Caption: Fans at the Caribbean Premier League wave Trinidad and Tobago flags at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Friday, two days before the nation celebrates 63 years of Independence

 

WHEN nations celebrate independence, they rejoice in the hard-won victories of freedom from external rule.

Such events mark new beginnings for societies to shape their destinies. Yet, history shows that even after political freedom, individuals within those nations may continue to struggle with dependency on systems, leaders, or even their own inner weaknesses.

True freedom is not only about external bondages, but about the liberation of the self from internal chains. As a free citizen, if I am enslaved to lust, anger, greed, attachment, or ego, can I truly say I am independent?

The inner dimension of independence

A human being is a soul playing his role in this unlimited world drama of life. To act on the physical stage of this Earth, each needs a body, available in two models, male and female, and various colours. Originally, souls are in their pure, peaceful, and powerful stage but over the years and multiple roles, soul-power declines and we resort to shortcuts, popularly known as vice and weaknesses such as laziness, fear and blame.

Independence in its deepest sense means reclaiming this original state of being. It is the freedom to act from the conscious awareness of one’s higher self and not under the compulsion of past habits or social pressures.

This shift highlights that independence is not given by a government, nor is it automatically guaranteed by birthright. It is cultivated through choice, moment by moment. For example, I may choose patience instead of anger, honesty instead of deception or contentment instead of greed. Each of these choices is an act of inner independence, affirming that I am not a slave to old patterns but a sovereign soul.

Responsibility as the path to freedom

Independence also carries responsibility. To be independent does not mean to live without accountability, but rather to recognise that through thoughts, feelings, and actions, I am the creator of my own destiny. As we do, so shall we reap – the law of karma.

Therefore, independence is not about doing whatever I please because I am no longer under the will of another. It is about understanding that I am responsible for my inner world and the ripple effects it has on others. When a nation gains independence, its citizens must act responsibly to sustain it—through discipline, tolerance and production. Similarly, when I leave my childhood days behind and take my space as an adult and mature citizen I must live with self-discipline, compassion, and mindfulness.

Freedom from dependency

Dependency, whether on man or material, diminishes autonomy. If my happiness depends on others’ approval, I remain bound. If my peace is lost whenever situations turn unfavorable, I am still dependent on external conditions.

Through prayer, meditation and mindfulness individuals learn to reconnect with their inner source of peace and power. By drawing strength from the Supreme, the soul experiences self-sufficiency. Like going to the gym, self-empowerment works best as a daily practice that enhances the ability to remain stable amidst life’s challenges. Such freedom from dependency allows one to contribute positively to society, much like an independent nation contributes to the family of nations.

Independence as a continuous journey

National independence is celebrated once a year, but personal independence must be lived every day. It is not a one-time event but a continuous practice of awareness and choice. Just as a wise ruler governs with justice and balance, so too each of us must accept the daily challenge to manage inner thoughts and emotions with wisdom and care.

From personal freedom to world transformation

When individuals choose inner independence, the effects extend beyond the self. Families become more harmonious, workplaces more ethical, communities more cooperative. Just as political independence inspired nations to rebuild and develop, personal independence pushes us to evolve and flourish.

World transformation begins with self-transformation. If each soul claims independence from negativity and takes responsibility for their choices, a new era of peace and unity naturally unfolds. In this way, the celebration of national independence becomes a reminder of our greater task: to achieve independence of the soul.

Conclusion

Independence, whether national or personal, is both a gift and a responsibility. A country may free itself from foreign rule, but only individuals can free themselves from inner bondage. While its important to do for yourself its probably more important to be for the nation. Be good and do good. Independence is not just a political reality, but an experience lived in the heart of every citizen.

Vijai Sadal is a student of the Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Meditation Centre since 1978. He worked as an educator for 10 years and served on the Board of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) and the Council of Prison Chaplains and Ministers (COPCAM). He is also a guest lecturer at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Health Services Unit. As a student of meditation, he shares the means and merits of managing the mind