Meaning: the precursor to Independence
In today’s hangout, we discuss on freedom from our inner weaknesses that subjugate us in the rabbit hole of self-imposed slavery. Further, we will develop on the redemptive power of meaning that invokes the courage within to break free from the shackles of inner inhibitions.
Before getting into the meaning of independence — let’s hash out: What is not independence? Every conscious engagement with the outside world that is driven by compulsion is not freedom; such as binge shopping, drug abuse, pornography, etc. The triggers of compulsion are programmed commercially in the surrounding curated to our interests or weaknesses: courtesy to the digital revolution. Further, the social nudges compel us to get allured by clickbait ads, or conform to group identity, or buy into conspiracy theories. Such instances stress test independence and often influence choices that otherwise people won’t subscribe in their sane minds. Critical in such a situation is to identify the embodiment of independence.
If we remove the preposition “in” from Independence, it is built on dependence. So how does independence correlate with dependence? It is through the conscious and voluntary dependence on wisdom, we realize the redemptive power of independence. When the spirit of truth drives thoughts, perceptions, and actions, unsullied by external influences, that’s the state of complete independence. Hence, the wisdom texts call forth to orient life in the spirit of absolute truth — the Sanskrit text reads, “Satyam param dhimahi”.
Does wisdom texts form the basis of Meaning?
Wisdom texts have broadly three aspects; the principles of truth, the application of the truth, and the activities of the Divine. While the acts of the Divine instantiates both the principle and the application; with an obvious degree of transcendence. The application points establish logical and rational codes toward a holistic lifestyle that is comprehensive across all traditions. While, the activities of the Divine serve as a meditation on the personification of Meta-Meaning, approximating the Supreme Absolute “sarva-karan karana” (the cause of all causes) — derived from Brahma Samhita. Inherently, meaning serve as the beacon, while application disciplines the mind in the context of principles. The following table presents the wisdom archetype connecting principles with application:
The principle of delayed gratification is similar to the archetype of spiritual fasting done by our ancestors to tune the mind-body balance. The principle of delayed gratification is archetypical to holy fasting, done by the ancestors to align the mind-body-spirit. In the similar line, the sacrifice made by young students going to school in the present is to become matured active contributors in the distant future, is based on the principle of delayed gratification.
As individuals in a free society, we are the underserving beneficiaries of the legacy bequeathed to us by our ancestors in the form of unrestrained freedom we enjoy. At the same time: Our blood is stained by the sins of historic wrongs, genocides, bigotry, resentment, and guilt. The only means to honor our ancestors for all the benefits, simultaneously reclaim our identity from the historic unjust through hoisting our life in the spirit of stewardship. By extension, the application of the principle has its archetypical motif viz; through working in the spirit of worship to the Divine for the favorable habitat to sustain life on the planet.
Finally, the concept of respect arises when we accept the identity of every individual. The archetype of sovereign divine individuality ennobles individuality as part of the Divine. The penal codes of the Judiciary are based on the principle of mutual respect for each individual in society. However, in the case of a convicted person, they are penalized with the assumption that there is a transformative power in them; that has the potency to wash away the sins of compulsiveness.
The Path towards Meaning:
Wisdom primarily upholds independence. Knowledge at its core has the redemptive power to bring the real-self from the swamp of ignorance. Ignorance purports to the dependence on the veneer of reality that is inherently a compulsive trap! Freedom begins outside the domain of compulsiveness in the light of wisdom.
For instance, wisdom texts reveal that true freedom doesn’t come through occupying some territory, having the goods of the world, landing a dream job, or finding the love of our life. Nevertheless, there is a gush of adrenaline on such achievements! However, wisdom text refers to uncompromised freedom that emerges through the victory over the ignorance of the mind.
The freedom realized through disciplining the mind pays a rich dividend amid the slings and arrows of life. Whenever we face a roadblock in life, Meaning propels us to move ahead.
Meaning implies the inner calling that calls forth the “spirit of an indomitable warrior” that challenges the dormant potential within.
Life turns into an adventure, as we orient our life towards Meaning. The major hurdle on the path to finding Meaning — is the lack of courage to overcome the compulsions by ignorance represented in the form of inner vices. The courage — to realize the dormant potential springs from the foundation of practicing the wisdom that imparts discipline to overcome inner-vices. Freedom from inner compulsions like lust, anger, greed, envy, illusion, and pride is true independence that brings us closer to Meaning. The following figure succinctly presents the transformative power oriented toward Meaning:
Meaning: Redemption from dependence
When we orient our life towards meaning we are no more saddled by the responsibilities of our immediate family, the extended community, or the broader nation. In short, Meaning gives the courage to weather through the storms of life. Wisdom fortifies meaning in life. Otherwise, without meaning — the distance between suicidal, to homicidal, and to genocidal is not that far.
In the process of acting out the principles of wisdom: we find the inner calling that extricates us from compulsions, addictions, and temptations. Thus, leading to satisfaction as an epiphenomena of attaining meaning. In the opinion of Austrian psychiatrist; Viktor Frankl, Self-actualization (at the apex of Maslow’s Motivational Model) is subordinate to Meaning. The lower motivations in the model are inherently dependent on relative factors like home, wealth, family, and status. The dependence on relative factors serves as a significant edifice; when meaning is firmly laid out on the foundation of wisdom. Therefore, meaning has the redemptive power to realize the true potential that empowers us to exercise independence as we gravitate towards wisdom.
That’s a short reflection on #independenceday through the frames of #wisdom, #meaning and #logos.
Until next time…
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