In ‘Pride of Baghdad’ by Brian K. Vaughan and Nikko Henrichon,
this posed question is central to the story –
‘True meaning of freedom –
can it be given,
or earned only through determination and sacrifice?’
The Buddhist take on this is unique…
True freedom must be spiritual in nature, not just physical.
It is freedom from suffering and its causes (greed, hatred and delusion); True Happiness.
Freedom cannot be given by anyone,
but we can give ourselves the chance
to realise that it is already here, hidden beneath the causes of suffering.
Freedom is earned through determination,
diligence in letting go of the causes of suffering.
All that is to be sacrificed are these harmful causes.
“Just as in the great ocean there is but one taste — the taste of salt — so in this doctrine and discipline there is but one taste — the taste of freedom.”