What Am I?

Posted by Roosevelt Evans III
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  The question most humans ask in "searching" for ourselves is "Who am I?". This seems to be the most important question to ask because of our inclination toward egotism and self consciousness. We all want to know "who" we belong to and where we stand in relation to others. We are all fascinated with those in the "Who's Who" list of celebrities and powerful people.

   However amnesia can take away in an instant "who" we are and society quickly forgets those who were once in the "Who's Who" list when they are no longer in the "public eye". "Who" we are is very temporal and fleeting with little real substance. The person suffering amnesia doesn't lose their character, personality, talents and abilities. (Remember Jason Bourne in the movie "The Bourne Identity")

  "What" we are is much more important and relevant than "who" we are. "A rose by any other name is still a rose". "What" we are makes a difference in other people's lives and "what" we are lasts for eternity. "What" we are are today determines what happens to us in the future. Buddha taught that "who" we are is an illusion but "what"  we are or rather our "Karma" (the sum total of our desires and deeds) is real and eternal.

 The awareness of our character, limitations and abilities with the desire to grow, help and serve others is the key to true happiness and an eternal legacy. "What am I?"