What Does It Mean to Be Truly Free? A Lesson from the Bhagavad Gita
- myNachiketa
- Aug 8
- 3 min read
Have you ever felt trapped—by worries, fears, or even your own desires? Like a little bird in a cage, dreaming of the open sky yet unsure how to spread its wings and break free. Today, let’s embark on a journey together to discover the true meaning of freedom, guided by the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita.
In the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text of Hinduism, we hear the divine conversation between Bhagwan Krishna and a young warrior, Arjuna. Imagine standing on a battlefield, filled with anxiety and confusion about what to do next. Arjuna faced a similar dilemma, unable to choose between his duty and his emotions. Krishna guided him to understand that true freedom comes from self-knowledge and overcoming our inner fears.
The True Meaning of Freedom
Freedom is not just about doing whatever we want. It’s about being free from fear, ego, and unwanted desires that keep us from experiencing true joy. The Gita teaches us that when we align ourselves with our higher selves, we can break free from what holds us back.
One famous shloka from the Gita beautifully explains this concept:
यते इन्द्रिय मन: बुद्धि: मुनिः मोक्ष: परायण: |
विगतेच्छाभयक्रोधो य: सदा मुक्त एव स: || 28||
yatendriya-mano-buddhir munir moksha-parayanah
vigatecha-bhaya-krodho yah sada mukta eva sah
This verse means that a wise person who has control over their senses, mind, and intellect, who is free from desire, fear, and anger—such a person is always truly free!
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Rashmi was 8 and loved painting more than anything. But she often did what her friends Maya and Riya liked, because she was afraid they’d stop being her friends if she said no.
When the school announced a talent show, Rashmi wanted to paint on stage. But her friends said, “We’re dancing. You have to join us!”
Rashmi felt torn. She didn’t want to upset them, but she also didn’t want to give up what she truly loved.
At home, she told her mom, “What if they stop being my friends?”Her mom smiled and said, “Real friends stay. Don’t be afraid to be yourself.”
The next day, Rashmi bravely told her friends, “I’m doing the painting. It’s what makes me happy.”
On the day of the show, Rashmi painted a beautiful forest on stage. Everyone clapped, and even Maya and Riya said, “You were amazing!”
At that moment, Rashmi felt something new—she was no longer scared, no longer trying to please others. She had found her freedom.
When you stop living in fear and follow your heart, you feel truly free—just like Rashmi.
Embracing the Lessons
Self-Awareness: Knowing ourselves—our strengths, weaknesses, desires, and fears—helps us become truly free. Ask yourself, what holds you back from being your best self?
Control Over Emotions: Finding joy in every moment, regardless of the outcome, allows us to let go of fear and ego.
Practice Detachment: Remember, it’s okay if things don’t always go as planned. What matters is that we give our best efforts without attachment to the results. This is how we stay happy!
Overcoming Challenges: Every time we face our fears, we step closer to freedom. Trust in yourself, and don't let fear hold you back.
Conclusion
Freedom is about understanding who we are, overcoming our fears, and living with joy and purpose. Real freedom is achieved by knowing oneself. The Bhagavad Gita lights the path, guiding us to be the best versions of ourselves.
The next time you feel trapped or anxious, remember Krishna’s teachings. Embrace the inner freedom that is your true nature, and let the wisdom of the Gita inspire you to live with courage, joy, and grace.
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