Freedom from Experiences

By

Sri Swami Atmaswarupananda

Early Morning Meditation Talk given in the Sacred Samadhi Hall of Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj, Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh

As human beings, and especially as seekers, each day we go through a great variety of experiences. If nothing else we go through the experience of waking, dreaming and deep sleep. We know hunger, we know weariness, we know desires, and hopefully there is some contentment, perhaps exaltation. All these we can experience during the course of a day. But who is it that experiences all these things? It is “I”. “I” am the experiencer.

When we realise that “I” is the experiencer, then we have a certain distance from the experience, freedom from the experience. We are not so concerned about the quality of the experience, whether it is pleasant or unpleasant. But if we identify with the experience, then naturally we want the experiences to be pleasant. Indeed, we will try to manipulate our life and the lives of others so that we get more pleasant experiences. We will try to manipulate our life and the lives of others to avoid unpleasant experiences. We become convinced that the experiences are who we are. If we have unpleasant experiences, we feel depressed. If we have pleasant experiences, we feel exalted. In other words, we are controlled by our experience. And that is bondage.

Freedom is to know that we are the witness of all experience, pleasant and unpleasant. Sadhana is the practice of freeing ourselves from experience. It is not that the experience disappears, but we no longer identify with it in the same way–because we recognise that no matter how the experience may change, we are always that which is aware of the experience, that which never changes.

This then is the essence of all our spiritual practices–a detachment from experience and attachment to that which knows the experience. “Detach, attach,” Gurudev said. Lord Krishna said that the solution to the control of the mind is dispassion and practice–dispassion for all our experience, pleasant or unpleasant, and the practice of being that which is aware of all experience. Japa too puts our mind on God; when we are repeating God’s name, we get a sense of space and detachment from our normal experience. Worship, study, enquiry all serve the same purpose–to give us a sense of the reality of that which we can never grasp with the mind and a dispassion for the contents of our mind.

We can never solve our problems within the mind. It is dispassion for the mind and its experiences, be they pleasant or unpleasant, that is the key. They say, “Let go. Let God. Surrender and trust.” And Gurudev put it so well, “Surrender everything to the Lord. Place your ego at His feet and be at ease.”

Freedom from Experiences

Human life is filled with memories, emotions, achievements, failures, and endless desires. Yet spiritual wisdom teaches that true peace does not arise from collecting experiences but from rising above attachment to them. Freedom from Experiences is the inner state where the mind no longer remains trapped in pleasure or pain. A person who understands Freedom from Experiences begins to see life with clarity and calmness. Instead of chasing temporary happiness, the seeker starts moving toward eternal bliss and spiritual awakening.

Many saints and spiritual masters have explained that every experience leaves an impression on the mind. These impressions create attachment, fear, ego, and suffering. The path of Freedom from Experiences teaches that one should observe life without becoming emotionally imprisoned by every event. In spiritual practice, meditation, prayer, and devotion help the soul move toward Freedom from Experiences and divine realization. According to the teachings shared on Devotional india, true spirituality begins when a person learns to remain balanced during both success and failure.

The human mind constantly runs after excitement, recognition, and emotional satisfaction. However, worldly experiences can never provide permanent joy. The wisdom of Freedom from Experiences reminds devotees that inner silence is greater than external achievement. A calm mind naturally becomes closer to God because it is no longer distracted by endless cravings. Saints often say that spiritual growth happens when attachment fades and awareness expands. Through devotion, selfless service, and faith, one slowly enters the sacred state of Freedom from Experiences.

In daily life, people often suffer because they continuously revisit old memories and painful emotions. Spiritual teachings encourage devotees to let go of mental burdens. The practice of Freedom from Experiences allows the soul to live in the present moment with gratitude and peace. Scriptures explain that every experience is temporary, but the divine presence within is eternal. On Devotional india, many spiritual seekers share how prayer and meditation helped them understand the beauty of Freedom from Experiences in their personal journey.

A spiritually awakened person does not reject life but learns to live without deep attachment. This understanding is the essence of Freedom from Experiences. When the heart becomes pure, even difficult situations become opportunities for spiritual evolution. A devotee who practices Freedom from Experiences develops patience, compassion, and wisdom. Such a person no longer reacts with anger or pride because the mind remains centered in divine consciousness.

The path toward Freedom from Experiences is not easy, but sincere devotion makes it possible. Through chanting, meditation, and surrender to God, the soul gradually rises above fear and illusion. Spiritual platforms like Devotional india continue to inspire seekers to embrace divine wisdom and inner peace. When a person truly realizes Freedom from Experiences, life becomes simpler, lighter, and spiritually meaningful. The final goal of Freedom from Experiences is complete union with truth, love, and eternal bliss. Even in the middle of worldly duties, one who practices Freedom from Experiences remains inwardly free and spiritually fulfilled through the guidance shared by Devotional india.

-Religion is One