Renunciation And Freedom

Lately, there have been many news stories and images circulating on the television, internet, and social media. The most striking one is the scene of children in Palestine throwing stones at tanks, targeting Israeli soldiers with makeshift slingshots, marching towards them, and standing defiantly against them... Isn't it fascinating? These are children aged 6 to 12, or even younger!

What is it in these children? Courage, fearlessness, self-confidence, warrior spirit... or perhaps freedom...

Who could be so free in the face of death faced with soldiers clad in armour, in special uniforms, and standing tall against them? They definitely are brave children.

They have absolutely given up something in their lives, for that they are quite free. Yet, these are just children!

With the struggle for life in difficult conditions, the clarity in their faces is something else! Isn't it very impressive? They are children, they lack knowledge, yet they are equally free...

With bomb-made fun songs in their mouths, the funniest game they play is "martyrdom"; in which one of the children lies on a sheet pretending to be dead. When asked:" What are you doing?" the response is: "We're playing martyrdom!"... It's not said in vain, " Death is child's game in Palestine..."

These children do know something... as they have given up their lives!

"A child wouldn't understand death!" one says. But, they understand, sir! They do!... They have been amid death for years. They have already lost their loved ones long ago. With the continues bombardment for the last five months without ceasing fire, they do understand better than you and me!

Life tells us that if our perspective changed, our situation changes accordingly. The given messages certainly have meanings, especially in this world where there are no coincidences...

"When people got the sense of words and act according to their true meanings, they can form a community and their minds can relax," says the Experiential Design Teaching.

So, what is freedom truly? Is it climbing mountains? going wherever you want whenever you want? Being able to say what you want, eat what you want, or get what you want?

Freedom is the potential to renounce. If we can renounce something in life, then we are free. Just like the Palestinian child's ability to renounce his life. If I can renounce my beauty, my handsomeness, my home, my car, my phone, or even my hair, then I am free from them.

So, what can't I renounce in my life? Certainly, where I'm dependent... Addiction is not just about bad habits; if I can't break up with a relationship that harms me, then I am addicted there. Or whatever I say I can’t stand without it; I am also addicted to it.

What happening with the children of Palestine now makes perfect sense because they are truly free. That's why they are clear and fearless, and even playing games amidst the rubble of destroyed houses while bombs are raining over them. 

The more we renounce in life, the freer we are, and there's certainly a reward for this renunciation. Freedom is the work of people with willpower, and strength... It's child's game in Palestine :)

The more renunciation, the more freedom... The freer we are, the truer happiness is with us...

Now when we look at ourselves,

What am I free from?

What wouldn't bother me if it has been taken away from me?

What can I renounce?

And how happy I am in this life?