In our day to day life, we walk with the burden of prejudices and complexes that we carry on our shoulders. We have a certain self-image of ourselves which further alienates us from others as we seek to carve our own distinctive identities. We have our habits, traits and behavioural patterns that we need to accept as unique qualities that only we have. We must accept these and be in harmony as these are the traits and beliefs that define and guide us in our future course of life. No doubt, these will be distinctively different than others, we must respect the view of the other while at the same time maintaining our distinct identity. The annihilation of this tussle is the key to peace harmony and survival. In a sense, ‘I AM OK, YOU ARE OK’. Once we act and take life in this spirit, things become easier and calmer. We understand ourselves and learn to understand the point of view of others. This is the way of the heart and the way of peace. So, understanding is the key and patience is its virtue. As you age, these qualities will evolve within you and these can be very effective in dealing with people and day-to-day affairs of the world.
You must listen to the clutter of the mind and let go of your inner dialogues that often hold you back in life. All the fears and wounds you will find are self-inflicted. Maintain your identity and respect the boundaries others have set for you as well as themselves. That is what one calls mariyada. Acceptance is adherence to that mariyada.
You may be gay, leper, prostitute, fanatic, poet or a drunk. You are what you are and first, you need to make peace with yourself before you can make peace with others. So again, it is an inner journey that we are undertaking. Its manifestation comes later in the outer world. So indeed, stand apart and stand alone but see yourself in the world and a part of the whole.
The key to survival is walking on your own dharma at the same time walking along with others.