'Are We Mentally And Emotionally Free?': Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Message On Independence Day

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As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day in 2024, the nation reflects not only on its historical freedom but also on the evolving concept of independence in our personal lives. Amidst the patriotic fervor and celebrations, one profound voice rises above the clamor.

Indian spiritual leader and Art of Living founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar shares spiritual insight on how to explore a deeper dimension of freedom-emotional independence. As we honor the sacrifices of those who fought for our nation's freedom, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's insights challenge us to consider the internal battles we face daily.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Message

'For generations, people aspired to be free. But can you call a person free and independent when they are not mentally and emotionally free?

Freedom should indicate fearlessness. Freedom means being happy and confident. We need to take a vow to free the country from the mental health crisis it faces and bring dynamism to our lives. We especially need to take care of our youth. They have to be assured they are not alone.

The youth are often unable to express if they are feeling depressed or anxious. Then they either go into depression or become aggressive. We need to raise their prana or life force energy. Prana or Chi, the subtle life force energy has a direct role to play in the state of our mind. When the Prana level is high, there is a feeling of expansion and well-being. When the prana level becomes low, there is a feeling of shrinkage.

Practicing meditation, yoga, and pranayamas can increase prana. The key to our emotional freedom is in our own hands.

Independence cannot be achieved unless you start moving from within. When you move within, you discover that you are interdependent. We have one nature, one ocean, one air, one earth and everyone is dependent on it.

As a baby, somebody has to clean you, feed you, make you walk. And as you grow old, you will be dependent too. In the past, we thought independence meant prosperity, power, and free will. But today, we have come past that definition. The real truth is global interdependence. Terrorism in one part of the world doesn't remain limited locally. It affects every other part of the world.

People come together when there is a crisis, or when they feel threatened. Can't people come together for something creative, something that can create harmony in society? Yes, they can, and for that, they must be mentally strong and shouldn't just get swayed by prejudice.

Especially, in the post-pandemic era, we need to see people become strong from within. If our mind is clear, if it's strong, it can carry along a weak body. But if the mind is weak, it can't carry along even a strong body. So, mental strength is needed, and that can come when like- minded people, who support positivity, who have the right intention, and a big vision, come together and say, " I stand up, I stand up for peace" That would be true freedom.

How do we develop inner independence? By freeing our minds from cravings and aversions. By gaining freedom from our ignorance and impurity inside and outside. By moving towards the path of spirituality.

Spirituality is not just about sitting and doing a practice. It is not serious. It is a celebration of life. It is a way of life. It uplifts us. Spiritual practices bring more joy, happiness, creativity, compassion and enthusiasm into our lives. It frees us from likes and dislikes and broadens our vision and awareness. It moves us from a space of 'What can I have?' to 'What can I give?'

India And Its Spiritual Core

India has always been a guiding light in the realm of spirituality. It is important for us, especially for the youth of today, to walk the path of inner freedom by learning about and honouring our rich culture, traditions, and value systems.

Just reflect on this. India, though only one-third the size of America, embraces a multitude of cultures, languages, cuisines, practices, and beliefs. Despite the many differences that emerge every few kilometres, she has thrived and advanced. India effortlessly weaves together the wisdom of the Vedas with modern science and technology. Her people have always respected saints and wise beings from all traditions and backgrounds. This land has been the home of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, Jews, and Parsis for countless generations. She has lived by the true values of compassion, care, and acceptance.

India teaches us that the heart of religion is spirituality-the core values of compassion, care, and acceptance. She shows us that when we truly recognize the beauty of our spiritual essence, the rigidity of our concepts fades away, making way for the true blossoming of human consciousness.

Isn't it time we resolve to broaden our vision through spirituality and deepen our roots by understanding our traditions and culture more fully?'