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Source: The Hindu (http://www.the-hindu.com)

 

Self-identity, root of human predicament

 

CHENNAI, JUNE 27. The root of human dilemma can be traced to the

confusion man entertains about his identity. Every individual has

a preconceived image about himself which in most cases is the

identity he wishes to be. But heredity and social circumstances

predispose every human being with a certain identity which is to

a great extent determined. The scriptures refer to this basic

human nature variously as Swadharma and Guna. Then there is at

the basic level man's identity with the Self (Atman) which is the

spiritual level. Thus the notion of individuality brings to the

fore these three distinct levels in the human personality.

 

At the level of the Self there are no disparities and it is about

our personalities that we have illusions and complexes. When

there is difference between one's Swadharma and the image one has

about oneself there is bound to be mental conflict because one

tries all the time to live up to a preconceived notion of oneself

which is akin to being a split personality. When one is aware of

one's basic trait and truly grounded in it then there is no

conflict within. If at the spiritual level the basic question is

``Who am I?'', then at the relative level man has to contend with

the question ``Where do I belong?''

 

In the ultimate analysis the objective was to place the ``I'' in

the proper perspective, said Swami Chidananda in his discourse on

the Bhagavad Gita. The ``I'' which one normally presents to the

world is a false one and the relatively true ``I'' is one's

natural identity as an individual. The real ``I'' is the Self and

spiritual progress entails moving closer to the Self. Becoming

aware of the dichotomy between the false identity we present to

the world and our intrinsic nature itself is a major step when

the person becomes conscious of his inner conflicts. Next, he

takes the initiative of evolving towards his true Self which is

the source of infinite bliss where all his contradictions cease.

 

The Gita explains human nature as an interplay of the three

qualities (Gunas) - Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. When Sattva

predominates there is discernment in the mind and the senses, and

hence the mind and heart function in unison. Rajas, on the other

hand, results in greed, activity, action motivated by interest,

restlessness and craving for enjoyment. Lack of vision and of

understanding, disinclination to perform obligatory duties and

insensitivity to others' feelings characterise the man of Tamas.

There should not be conflict between one's intrinsic nature and

lifestyle if one desires to be at peace with oneself.

 

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