Yes, separation IS an illusion, but because of that, isn't identity an illusion as well?

In my view, there is no one alive today that was another person in another life in the past. That would imply some kind of separation between the individual self and the cosmos it's composed of.

So for me, it's not reincarnation of discrete individuals that takes place, but rather reconstitution of the energy that animates us. To me, this suggests that we are indeed made of the same atoms and molecules as were the Chinese bodies that preceded us, but it's not the same person.

Perhaps the sense that we have memories of past incarnations is due to the fact that memories (echoes?) of the events live in the matter and energy that we are made of. Not sure, but it's fun to contemplate.

As a result of my study of neuroplasticity, it has become harder for me to accept the idea of classical reincarnation, but who really knows? Not me! 😄