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Identity crisis

The more we get identified, the less we discover our true nature

There is nothing called identity crisis. Actually, identity is the crisis. Identification is a progeny of insecurity. It brings isolation. Walls prevent not only entry but also exit.

We are inclined to intensify identification with greater forces to cover up our inferiority. Reflected glory gives us gratification. Nevertheless, intersecting interests and common categorisation cannot compensate for our shortcomings. Justification is not an excuse or explanation for any limitation.

Function of memory

Identification propels craving. We adduce attributes, mostly imaginary, and make our relationships complicated. Identity is a function of memory and thus a fossil decorated with perfumes. As it owes its origin to the past, it has nothing afresh and novel. It is the repository and recollection of circumstances related to our birth, brought up or denomination and hence borrowed without originality. It is an offshoot of accumulation of thoughts. Accumulation is not saving. Therefore, it creates fear, tension and stress. Fear draws a vicious circle. It goads an urge to have more facets of identity. One who lacks backbone requires countenance and support can turn out to be a scaffold at any point of time.

For J. Krishnamurti, identification is a process of self-forgetfulness. The more we get identified, the less we discover our true nature. We remain an enigma to everyone around us. Life unfolds before us like a mystery and our alacrity to probe it helps in exploring our self. Identity explains away our failure to probe and enquire. It strengthens our individual soul and prohibits the possibilities to enter into the universal soul.

Helps in consolation

Identification helps in consolation. We feel satisfied with fellow idiots of same calibre around. Vendors tend to detest a bouquet shop in a fish market and feel comfortable with one more dry fish seller joining them. Progress is synonymous with transformation. Identity is escapism. Escaping does not tantamount to freedom. It gives temporary relief to inflict more pain subsequently. Fugitives from life cannot expect honour from rebels.

Identity makes us cling to ideas, concepts, beliefs etc. and closes our mind completely. It produces a smoke screen to view others and as a result our vision gets clouded and coloured. Choice precedes and altercation succeeds it. Concepts are theoretical and can never substitute reality. As Aldous Huxley says, even the best cookery book is no substitute for even the worst dinner. Action oriented person is flexible without becoming pliable when the situation warrants. He never carries a dead horse.

`I'dentification starts with an `I'. It becomes an attempt to prove and, as a result, one misses the fun. Then, even food becomes a schedule, afterwards medicine and finally poison.

Consolidation is easy for the baser as they lack a face of their own. Lower portion of the trunk of a tree is always big and broad with more girth. Coherence among the weak is instantaneous and intuitive for fear being the greatest binder. Our identity is a mere shield and not a sword. Battles are never won only with shields.

Identity matters only in the known world. Territorial jurisdiction operates not only in felines but also in men. For the unknown, we are strangers and they are the least bothered about our prefixes and suffixes. Our world of symbols creates controversies. We forego the concrete to retain the abstract. We sell the place to buy the map and pledge the eyes to purchase the picture. Our fight is for supremacy of symbols and authenticity of emblems. Name becomes crucial than the individual in our narrow-minded perception.

Seldom unites

Our identity seldom unites and often divides. It creates fragmentation and fissures. It cascades conflicts and obstructs understanding. We strive in the first half of our life to establish an identity and try in the second half to lose it.

Identity is certainly a burden. When we drop it, we get released. Enlightenment is nothing but dropping all psychological belongings. It is to become absolutely free. It requires tremendous courage to drop our past and efface our memory.

V. IRAI ANBU

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