Celebrating Real Freedom

True Freedom: A Deeper Perspective

India celebrated its Independence Day last month with hearts filled with patriotism. Across the nation, a wave of pride and gratitude surged for our brave freedom fighters, who sacrificed their lives to gift us liberty, ensuring that future generations could live happily, peacefully, and fearlessly. India broke free from foreign rule in 1947, and history tells us that almost all ancient civilizations endured periods of slavery under colonial rule. However, through persistent efforts, movements, and revolts, the evil of slavery was eventually declared illegal and abolished.

Freedom: A Right and a Responsibility

For nearly seven decades, India has been a ‘free’ country. The Constitution grants every citizen six Fundamental Rights, including the Right to Freedom and the Right to Freedom of Religion. The Right to Freedom encompasses freedom of speech, expression, assembly, movement, and residence, while the Right to Freedom of Religion includes the right to practice, propagate, and manage religious affairs.

We are fortunate to have these rights as our birthright. However, with rights come responsibilities. While many demand their Right to Freedom of Speech, they often attempt to suppress the voices of others. Similarly, some fight for their Right to Freedom of Religion in a manner that infringes upon the same right of others. If one’s freedom becomes bondage for another, can we still call it real freedom?

To continue experiencing true freedom, we must abide by certain rules and responsibilities. Just as a kite soars high only when tethered to a string, we can achieve happiness and success only when we pair freedom with responsibility. If we mistakenly perceive the string as a restriction and cut it, the kite doesn’t soar higher—it falls astray.

Understanding True Freedom

Freedom has multiple dimensions, the most obvious being physical freedom—the absence of captivity, slavery, forced labor, or restrictions on movement and residence. While we possess this form of freedom today, is it enough to ensure happiness and security?

The Hindi word for freedom, “Swatantra”, is composed of two words: “Swa” (self) and “Tantra” (governance or control). Thus, Swatantra means self-governance or self-control—being the master of oneself. However, we often mistake it for mere political independence. True freedom is about mastery over oneself. This brings us to another essential aspect: spiritual freedom.

The Chariot Analogy: Mastering the Self

Imagine a chariot where the master sits at the helm, the charioteer holds the reins, and the horses pull the chariot forward. If the master remains alert, he guides the charioteer, who, in turn, controls the horses to reach the destination. However, if the master falls asleep, the charioteer loses direction, and the untethered horses wander aimlessly.

In this analogy:

• “I” (the spiritual being) am the chariot master.
• The body is the chariot.
• The intellect is the charioteer, guiding the mind and senses.
• The mind is the bridle, controlling the senses (horses).

When I am self-aware and in full consciousness of my spiritual identity, I make righteous decisions. My intellect helps me judge right from wrong, and my mind guides my senses accordingly. However, when I forget my true identity and identify solely with my body, roles, or status, my intellect weakens, and my senses run uncontrolled—leading to inner chaos.

Losing Control: The Path to Bondage

When the intellect loses control, the senses take over. I may say something I regret, think negatively despite wanting to stop, or engage in harmful habits. This is where Gandhiji’s principle—”See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil”—is defied. The intellect, now powerless, loses confidence, making righteousness seem difficult.

This lack of control leads to addictions—whether to fame, social media, gadgets, or chemicals. It also fuels insatiable desires, leaving me dissatisfied. I, the master of the chariot, now submit to my senses, allowing external forces to manipulate my emotions. When I lose inner control, I become enslaved to false identities and external validation, leading to mental and emotional bondage.

True Freedom: The Need for Spiritual Awakening

To be truly free, one must experience both physical and spiritual freedom. A mind free from negativity and wasteful thoughts becomes light and elevated, capable of seeing new horizons of hope, goodness, and positivity. True change begins within and then spreads to the world.

Just as the country fought for independence through uprisings, our inner battle against negativity and emotional turmoil can be resolved through spiritual awakening and Rajyoga Meditation.

Rajyoga: Attaining Sustainable Freedom

Rajyoga—which means “connection (Yoga) with the Supreme to become the ruler (Raja) of the self”—is a meditation technique that fosters sustainable freedom. When the mind is free from vices and desires, one experiences:

• Self-respect and love from others
• Harmonious relationships
• Satisfaction in all aspects of life
• Emotional stability, even in failure

This is the true essence of Swatantrata—self-sovereignty and inner freedom. When we rule over ourselves, we no longer seek external validation, and we remain unshaken by life’s challenges.

Essence

Real freedom is not just about political independence or fundamental rights. It is about being free from mental, emotional, and spiritual bondages. Only when we master our thoughts, emotions, and actions can we claim to be truly free.

By awakening our self-sovereignty, practicing self-control, and embracing spiritual wisdom, we can experience true Swatantrata—freedom that is not only sustained but also elevates us to greater heights of peace, security, and happiness.

True freedom begins within.