Not everyone is perfect. Whenever I end up thinking about my flaws, I always come back to a certain lyric that helps me realize that that’s okay.
“We’re all imperfect in a perfect way.” – Witt Lowry
In a way, that is my own personal mantra. By remembering that simple line, I see that although I may have weaknesses, that doesn’t mean I don’t have my strengths either. Over the course of times, specifically 18 years, I have come to figure myself out. I am not the best singer; I have terrible time management; I am lazy, etc. Though, out of all that, I see that I am me. And with myself comes a plethora of other traits that I can actually be proud of.
Without darkness, what can be considered light? Thanks to my flaws, I am able to see the good. Ever since I was young, I was raise a Buddhist by my family. Especially with my grandmother around, I became very aware of my religion. Though, even more than that, beyond religion, the moral lessons I learned transcended any type of devotion to the idea of gods, goddesses, saints, etc.
Currently, the religious leader of the Tibetan people, my people, is His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. First name being the same aside (which is a commonality shared by many Tibetans with His Holiness especially those in my generation), it is hard for me to imagine every being like him. What is even more shocking is his immense humility. As the 14th Dalai Lama, he is basically at the top of the religious hierarchy in not just Tibetan Buddhism, but Buddhism in general. Yet, he is able to honestly say
“I feel that I am a Buddhist monk, not the Dalai Lama. Most people describe me as a Nobel Laureate. Many invite me because I am a Nobel Laureate and not because I am a monk or the Dalai Lama.” – His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
Of all the great traits and accolades he possesses, that is the most notable to me. Nowadays, too many people, especially the youth, act as if they are entitled to things and as if they are superior in some way or another. Somehow, musical interests, clothing choices, what one has or does not, all too much define a person when it should be their character that is judged, not their external factors. The Dalai Lama preaches a value that is irreligious and just pure humane, that we are all human.
While he himself is a Buddhist, he has the compassion to look beyond that and is able to form bonds and friendship regardless of gender, race, orientation, religion, etc. He is truly all-accepting, and that is what I aspire to be.
This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness. – His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
Regardless of affiliation, love and compassion is and should be universal. So even though I may not be perfect, I am the best me as can be, as long as I keep in mind the importance of love and compassion.
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