Foreword

Before we go further it helps to give the reader a glimpse of what we really mean when we say the world is perfect. For this we will use some analogies.

A ‘perfect’ game of tennis is not one where one player beats the other silly with little effort and straight games. It is one which involves considerable exertion and excitement, exploring all nuances and possibilities of the game by both players, and readily stands out as an example of the best tennis possible.

Likewise, a ‘perfect’ story is not one where everything falls in place and has a quick and happy ending. Rather it is one which explores a theme, going through various tantalizing possibilities, perchance with suspense and a thrilling climax.

In either case, the end of the game or the story is not what we identify as perfect, but the story from beginning to end, the game from start to finish.

We are not saying that Life is either a game or a story, for it is vastly more and beyond. Rather we are using an analogy to point out that perfection is not a static theme; that it is a process or a flowering that unfolds in time, and explores various nuances of an experience.

Another aspect of perfection is completeness of its experience. It is something that leaves one full, with nothing lacking in the experience as it ends.

The world can be perceived as such an unfolding. Its ‘plot’ if you will, is perfect and complete.

Let us also state that the above analogies are grossly over-simplified and only serves to make a point about perfection. The tennis example also serves as a glimpse into why human striving is so essential. We will have much more to say on this matter in due course.

Before we close this section we also wish to point out, by example, the difference a higher perspective brings. A broken toy can turn out to be a major heart-breaking disaster in the life of a toddler (at least for a while). But not so for the parent, who understandably consoles, helps and empathizes with the child, yet views the event from a different perspective. Both perspectives, i.e. of the parent and of the child, are valid, but the parent’s view encompasses and places the child’s experience in proper context. Such a shift or broadening of perspective is precisely what we attempt to accomplish through this blog when looking at Life at large.

The rest of this book will now discuss these matters in proper detail.