On Saturday the 1st of May 2010, Swami Swaroopanandaji provided the Melbourne youth with the opportunity to better understand ourselves through the cleverly and aptly named workshop, ‘Born Identity’. Over 50 of Melbourne’s slightly confused youth arrived at the Chinmaya Dham promptly at 9:00am, determined to discover their own identity in this world. The atmosphere in the ashram was peaceful, as always, but on this particular morning it was charged with anticipation for the upcoming words of wisdom from Swamiji.

Many of us were lost in decisions relating to friends, family, career choices, marriage, and generally confused about our place and purpose in the world. We found that culture and our current lifestyle often clashed and we struggled to find the right balance. Swamiji informed us that many of us rather than having one identity we have a few in which we often switch - in view of circumstances and convenience. In addition, ethnicity, cultural background, education and religious views were just a few factors that shape our identities.

Lifestyle and culture being one of the main topics of contention were each clearly defined by Swamiji. Lifestyle is the manner in which we live, and has often been used to excuse some of our behaviour. Our use of the word lifestyle has resulted in us avoiding discipline and doing whatever we feel like. In contrast, culture teaches self constraint and has a positive impact on society. Culture has always been something that develops and improves you. Most people reject culture, not because of the level of discipline required but because of the sacrifices that will be involved. To achieve something specific in life, there must be a certain level of discipline and sacrifice and so the message Swamiji gave us was to “Never give up culture for lifestyle but rather have a cultural lifestyle”.

This workshop gave us much needed direction into every aspect of our lives. We came to understand that by being proud of our identity we will eventually understand our own individual strengths, and can then positively impact the world. We recognised the importance of acceptance in order for us to let go of the past and have the power to change and learn from the experience. We realised that the true meaning of friendship is not someone who gives you what you want but gives you what is good for you and that the saying ‘What you are, you attract’ illustrated the importance of how the company we keep and the culture we live can help us create our own unique character.

The day was not just a lecture given by Swamiji, but it was an interactive and memorable workshop. We were allowed the time and opportunity to think about the words said to us and had debates allowing us to better appreciate the advice. To further ensure our understanding there was a question and answer session in which Swamiji patiently answered our unrelenting questions. The workshop had it all - from games to discussion, food, and most importantly the wise words from Swamiji. From the very beginning of the day right until the lively bhajans and aarthi making the end of the workshop - our attentions were captured.

I came looking for a direct and simple answer into who I am, but I soon realised that an individual’s identity can never be stated to them but rather they have to discover what it is for themselves. Swamiji understood this, and the guidance he gave us were all the tools we would ever need to enlighten ourselves about our own identity.