What's Good Enough

"You're perfect just as you are ... and you could use a little improvement."-Shunryu Suzuki Roshi

BY JULIE CHEN

I find humans to be rather ironic. Every individual strives to achieve higher. What we have now is never enough. There are always more stars to reach, more mountains to climb, more bridges to cross; but all the while, we are assuring ourselves that self acceptance is the way. That we are perfect just as we are. That we should celebrate our being in the present moment which is presumptuously complete.

Regarding koans such as this, the extremities of the situation would be advised against. Be too complacent and you shall never savor the joy of self-improvement or develop your inherent gift. Be too hard on yourself and ambition can mark your demise. Not to mention that happiness will inevitably become further out of reach.

There is an old Chinese proverb that states: "Three men walking; One must be my teacher.“ It's a universal truth that there will always be something of greater capacity than the subject at hand, and therefore it is of no use to strive for perfection. In fact, in theory perfection itself could be out-shadowed by matter more perfect. How interesting.

Although the balance between complacency and improvement is a delicate affair one must discover for oneself, there is an easy way out when life becomes a thorn in the side. I suppose the key is to constantly be inspired for self-improvement and strive to actively develop yourself whenever possible. Attempt to weed out your imperfections. When you succeed, compare yourself to your past and be proud. But there will be times when you fail. So when your incessant effort eventually yields no result, then take a moment to embrace your imperfections. It's a win-win situation. Succeed, and you shall have refined yourself. Fail, and you shall have gained an opportunity to acknowledge self-wealth. 

It all comes down perspective.