Forms of identity
Some forms of identity...
Conventional
The conventional identity for our human self helps it function in the world, and it can be more or less rigid and exclusive.
If it is rigid, exclusive, either/or and absolute, there is also a relatively strong sense of separation between persona (daily identity) and shadow (anything that does not fit this identity), and an investment in maintaining a stable conscious identity through maintaining a strong border between persona and shadow. I am a man, and that's it. I vote democrat, and republicans just don't get it.
If it is more porous, fluid, both/and and inclusive, there is more of a dance between persona and shadow, more space for any quality to be represented within the main identity. I am a man, but also include traditionally feminine qualities such as caring and making food. I vote democrat, but understand and agree with republicans in some areas.
Big Mind form aspect
This is Big Mind in its form aspect, which is all inclusive of all form. Whatever arises is Big Mind, or the Self, or Brahman, Spirit, Tao, in its form aspect.
Big Mind formless aspect
This is the formless aspect of Big Mind, the awake emptiness.
In itself, it is completely free from any identity. Stainless. Untouched.
At the same time, it is the awake emptiness of all form. It is the emptiness of form, taking any sense of absoluteness or substantiality out of whatever arises.
All together
All together, there is (a) the conventional identity of our human self, typically of the more inclusive and fluid variety. It is there only as an aid for functioning in the world and there is nothing absolute in it. (b) There is the realization of all form as Big Mind, as Spirit, as the Self, the all-inclusive "I". (c) And the realization of freedom from any identity as formless awake emptiness, and the awake emptiness of all form - allowing for a lighter touch.
Labels: big mind, human self, identity