Any religion or ism or ideology that is against freedom of human being is unnatural. Such ideology will ruin the world. There is nothing higher than freedom. A human being can realize truth only through freedom.
Human beings need absolute freedom to achieve self realization. Forcing people to believe that only this is true is unnatural. The beauty of Sanatana Dharma or Hinduism is that it is a vast ocean constantly filled with thousands of rivers. Each individual in Sanatana Dharma is a river. And the river has the absolute freedom to follow its path. The river can finally merge in the ocean or merge in a lake or never merge in anything or just disappear on its way. This is the reason why you find an atheist and a theist in a Hindu family. They both can coexist peacefully.
Individual is of prime importance and it has greater value than any religion or ideology. Religion or ideology should be for the progress of human beings not the other way around. But sadly we see that human beings are cut to the same size to fit into an ideology or ism or religion.
Anything that is forced will be crumble in due course of time. Religion or ideology has to come on its own. When truth is not realized, we have hatred and intolerance. We see monolithic religions spreading hate and violence. These religions are hollow and they can now survive only through hatred. To hate those who do not follow their religion or ideology. Go to war against people who do not follow their religion.
If you want to know truth, then start the quest on your own. Do not believe signposts to be your destination. All ideologies and religions have become stagnant pools. They stink now. You should be like the ever flowing river. You need to be continuously flowing. And once you have realized or experienced truth do not create another ideology and religion. Keep flowing and never create stagnant pools.
The phrase "We can realize truth only through freedom" encapsulates a deep spiritual principle in Hinduism. According to Hindu philosophy, the pursuit of truth or ultimate reality—often referred to as Brahman or Satya—requires an individual to attain freedom, or Moksha. This freedom is not only from worldly bondage but also from ignorance (Avidya), desires, and the limitations imposed by the ego.
Here’s a detailed exploration of the idea of realizing truth through freedom from a Hindu perspective, enriched with symbolism, stories, scriptures, and its practical application in modern life.
1. Philosophical Underpinning of Freedom and Truth
In Hinduism, Truth is the highest principle, often equated with Brahman, the ultimate reality that is beyond change, space, and time. The Chandogya Upanishad states:
"Satyam Jñānam Anantam Brahma"
Brahman is Truth, Knowledge, and Infinity (Taittiriya Upanishad 2.1.1)
Freedom in this context is freedom from Maya (illusion) and bondage to the material world (Samsara). One can only realize Brahman, the absolute truth, when they are liberated from the distractions and attachments of the worldly life. The pursuit of this freedom involves spiritual practices such as meditation, selfless action (Karma Yoga), devotion (Bhakti), and knowledge (Jnana Yoga).
2. Symbolism of Freedom and Truth in Hinduism
The Lotus Flower: In Hindu symbolism, the lotus is a powerful symbol of spiritual freedom. It grows in muddy waters yet remains untouched and blossoms beautifully, symbolizing the soul's ability to rise above material bondage and realize its divine nature.
The Sun: The sun is often seen as a metaphor for truth. Just as the sun dispels darkness, so does truth dispel ignorance. The sun shines freely, without attachment, illuminating everything equally—a symbol of how truth is universal and accessible only when one frees themselves from prejudice and ego.
3. Quotes from Hindu Scriptures on Freedom and Truth
Mundaka Upanishad (3.1.8):
"The Self cannot be known through study or through intellect or through hearing from others. It can be known only by him who longs for It and to whom the Self reveals Its true nature."This quote stresses that the ultimate truth, the Self (Atman), can only be realized by those who are free from external dependencies and distractions, achieved through self-purification and devotion.
Isha Upanishad (Verse 1):
"All this—whatever exists in this changing universe—should be covered by the Lord. Protect yourself through renunciation. Do not covet anybody's wealth."This verse emphasizes the importance of renunciation or non-attachment as a means to experience the truth. Only when one renounces the materialistic world can they truly experience the divine truth.
4. Stories Illustrating Freedom Leading to Truth
Story of Nachiketa and Yama (Katha Upanishad):
In the Katha Upanishad, the young boy Nachiketa approaches Yama, the god of death, seeking the knowledge of the ultimate truth. Yama offers him various worldly pleasures, but Nachiketa refuses, understanding that these pleasures are temporary and will not lead him to the truth. His single-pointed focus and detachment from worldly desires eventually lead him to the realization of the eternal truth, Atman.King Janaka and the Yogis:
King Janaka was a ruler who had achieved self-realization while remaining engaged in the world. His story, found in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, illustrates that true freedom is not about renunciation of action, but renunciation of the ego and attachment to the results of action. By achieving internal freedom, he was able to realize the truth while performing his duties.
5. The Importance of Freedom in Hindu Philosophy
Freedom, or Moksha, is the ultimate goal in the Purusharthas (four aims of life) in Hinduism. It signifies liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara) and merging with the ultimate reality (Brahman). Without freedom, the soul is trapped in the cycle of desire, ignorance, and karma, making it impossible to realize the truth of its divine nature.
Freedom from Avidya (Ignorance): According to Hinduism, ignorance is the root of all suffering and the primary obstacle to realizing the truth. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad emphasizes, "From non-being, lead me to being; from darkness, lead me to light; from death, lead me to immortality." This prayer is a request to be freed from ignorance and to be led toward truth and spiritual freedom.
Karma and Freedom: The law of Karma binds individuals to the cycle of Samsara, where one's actions determine future births. However, selfless action (Karma Yoga), as described in the Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures, allows one to break free from the bondage of karma and realize the truth through detachment from the results of their actions.
6. Lesser-Known Facts about Freedom and Truth in Hinduism
Jivanmukti: In Hinduism, one can attain liberation while still alive, known as Jivanmukti. Unlike the common notion that Moksha is attained only after death, the Advaita Vedanta philosophy teaches that through knowledge, one can experience truth and freedom in this very life.
Sannyasa (Renunciation): Renunciation in Hinduism doesn’t necessarily mean renouncing the world; it means renouncing the ego and attachment. One can live in society but still be free from its bindings, much like the concept of Karma Yoga—performing duties without attachment.
7. Modern-Day Relevance of Freedom and Truth in Hinduism
In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of freedom leading to truth is highly relevant. Here’s how:
Freedom from Materialism: Modern life is filled with the pursuit of material success, status, and possessions. However, Hinduism teaches that true freedom lies in freeing oneself from these external dependencies and focusing on inner peace and self-realization.
Mental Freedom: In a world driven by social media, peer pressure, and external validation, the spiritual concept of freedom involves freeing the mind from external influences and living authentically. Meditation, mindfulness, and detachment from opinions and expectations are tools for achieving mental freedom.
Work-Life Balance through Detachment: The modern application of Karma Yoga—performing actions without attachment to the fruits—can help individuals maintain a balance between personal and professional lives. It teaches that while fulfilling one’s duties, one should not be overly attached to success or failure, thus fostering mental freedom and peace.
8. Practicality of Truth and Freedom in Day-to-Day Life
Self-Inquiry (Atma Vichara): In everyday life, self-inquiry encourages individuals to constantly question their motives, desires, and attachments. This practice, recommended by the sages of Advaita Vedanta, helps to free the mind from illusions and move closer to the truth of one’s higher Self.
Mindfulness and Non-Attachment: The practice of mindfulness and cultivating non-attachment in daily life can help one remain centered in truth and free from distractions. Whether at work, in relationships, or during personal growth, adopting the principle of detachment leads to greater clarity and insight.
Compassion and Service: Acts of selfless service (Seva) are seen as a way to dissolve the ego and free oneself from selfish desires. This freedom from the ego allows one to experience the universal truth of interconnectedness and divine love.
Hinduism emphasizes that truth can only be realized through freedom—freedom from ego, desires, material attachments, and ignorance. Through the teachings of the Upanishads, stories from scriptures, and the guidance of enlightened masters, Hindu philosophy provides practical tools for attaining both inner freedom and ultimate truth. The pursuit of this truth is not only a distant goal but a practical, everyday journey that leads to personal transformation and spiritual awakening.