Freedom. . .
Freedom — we all yearn for it. We chant for it, vote for it, even fight for it. Yet the Buddha’s teachings remind us that true freedom is not something granted by the world, but something we cultivate from within.
From a Buddhist perspective, freedom is liberation from the causes of suffering. It is freedom from greed, hatred, and delusion, the poisons that keep our minds and hearts chained. This liberation is not about doing whatever we please, but rather about acting with wisdom and compassion, unbound by compulsions or unskillful habits.
We may think of freedom as “no one tells me what to do,” but Buddhism invites us to look deeper: Are you free from anger? Are you free from fear? Are you free from the habits that drive you to harm yourself or others? Only when these chains are broken can we know the taste of true freedom.
Living in alignment with this view of freedom means nurturing mindfulness and ethical conduct. We pause before acting, seeing clearly the seeds of intention within us. We recognize when we are about to speak from frustration, or act from selfishness, and choose a wiser path instead. In this way, our freedom blossoms as a kind of fearless love — a love that is not shackled by our own confusion.
As we move through this day, let us reflect: freedom is not just a privilege, it is a practice. Every moment is a chance to unbind the knots of delusion and let compassion flow freely. Every mindful breath is a step toward liberation, the kind that no worldly force can ever take away.
Be well, be free, and be awake.
Peace and Love, Jim
#freedom #thedailybuddha #tdb
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