, instilling a sense of discipline in our spiritual endeavors.
Quote from Buddha: "Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without."
Similarly, the ancient science of Yoga, with its roots in Vedanta, shares the idea of Svadhyaya, or self-study, as a means of continual growth. This involves an unwavering commitment to understanding oneself at the deepest level, a much needed element of self-improvement.
Quote from Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: "Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self."
The Present Moment's Perfection: “Self-help gurus” and amazon best sellers on personal growth offer these same ideas, placing great value on developing as a person. In stark contrast, spiritual wisdom also teaches us to recognise and embrace the perfection of the present moment. Vedanta, a philosophical system that greatly influenced yoga, teaches the idea of Tat Tvam Asi, or "Thou art that," suggesting an intrinsic oneness with the universe. In realising this, one begins to perceive the perfection in every moment, acknowledging that the universe unfolds exactly as it should.
Quote from Vedanta: "That which permeates all, which nothing transcends and which, like the universal space around us, fills everything completely from within and without, that Supreme non-dual Brahman — that thou art."
The Stoics, ancient philosophers of Greece, echo this sentiment by encouraging acceptance of the present moment. In embracing the Stoic concept of Amor Fati, or love of fate, individuals are prompted to not only accept but love everything that happens, viewing every experience as an essential and perfect part of the cosmic order.
Quote from Marcus Aurelius (Stoic Philosopher): "Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking."
The paradox lies in harmonising the discipline to grow continually with the acceptance that everything, including oneself, is perfect in the present moment. It involves cultivating the wisdom to discern when to strive for improvement and when to surrender to the inherent perfection of the universe.
In this delicate dance between discipline and acceptance, spirituality transcends a linear understanding of progress, evolving into a holistic journey where personal growth and the perfection of the present become inseparable. Through the lens of this paradox, spiritual seekers navigate a path that transcends the limitations of time and ego, discovering a profound unity with the cosmos and the eternal now. In essence, the paradox of spiritual growth invites us to become active participants in the divine unfolding of our own existence, recognising that, in every moment, we are both the sculptor and the masterpiece.
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