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Thoughts On Freedom In Every Man - Swami Ranganathananda

This is a thought on freedom by Swami Ranganathananda (15 December 1908 – 25 April 2005) - Swamiji served as the 13th president of Ramakrishna Mission.

There is an element of freedom in every man.  We are a bundle of bondage and freedom. Body is the product of food, and so also is mind. They are controlled and bound by nature. But there is a focus of light inside us, though glimmering in our present state, which is the true focus of freedom. That is the atman, the divine spark, which is beyond nature.

The little semblances of freedom we all experience in our day-to-day life is due to the light of atman, which percolates through the intellect, mind, senses, and the body. It makes all these faculties energized and vital.

In a physical existence, where the light of atman seems submerged in the psycho-sensory mire, we are totally in bondage. Most of us do not even realize that we are bound. We remain satisfied. But when this great blessing of ‘the desire to be free’ enters into our lives, it marks a turning point. Then begins our march towards freedom — first, by searching for the true focus of freedom in our psychophysical experiences and, then, having discovered the true focus, by a mighty penetration into its real nature. Our whole being then responds to the Divine stimulus coming from the atman.

Additional Explanation And Meaning Of The Above Teachings - 

The Journey Toward Freedom: Unveiling the Atman

The concept described encapsulates one of the profound teachings of Hinduism, emphasizing the human condition's spiritual essence and the potential to transcend worldly bondage. This teaching is timeless, resonating across centuries as a beacon of hope and guidance. Here's an expanded exploration of its significance, symbolism, and relevance to modern life:


Understanding the Teaching

  1. Bondage and Liberation:
    Hindu philosophy views life as a blend of bondage and liberation. Bondage (Bandhan) refers to being caught in the web of psycho-sensory experiences driven by desires, attachments, and ego. Liberation (Moksha) is the realization of one's true nature as the atman—the eternal, pure consciousness beyond material existence.

  2. Symbolism of the Atman:

    • Atman, often described as the "light" within, represents our true self, untouched by the physical or emotional turbulence of life.
    • The "psycho-sensory mire" symbolizes Maya (illusion), which clouds our perception of reality and binds us to transient joys and sorrows.
    • The "desire to be free" is a divine grace, marking the awakening of spiritual aspiration.

Why This Is a Universal Teaching

  • Timeless Relevance:
    While rooted in Hindu philosophy, the teaching transcends cultural boundaries, resonating with the core principles of human evolution—the quest for meaning and purpose.

  • Universality in Scriptures:

    • The Bhagavad Gita highlights this journey in the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna: "Uddhared atmanatmanam" (6.5)—"Raise yourself by yourself."
    • The Upanishads teach that realization of the atman is the ultimate purpose of life: "Tat Tvam Asi"—"You are That."
  • Relevance Across Eras:
    In ancient times, it guided sages in their solitary meditations. In modern times, it can guide us in overcoming materialism and existential crises.


Deeper Symbolism and Interpretation

  • Spiritual Awakening: The desire for freedom isn't merely a thought but a profound shift in consciousness, moving from a self-centered to a soul-centered existence.
  • Penetration into Reality: This journey involves self-inquiry (atma-vichara), stripping away illusions to recognize the eternal truth of unity with the Divine.
  • The Divine Stimulus: Responding to the call of the atman aligns one with universal laws, leading to harmony and fulfillment.

Modern-Day Relevance and Application

  1. Personal Growth:
    This teaching helps individuals overcome stress, depression, and dissatisfaction by emphasizing introspection and inner contentment.
    Example: A person caught in corporate rat-race anxiety can find peace by meditating on their true nature, realizing that their worth is not tied to external achievements.

  2. Social Harmony:
    Recognizing the Divine in oneself and others fosters compassion and equality.
    Example: Understanding this teaching can inspire efforts to eliminate societal evils like discrimination and intolerance.

  3. Climate and Environment:
    The realization of interconnectedness leads to respect for nature as part of the divine whole.
    Example: Living simply and sustainably aligns with the principle of non-harm (ahimsa), reducing ecological footprints.


Lessons from Hindu Scriptures

  1. Stories:

    • The Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan): Symbolizes the struggle between bondage and liberation. The nectar of immortality (truth of the atman) emerges after intense effort.
    • Nachiketa and Yama (Katha Upanishad): Nachiketa's pursuit of truth shows the courage needed to realize the atman.
  2. Quotes:

    • "As the rivers flow into the ocean, losing their names and forms, so does the wise person, freed from name and form, merge into the Divine." – Mundaka Upanishad.
    • "When the mind becomes still, the self is revealed." – Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

Why Majority Fail to Recognize This Teaching

  1. Maya's Influence: The allure of material pleasures blinds individuals to spiritual truths.
  2. Lack of Awareness: Modern education often neglects inner development, focusing instead on external achievements.
  3. Resistance to Change: The ego resists the surrender required to embark on the spiritual journey.

Practical Ways to Embody This Teaching

  1. Meditation and Mindfulness: Regular practice cultivates awareness of the atman.
  2. Selfless Service (Seva): Acts of kindness dissolve ego and align us with universal consciousness.
  3. Simplified Living: Detachment from excess fosters clarity and spiritual growth.

Impact on Overcoming Modern Problems

  1. Mental Health: Promotes resilience and inner peace amidst external chaos.
  2. Consumerism: Encourages simplicity over material accumulation.
  3. Global Issues: Inspires collective responsibility for social and ecological wellbeing.

Conclusion

This teaching from Hinduism is a roadmap to freedom—freedom from ignorance, suffering, and limitations. By cultivating the desire to be free, embracing the journey inward, and responding to the Divine stimulus of the atman, individuals and societies can evolve toward harmony and fulfillment. In a world facing personal, social, and environmental crises, this ancient wisdom shines as a guide to holistic well-being, universal love, and sustainable living.