How do we define freedom? It is a word used by all of us.
Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. – Martin Luther King Jr.
Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better. – Albert Camus
He who is brave is free? – Seneca
Freedom is not the absence of commitments, but the ability to choose and commit myself to – what is best for me. – Paul Coelho
In the Bhagwad Gita, freedom is primarily understood as liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering, achieved through self-realization and acting without attachments to the results of one’s actions. It means that one aligns oneself with the divine will, allowing for responsible use of free will while recognizing that the ultimate power lies with God.
The Gita describes Karma Yoga as performing one’s duty without expecting the fruits of action and this is central to achieving freedom.
Moksha refers to liberation or ultimate freedom, which is the goal of spiritual practice according to the Gita.
Self-knowledge according to the Gita is understanding the self’s true nature as an eternal soul, distinct from the temporary body and therefore one gains liberation.
Dear ones, once we start the Yogic Sadhana, we understand the meaning of freedom. It happens step by step. Understanding one’s breath and practicing breath awareness makes us free of our thoughts. Freedom from thoughts enables one to practice pratyahara (sensory withdrawal) and this further leads to freedom from doubts and fears. Gradually we come to Dharana, which is concentration on a point. Then after a while we come to Dhyana (meditation).
Yoga leads us to liberation and freedom.
Aim Hrim Klim
Photo by Aditya Saxena on Unsplash