Inner Freedom: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Resilience

Undoubtedly, inner freedom is one of the most sought-after states. However, without understanding its nature, the search for freedom can become a source of tension. Firstly, it is important to distinguish between escape from reality and genuine liberation.

In fact, freedom is not the absence of problems. On the contrary, it is the ability to meet difficulties without losing equanimity. Moreover, ancient wisdom points to two keys to liberation.

«There are two kinds of mental liberation: liberation through loving-kindness and liberation through wisdom. Whoever develops the first eliminates ill will. Whoever develops the second eliminates ignorance. These are the two paths to inner freedom».

In other words, freedom is born from the balance of two forces. Consequently, developing only one quality is insufficient. Therefore, practice includes both heart and mind.

First of all, let us turn to the nature of the mind. For example, an ancient observation states: «The mind wanders far, solitary, bodiless, hidden in the cave of the body. Those who restrain it are freed from bonds».

By its nature, the mind is prone to wandering and clinging to things and phenomena. Scientific data confirm: without training, attention «jumps» and scatters. For this reason mindfulness practice, especially meditative, is so important.

Meanwhile, the mind is not so easy to tame. Ancient wisdom warns: «The mind is difficult to tame, swift, it rushes wherever it wishes. The wise person restrains the mind, for a tamed mind leads to happiness».

In other words, freedom begins with managing attention and developing concentration. Consequently, each act of returning to breath awareness is a step towards liberation. Thus, practice becomes the path, not the goal. However, the true goal is complete mental liberation.

Finally, let us clarify the goal. In particular, ancient teaching indicates: «And what is the goal of the holy life? It is — liberation of the mind through non-attachment». That is, through absence of clinging to something.

In other words, freedom is not achieving special states. On the contrary, it is liberation from clinging. Consequently, practice is directed not so much towards acquiring something, but rather towards letting go of «something», namely opinions: «this is mine», «I am such», «this is my self».

At the same time, ancient wisdom concludes: «Not for material gain, not for fame, not for praise — but for unshakeable liberation of mind is the holy life led».

In other words, genuine freedom does not depend on external evaluations. For this reason the practice of self-inquiry is so important. Thus, you gain a support that no circumstances can shake.

It is important to understand, mental liberation is a set of skills. In particular, each skill is trained through specific choices. However, each choice with the help of natural awareness and right concentration gives the possibility of wise choice and beneficial consequences.

📍 Practical Steps

1. Observe reactions — notice the emotion. Do not act immediately. For example: «Ah, this is anger». The pause returns the possibility of choice. Further: «what served as the cause of this feeling?».
2. Develop loving-kindness — direct goodwill towards yourself and others. Thus, ill will disappears — an important step towards mental liberation.
3. Strengthen wisdom — investigate causes and effects. For example, ask: «What [in this] is truly important?». Undoubtedly, wisdom eliminates ignorance.
4. Practice non-attachment — act independently of the expected outcome. It will come itself in case of right intentions and right actions. In that case, you remain free regardless of the outcome.
5. Return to the breath again and again — several mindful breaths inevitably stabilise the mind. Thus, you strengthen the inner support of the mind time and again.

Moreover, scientific research confirms: regular mindfulness practice reduces reactivity. Consequently, this is a tool for developing mental resilience to various irritants, accessible to everyone by nature.

In conclusion, inner freedom is not a gift, but a result of practice. In particular, it develops and liberation is achieved both through loving-kindness and through wisdom, as well as both ways.

Scientific data confirm: cognitive reappraisal (wisdom) reduces emotional dependence. Moreover, developing goodwill reduces hostility and lowers the influence of social connection problems. Thus, even not two, but three paths lead to one goal — true mental liberation.

That is why this important topic for human consciousness is connected with equanimity, loving-kindness and wisdom in action. Thanks to this, the practice of mindfulness and celibacy becomes effective, truly efficient.

📚 Also helpful:

• 🫶🏻 Loving-kindness
• 💤 Fear
• 🕸️ Suffering