Spirituality has NEVER been about "aiming for an imagined perfect state." Who exactly is saying that? "Awake" is by no means about the capping of things at only what Saltzman has seen in his (clearly) LIMITED experience!

There is a paradox the he simply doesn't understand. It is called "The paradox of being and becoming". He's stuck at what is called "craving for non-becoming"

“I do not consider myself a work in progress, although a bygone ‘myself’ once did.”
- Robert Saltzman

Of course (duh) true nature wouldn't be true nature if it wasn't already present (this is the Being part). However, deciding/pretending therefore that you're "done" is a joke!

This is why it's a paradox. You're already "it" but actualizing and embodying this simply does NOT occur in a flash.

It's never at all been about "becoming" something "better," but acknowledging the paradox that even though Being is a "done deal," it still continues to organically unfold. (the Becoming part) NOT because you fantasize about it, but because it's endless and can't be stopped.

If you don't like the word becoming, then "revealing" might be more apt.

Dōgen famous words come to mind: "Practice is realization, realization is practice."

As many are increasingly recognizing, self-proclaimed: "Elder, and Man of Wisdom," Robert Saltzman is simply deluded. I heard that respected author Joan Tollifson has removed him from her recommended book list. (good call Joan)

Those who have had a closer look, have realized Saltzman to be angry, condescending, obstinate, self-aggrandizing, pessimistic, foul mouthed, and narcissistic. Not exactly a great poster child for "Awake." One review stated:

“I smell a rat with this guy, it's apparent in his grandiosity, which I'm guessing is a mask for some abiding rage.”

Do yourself a favor, and pass on this half-cooked wannabe.