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True Freedom — The Continuation of Gandhiji
We have assembled on the eve of the first anniversary of the International Day of Non-Violence, itself commemorating 2,550 years since the Mahaparinirvan of Mahatma Buddha and 100 years of Satyagraha. Buddha’s “boundless love” for all life inspired Gandhi’s Swaraj—“of the people, by the people”—rooted in right path, right speech, right thought, right conduct. Both saw desire as the root of sorrow (“What is the fear of need but need itself?”) and taught self-sacrifice—“your lust, all your material ambition, all worldly ambition”—as ennobling. In a world still darkened by greed and hatred, the four noble truths, the eightfold path, Satyagraha, and Sarvodaya remain beacons for a new humanity.
Thich Nhat Hanh then guided us into true freedom as the practice of spirituality, showing that Mahatma Gandhi’s nature of no birth, no death lives on. He identified three sources of real power:
- Wisdom and insight through non-attachment to views
- Freedom from craving, anger, and misunderstanding
- Compassionate love that protects and heals
By mindful breathing and walking we touch the “kingdom of God” here and now—appreciating our heart, eyes, blue sky, white clouds, green hills and each step as a miracle. Simple living (no private cars, bank accounts, salaries) frees time to care for ourselves, our beloved ones, and the planet. He offered three mantras to practice true presence, recognition of the beloved one’s existence, and compassionate solidarity with their suffering. Finally, through mindful breathing one can scan the body and feelings—releasing tension, embracing anger with the energy of mindfulness—to foster healing, reduce violence, and sustain peace.
