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The Nature of Perfection
PERFECTION is often understood to mean the highest or the utmost possible development, even if it be in one particular line or direction. That, however, can better be called success or achievement. True perfection is not an extreme growth, however great or commendable it may be: it is the harmony of an all-round growth, the expression of the unified total being. And yet this does not involve a stultification of any limb or a forced diminution of any capacity. Perfection does not consist either in the harmonisation of the utmost possible development of each and every capacity, attribute or power of being. First of all, it is not a possible ideal, given the conditions of existence and manifestation. Secondly, it is not necessary: perfection can be realised even otherwise.
How is the harmony to be brought about in the human
system composed of so many different and discordant factors, forms
and forces of consciousness? It is not possible if one tries to make
them accommodate each other, tone down the individual acuities and
angularities, blunt or cut out the extreme expressions and effect
some sort of a compromise or a pact of goodwill. It is. not. the
Greek ideal of the golden mean nor is it akin to the modern
democratic ideal which lays down that each element is free – to
grow and possess – to the extent that it allows the same freedom to
every other element. No, for true harmony one has to go behind and
beyond the apparent divergences to a secret being or status of
consciousness, the bed-rock of existence where all divergences are
resolved and find their inherent and inalienable unity, their single
origin and basis. If one gets there and takes one's stand upon that
absolute oneness, then and then only the perfect harmony of all the
diversities that naturally rise
page – 379 out of it as its self-expression becomes possible, not only possible but inevitable.
That bed-rock is one's inmost spiritual being, the
divine consciousness which is at once an individual centre, a cosmic
or universal field of existence and a transcendent truth and reality.
With that as the nucleus and around it the whole system has to be
arranged and organised: according to the demand of the will and
vision composing that consciousness, life has to manifest itself and
play out its appointed role. Its configuration or disposition will be
wholly determined by the Divine Purpose working in and through it;
its fullness will be the fullness of the Divine Presence and
intention. The mind will be wholly illumined, the vital with it will
become the pure energy of Consciousness and the physical body will be
made out of the substance of the divine being: our humanity will be
the home and sanctuary of the Divine. Page – 380
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