In different situations in our lives, we identify with different realities. For example, if we were asked to introduce ourselves in a small village, it would be appropriate to identify ourselves with our family. If, however, we had to introduce ourselves in a larger setting, our family identity would be irrelevant; we would have to identify with our whole village, district, state, or even country. Without denying or negating any of the other identities we have, we focus on the identity that is most relevant to the goal we wish to accomplish in the situation.
At the same time, we are only able to identify with the realities about which we have knowledge. Extending the same example, if we were to take a man from a very isolated tribal village, who knows his identities only with respect to his family and his village, and ask him to introduce himself at an international conference, how would he do it? Even if somehow he realizes that his identity as a member or his family or village is not relevant in that setting, he has no knowledge of any other reality about himself.
We have the goal of being free of limitations - being free and complete in every way. With some analysis, we can see that our existence as the body and mind cannot help us with this goal. It is the nature of the body and mind to be imperfect. But until we appreciate that we have another reality as well - as the basic 'knowing person', free from the imperfections of everything we objectify - there is no solution to our dissatisfaction with ourselves. Once we understand that this basic person is another reality of ourselves, we can start owning it up and focusing on it, so that it becomes the primary reality for us.
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