An Imperfect Post

I was recently introduced to the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-sabi. A derivative of Buddhism, Wabi-sabi values the beauty of imperfection, impermanence and incompleteness. It rejects concepts of purity, urging followers to appreciate the inexact essence of the world. Adherents of Wabi-sabi accept flaws in nature and personal flaws. Simplicity is prized in both art and life. Peace is found in the ordinary, not the exceptional.

Classic Wabi-sabi totems are the cracked teacup or wilted flower. While a complete cup is useful, and may be exquisite, a crack reveals other aspects of the vessel that are just as important. Wilted flowers highlight the temporary quality of time and can express a beauty all their own. The trick is to look beyond the obvious to see what is hidden in plain view.

In life, Wabi-sabi basks in uncomplicated things, like a fresh snow fall, or the elegance of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. It is akin to the mindfulness emphasized by Buddhists such as Thich Nhat Hanh, who reveled in seemingly mundane acts, like washing dishes.      

Wabi-sabi is undoubtedly a useful life philosophy. Our tunnel vision often causes us to miss the beauty that surrounds us. We walk along with our heads down, absorbed in random thoughts, or have brain-numbing music blaring through our ear buds. We do this knowing an openness to everyday transcendence is both energizing and enriching.

Yet it is hard to maintain the Wabi-sabi attitude. It contrasts sharply with Western concepts entrenched from a young age. Western values urge the recognition and pursuit of the ideal as the highest calling of humanity (thank you Plato). To ignore those ideals is almost blasphemous, even if you don’t hold deep religious beliefs.

An integral part of the pursuit of Western perfection is the making of goals. Instead of letting life flow to us, we wrap ourselves in unending plans. Once the course is set, we are reluctant to deviate from those plans, instead carrying on as if we can control all the variables and will undoubtedly achieve the result we envision.

Few of us are deluded enough to believe that the goals we have laid are inevitable. After all, Western thought also tells us that we are flawed and that while ideals are meant to be pursued, they can never actually be attained. We know that our reach is not long enough. Still, we plod forward.

And yet those goals serve an important function. We are in that season where New Year’s resolutions fill gyms, impact liquor sales and subscriptions to Master Class proliferate. Odds are that these resolutions won’t make it into February. However, they remain as reminders to aim for a better, healthier lifestyle, and that’s not a bad thing.

The pursuit of perfection has also driven innovation and achievement. Obviously, that can get out of control, but history is replete with those who have been singularly devoted to a goal, willing to risk all on their objective. We admire those who can channel their tunnel vision to worthwhile goals.

Conversely, a Wabi-sabi mindset can lead to complacency. It is not surprising that this life philosophy arose in a society that was highly stratified. Individuals in pre-WWII Japan were expected to accept their place in the pecking order. There was little chance for advancement if you did not have the right pedigree.

We are a striving society and there is little way around that. We exalt those that are always pushing the limits. Yet sometimes we admire our “heroes” too much. We endow them with the mantle of perfection we esteem. We embrace characters that always solve the crime, defeat the bad guys and walk off into the proverbial sunset. Our streaming services are crammed with these white knights, and we watch assured that, despite their quirks and flaws, they will prevail because of their single-minded tenacity and perseverance.

Unfortunately, we also like to assume perfection in our leaders. We hold them to standards beyond human ability. When they fail to meet the lofty ideals we set, we either overlook and explain away their foibles or wholly reject them as if they have no redeeming characteristics at all. Either way, our unrealistic expectations cloud judgement.  

Of course, those same leaders play into this tendency. They exalt themselves as if perfection is not only attainable but has been embodied in their person. In doing so they set expectations beyond their capability, and when those expectations falter the cycle of repudiation and/or rationalization begins.

As always, I go back to J. Krishnamurti. “Truth is a pathless land.” Life philosophies are useful as guidelines, but once you embrace them as the be all and end all they are limiting. Wabi-sabi imparts insights that are a useful counterpoint to our Western idealism. Yet our pursuit of perfection can lead to great success. As always balance is the key. If it were only that easy.