Chapter 2: Freedom – Responsibility or Recklessness? Introduction

Sadhguru Shri Vamanrao Pai offers a profound definition of the Divine:

“A self-regulating, natural, disciplined and systematic arrangement governed by the laws of nature — that is God.”

Wherever there is order, there is divinity. Be it family life, social systems, organizations, or governance — any sustainable structure requires rules. In the same way that a state functions under legal frameworks, even a family system needs unspoken norms and evolving understandings. These rules may arise from tradition or adapt over time, but they serve one purpose: to ensure the smooth functioning of the collective.

However, in today’s world, many perceive rules as shackles, as if they encroach upon personal freedom.

So the real question is:

Are rules truly a form of bondage?

We often hear:

• “I want my freedom.”

• “This is my life — let me make my own decisions.”

• “Don’t tell me what to do.”

• “Who are you to say what’s right or wrong?”

• “You have no right to interfere.”

Such expressions are increasingly common, especially among educated, financially independent, urban individuals.

There’s no denying that freedom is a fundamental human need.

But the crucial question is:

Do we truly understand what freedom means?

If freedom is understood merely as “doing whatever I feel like” without accountability, it is no longer freedom — it becomes recklessness.

Freedom sounds noble, even glamorous. But when it lacks the anchor of responsibility, it quietly drifts into chaos. Ironically, in societies that most loudly celebrate individual freedom, we often see the most fragile and fractured relationships.

So, What is Freedom?

Freedom is not the license to break all rules.

True freedom includes the right to make personal choices, but it also includes the duty to accept their consequences.

Hence the profound maxim:

“Freedom with responsibility is virtue.

Freedom without responsibility is recklessness.”

This single line draws a clear boundary between liberty and license.

Freedom with accountability involves:

• Wisdom

• Dialogue

• Empathy

• Mutual Respect

Whereas freedom without boundaries often becomes:

• Self-centered

• Isolating

• Ego-driven

True understanding of freedom lies in balancing:

1. Rights

2. Duties

3. Self-accountability

These three form the equilateral triangle of a mature personality.

If any one side becomes overemphasized, life loses its balance.

• Rights: The rightful ability to make decisions. But without responsibility, this leads to entitlement and chaos.

• Duties: The role we play in our relationships. But duties without rights lead to frustration.

• Self-responsibility: Awareness of consequences. Without this, we indulge in blame games or escapism.

Together, they form the triangle of wisdom.

As Sadhguru says, “There is no substitute for wisdom when it comes to maintaining family harmony.”

When Freedom Turns into Recklessness

Case Study –

Shalini, a well-educated and successful woman, told her husband and in-laws post-marriage:

“I’m an independent woman. I’ll make my own decisions. I don’t want anyone interfering in my life.”

Her assertion of freedom slowly eroded all communication. Tensions rose. Disagreements turned into silence. The “I” in her became so loud that the “We” vanished — and the relationship collapsed.

What went wrong?

1. Lack of dialogue

2. No shared decision-making

3. Ignoring emotional context

4. Equating “freedom” with “you have no right to speak”

Freedom isn’t just about rights.

It’s also about understanding others’ emotions, honoring shared spaces, and carrying shared responsibilities.

Ancient Indian Insight

The Sanatan philosophy teaches:

“Freedom isn’t breaking free from all bonds —

It is liberation from ignorance, ego, and compulsions.”

True freedom lies in:

• Evolving one’s inner nature

• Expanding perception

• Honest self-evaluation

In that light, freedom becomes not just personal liberty, but ethical freedom — grounded in self-discipline, respect, and responsibility.

Freedom is a Journey of Agreement/Acquiescence, not Escape

If my decisions promote growth but cause pain to others, is that true freedom?

If I speak my mind, but refuse to listen to others, is that freedom or pride?

When decisions are made together, through dialogue and maturity, that is real freedom.

But when choices are impulsive, uncommunicated, and ego-led, that is recklessness.

Living together in understanding = Freedom

Living in isolation = Recklessness

Real freedom adds value to others. Recklessness subtracts others from our lives.

Psychology says:

Free will without self-regulation is chaos.

Sane desires need boundaries. Or else, the very freedom we crave becomes our downfall.

Saint Eknath reminds us:

Ego is the root of recklessness. Wisdom is the gate to true freedom.

Reflective Questions

Ask yourself:

1. Does my freedom harm someone else’s peace?

2. Do I consider others’ feelings when making choices?

3. Do I involve others in decisions or merely announce them?

4. Am I willing to listen as much as I want to be heard?

5. Does my freedom include respect, dialogue, and responsibility?

6. Are my rights rooted in duties and accountability?

7. When I say “my space” or “my life”, do I still leave space for “us”?

Conclusion

Freedom is indeed a beautiful ideal —

But it rests on the three pillars of:

• My liberty

• Your dignity

• Our accountability

Real freedom does not oppose responsibility. It gives responsibility its truest purpose.

Where freedom becomes:

• a chance to refine myself,

• a bridge of communication,

• and a sanctuary of mutual respect —

There, it blossoms into affectionate freedom.

This is the essence of:

Freedom with restraint is Virtue.

Freedom without restraint is Chaos.

• Jayant Joshi

• Jeevanvidya Mission