Freedom is a multi-faceted term. It generally means "the choice to act" in a given situation. But this freedom is restricted when our acts are affected by self-ignorance. From an individual perspective freedom is understood as self-rule. From a spiritual perspective, freedom is seen as inner peace and fulfillment.



The spiritual sense of the term includes peaceful acceptance of reality. In the eastern world, freedom is seen as an ability to act on internal harmony. Eastern philosophies stress on internal factors as they relate to inner expressions of life. According to eastern concept of freedom, one's mind is really free only when it is free of desires, fear, anger, sorrow, etc. Inner freedom is based on the ability to see reality as it is.

Inner Freedom is real freedom. You are always engaged in constant thinking. From the time you get up in the morning until you fall asleep at night you are busy thinking. In fact, even in your sleep your mind never ceases and engages you with dreams about whatever is going on in your subconscious mind. The mind is restless. It is busy creating thoughts.

You may live in a democratic country as a free citizen. You may think you are economically free if you are earning well and have a fat bank balance. But think of the ways you've had to struggle to reach this economical freedom. Think of the struggle you are going through now to maintain it. You are all the time planning, plotting and worrying. Is this freedom?

Inner freedom is real freedom. You can attain inner freedom only by silencing your unceasing mind. When you silence your mind you would enjoy peace and freedom. Real freedom is attained only when you are free of thoughts, fears, worries, questions, etc. Though there are ways to free your mind, you are not aware of this freedom. Inner freedom helps you with self-discovery. When you discover your true self, you have a better perspective of life and you would be able to find your purpose in life.

Real freedom is achieved only when you are above thoughts. You could drink from this freedom only when you step out of your mental world. As long as your mind is the master, how could you enjoy freedom? You have to practice to free yourself from compulsive thinking. Is it possible to stop the mind from thinking?

Yes. Many spiritual leaders have proven so. Can you imagine a state when your mind is very calm? This silence teaches you what real freedom is. You have to know the real you. Through silence you become conscious of your inner self. You feel your inner power.

Inner freedom lets you achieve mastery over your inner condition. You gain the ability to act according to your own true self or values or to act in harmony with universal values. You could try to reach this happiness through calmness, meditation, concentration and detachment. Master the ability to filter your thoughts by not getting involved with them. It is possible to reach and live in true freedom.