Cracks in personality

'There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in.' These lines from Leonard Cohen song 'Anthem' inspire us to ponder life's purpose and meaning. Can we spot anyone on this planet without flaws? Let us consider some great people from Indic mythology who, despite their exemplary good qualities, had glaring flaws.

For instance, Yudhishthir, the eldest of the five Pandavs, was a role model due to his steadfast adherence to dharm. Yet, his weakness for gambling put not only him but also his loved ones in great trouble. Yudhishthir's mother, Kunti, embodied righteousness and virtuousness. But her love for Pandavs led to a war among her sons. This made her so remorseful that it eventually led to her enlightenment.

Dronacharya, guru of Pandavs and Kauravs, was a brilliant teacher and an exemplary warrior. Even he is not exempted from being imperfect. In the battlefield, he went against dharma by supporting Duryodhan and causing Abhimanyu's death. His favouring of Arjun, enveloped brilliance of Eklavya, a Nishad warrior. Draupadi, queen of the Pandavs, was well known for her divine qualities. Yet, her harsh words, 'a blind man's son is also blind', provoked Duryodhan.


Our mythological figures are not devoid of shortcomings. Hence, the best way to be spiritual is to turn within oneself and focus on the Self. Our mythology suggests that nobody is perfect. We all have imperfections, that is, a crack in our personality. These cracks allow light - that is, realisation of the Supreme - to dawn upon us. Although each of us may have several flaws, we can rise above them and shine.