The Myths of Self-Improvement: Beyond the Ambiguity and Misleading Ideas

Introduction

The concept of self-improvement is pervasive in modern society, often seen as a path to achieving a better version of oneself. However, as Acharya Prashant suggests, the idea itself is ambiguous and misleading. This article explores the boundaries and limitations of self-improvement, challenging the notion that emotional or mental states can be improved through conscious effort alone.

Theoretical Underpinnings of Self-Improvement

The principle of self-improvement is based on the belief that you can change your present state to achieve a desired future state. This presupposes a distinction between the current self and a future, idealized self. However, as Acharya Prashant points out, the self that aims to improve is the same self that is often disliked. This creates a paradox where the very self seeking change may not be trusted to determine an authentic destination.

The Nature of Intangible Emotions and Being vs. Doing

Emotions, as intangible states, do not lend themselves to conscious improvement in the same way tangible tasks or skills can be developed. While one can work on certain skills or behaviors, true emotional states are more about being in a certain way than doing an act to improve. For instance, fear or impatience arises from one's thoughts, which reflect unmet expectations. Reframing these thoughts can lead to immediate changes in one's emotional state.

Ambiguity of Improvement: A Lack and Deficiency

The word 'improvement' implies a lack or deficiency, suggesting a state that is less than ideal. This framework sets up a constant state of dissatisfaction and an ongoing need for change, which can itself be detrimental. As Acharya Prashant notes, trying to improve what is not broken or is already fulfilled is at best futile and at worst, disingenuous. Improvement places the focus on fixing something that might not be broken and can lead to a continuous dissatisfaction with one's present state.

Self-Improvement as a Trick Away from the Source

Acharya Prashant posits that self-improvement is a tactic to keep one’s attention away from the true self, which is a timeless, unconditioned, and complete reality. The mind, ever restless and flowing, is inherently flawed and cannot be improved. The mind is a transient reflection of the soul, which can only find contentment through surrender to its Source, which is peace.

The Core of Real Self-Improvement: Seeing and Understanding

True self-improvement lies in observing and understanding one's nature. Change happens not through a series of deliberate actions but through moments of clarity, where reality is seen and accepted. This process of seeing and understanding is not an action but an act of witnessing. Whenever one sees, one wakes up from the illusion of separation and opens to the reality of wholeness. It is through this constant 'seeing' that true transformation occurs.

The Essence of Self-Improvement vs. Improvement

The essence of self-improvement is not about becoming better, but about accepting and being who you truly are. The act of trying to improve oneself is a form of denial and resistance against the natural state of being. True self-improvement is aligning with one's true nature and embracing it without resistance, rather than trying to change it.

In conclusion, the concept of self-improvement must be approached with caution. It is not an action but a state of being. True transformation does not come from trying to fix something, but from accepting and aligning with the unchanging, complete, and unconditioned realitythat lies within oneself. Instead of striving for improvement, one should focus on being, and by doing so, true and transformative change will occur.