~ InDiviDual ~
Even while addressing to someone, we do say as, "This individual ...." A hidden version, probably can reveal the meaning as In - Divi - Dual. That is, in division, in duality. Ignoring the usual surface usage, does it not reflect the content of a highly individualistic personality? The one who is always caught in division and lives in duality. Probably, that may sound apt for describing an individualistic personality where he or she struggles to be a part of the whole.
The mind of a part of the whole, is like an extension of the source and hence there is no struggle or trying to unite etc...Whereas, in division, there is a clear cut demarcation and hence calls for all techniques to try to unite. A classic example of a divided mind can be, like, when you approach such a person and ask for let us say, a pen to write, for a moment, if you observe , you may notice the difference in the body expression and sometimes even in words. The hands would go to pick up the pen to give and even before reaching it, you will find the person saying, "it is there, take it". There is a clash of thoughts which may be present for a moment or much longer too. It is the division that results in duality.
In being a part of the whole, even while having an exclusive touch for one's own self, there is no demarcation, no division and hence the movement is like a smooth transition from one to another. It is like having an unseen bridge to travel from one side to the other. It is ever connected. A twin city, yet belonging to the same state. An extension of the same. It would appear to merge and move apart too, but deep within it is just one and the same.
We may address or be addressed as individuals, but, let us be aware of the hidden division and duality and remain as one forever...As forms(division) we may have different names, but can we deny the one connectedness?
Wisdom is not to get trapped in the division and duality but to remain steady in that oneness. All our slips eventually should let us realize this oneness.
Comments
I have noticed that people who are victimized lack a sense of individuality.
Therefore, the step to be taken is to find a unique point of view and become an individual. When mastered, one tends to dissolve the individual to become more a part of the whole, as you have just illustrated. And by becoming a part of the whole we learn about the mind and how it can be emptied. But now the mind is a container like the body or the individual. Is the next step to dissolve the mind into total spaciousness? The Soul too is a container. Once the soul has been fully realized, it too can perhaps dissolve back fully into Spirit.
It is all so very interesting to sense.
Brilliant word play on oneness and duality!
Love this analogy, "It is like having an unseen bridge to travel from one side to the other."
A bridge that supports and bring ease and comfort for the journey!