Mental Freedom

What Freedom Is?

We think we are free, but freedom does not mean we can do all sorts of bad things and without any consequences. A person who lives that way is bound, a slave to his raving mind and passions. Freedom means not being a slave to any habit. We are so bound by our bad habits that we cannot escape them. We live in our own egos. 

The Gurus say, "Where there is I-centeredness, God is not there. When God comes, the ego vanishes." 

In thinking, "This is mine, I am this," we create many difficulties in our lives. By contrast, when our ego is gone, God takes care of us and brings us success. 

As Guru Gobind Singh says, "The One who is the Remover of Difficulties comes and stands before you."

Meditation is essential to develop will power. When your thoughts are under control, you become free. When your mind is clear, you can conquer the whole world.

As the Prophet Mohammad says, "Do jihad"—struggle for good. The greatest jihad, he says, is to control the raving mind. 

Guru Nanak likewise said to struggle against your weaknesses — by rising in the early morning ambrosial hours to meditate and by working hard all day or night.

Your mind is like a horse. 

If your horse is strong, it will outdistance all the other horses. 

If it is weak, no matter how much you urge it on, it fails. 

If it is untamed, it may throw you. 

Today, all the horses are out of control. Like a horse who keeps throwing its rider, our thoughts are shaking us from within. "What is going to happen now? Things are not going according to my plans." Everyone's mind is out of control, so accidents happen—we hurt each other's feelings, take away other's rights, and attack others. All the horses are wild and untamed. No rider is able to hold onto the reins. How can you rein in your wild horse? Control your desires. You need not even use your own strength. Rather, start loving God and meditating. It is best if the reins are in God's hands. Know that whatever God does is right.

In addition, always try to live close to nature, for you will be very near to God. Worry, fear, and pressure will be far from you. Your mind will be open, free, and clear, with no enmity. Your mind will be fearless, kind, and full of love. The muscles of your mind—as well as of your body—will be strong. A person with a strong mind is not susceptible to evil; it cannot enter his thoughts. His mind goes straight ahead. And one day his inner truth mixes with the Great Truth.