Ram Dass said, "If you think you're free, there's no escape possible."
Damn it! I thought otherwise! :)
What is freedom? Who says I am not already free?
The mind comes up with reasons for saying I am not free... after all, it's the one which defines the word 'freedom', and my current situation, as perceived by it, doesn't conform to its definition.
Why does my mind want me to seek freedom?
Everyone wants happiness. Every mind seeks for happiness. Freedom is happiness. Happiness is freedom. Free to live the way one wants... Not dependent on any person, or any situation.
What will I be like, once I become free (assuming I am not already)!? How different will it be from the current situation?
A Zen proverb:
"Before enlightenment - chop wood, carry water.
After enlightenment - chop wood, carry water. "
If I am free, wouldn't I be free to think I am "not free"? Is this what has happened? My mind has proved to me that I am not free! And something inside tells me that it's not true! Isn't that amazing!!
How to seek freedom?
Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow. ~Aesop
"Dear God, make me a bird, so I can fly far. Far far away from here."
Remember the movie? It's from the movie Forrest Gump, and Jenny, Forrest Gump's girlfriend says that. In the movie, Jenny is shown going places in search of happiness, of freedom, all the time... becoming a folk singer, a hippie, a drug addict, a nurse, and what not! And to fulfill her dreams, she leaves Forrest Gump! All this while, it's Forrest Gump who happens to be in the limelight of happiness! His life simply defies logic... He has an IQ of 75, doesn't qualify for a "normal" school, don't have strong legs to walk... and he turns out to be a part of history, a celebrity, wherever he goes... the Watergate, the Vietnam war, the US v/s China ping pong match, meeting the US Presidents, winning the Congressional Medal of Honor, teaching Elvis how to dance, the shrimp business, the interstate runner, the creator of smilie face, and more...
"Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." ~ Forrest Gump
The world will never be the same once you've seen it through the eyes of Forrest Gump, so goes the tagline of the movie. If you haven't seen this movie, I would highly recommend it! (Not that my recommendation matters :)... Enjoy!
Ending this post with some memorable quotes from the movie:
"Now, it used to be, I ran to get where I was going. I didn't know it would take me anywhere."
"Mamma said you gotta' put the past behind you before you can move on."
"Mamma always said dying was a part of life."
"Mamma said stupid is as stupid does!"
"You are stupid, when you act stupid."
"Aren't I going to be me?"
"Have you found God, Forrest?"(Lieutenant Dan) "I didn't know I was supposed to be looking for Him!" (Forrest Gump)
"And that's all I have to say about that."
