As we celebrate Independence Day on August 15, it is not just a time for celebration but also for self-reflection n introspection. Freedom does not only mean political freedom, but it has a broader meaning of mental and spiritual freedom. When we wave our country’s tricolor, sing the national anthem and watch parades, we must ask ourselves this question: Are we really free?
Freedom is often understood as a political concept—the ability of a nation to operate its own system of government without external control. But true freedom means much more than that. It is the liberation of the mind and spirit, freeing us from social, religious, and political bondage.
We have always been taught that conflict between nations is necessary. History is witness to the fact that more than 10,000 wars have taken place in the last 4500 years. These wars were not just battles between nations, but were conflicts that pushed humanity backwards. The very foundation of the existence of every nation is believed to lie in conflict with another nation. But we should consider whether the existence of nations really depends on conflict?
Take the example of Pakistan, whose identity is often linked to its hostility with India. The idea that Pakistan’s identity lies in its anti-India stance originated from the “two-nation theory”, which states that Hindus and Muslims cannot live together. India was partitioned in 1947 on this basis. The notion that the very basis of Pakistan’s existence is its hostility towards India still lives on.
But this is not limited to Pakistan alone. Every nation feels the need for an enemy for its existence. If there is no enemy, what is the justification for military force and borders? The very concept of nation becomes questionable. It is a bitter truth that the foundation of our political existence may not be as strong and highly moral as we think.
The idea that protecting borders is a primitive instinct connects us to our animality. Animals also mark and protect their borders. Is it possible that this overabundance of nationalism, which separates us from other nations, is part of our old primitive instincts? If so, the path to true progress lies in rising above this animality, seeking unity rather than division.
Independence Day is not just a political event. It is an opportunity for us to look within ourselves and understand the true meaning of our freedom. Political freedom is an important achievement, but it is only the first step. True freedom means that we can free our minds and thoughts from social, religious and national boundaries.
Freedom does not come from any external element; it comes from our inner state. It is not the result of the revelation of some fact. Even if we are told all the facts of the world, our understanding will develop only when we know our inner truth.
Meditation means living in the moment, and the first step to true freedom is to bring awareness within ourselves. Instead of trying to change the outside world, try to change yourself.
Meditation means living in the moment, and the first step to true freedom is to bring awareness within ourselves. Instead of trying to change the outside world, try to change yourself.
This Independence Day reminds us that freedom is not just a political status, it is a state of our mind. This 15th August, we should not only celebrate the independence of our country but also strive to achieve true freedom within ourselves.
Acharya Prashant
Vedanta scholar and author
Founder, Prashant Advaita Foundation
( THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS Article ARE THE Personal VIEWS OF Acharya Prashant and the news website Uknationnews news is in no way agreeable or nin agreeable with him necessarily)
