The Fourth of July has come and gone, but what about the independence it celebrates? As a nation: so far so good. From the yogic perspective: the independence of each human being is considered first and foremost. The strength and independence of a nation depends on the strength and independence of its citizens, as well as on the equity of justice and the quality of education every citizen experiences.

But the yogic perspective goes even deeper. True freedom does not arise from a declaration signed in Philadelphia or anywhere else. True freedom arises from within. It has to be found within. You can be in chains, or imprisoned behind bars. You can be oppressed by unjust laws or a dictator. But you can still be free within. How? Know Thy Self! Know who you really are! You are irrepressible. Even while being confined within a tiny prison cell, you can experience infinite spaciousness, and strength, and bliss — all arising from the Wholeness and Totality of your own inherent Divine Essence.

Mohatma Gandhi spent almost 7 years in prison. Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was arrested almost 30 times, spending days in jail most of those times. Each was arrested while leading struggles for human rights and for justice. Gandhi, Mandela and King never forgot who they were. They never lost hope. They never gave up. All three believed in non-violence as integral to achieving their goals. They respected the dignity of all human beings including their own dignity.

Gandhi became instrumental in gaining independence for India from Great Britain. Martin Luther King became instrumental in attaining desegregation and inspiring voting rights legislation. Nelson Mandela helped end apartheid in his country and became president. Martin Luther King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, Nelson Mandela in 1993.

Swami Nirmalananda says, “An individual who completes their inner quest is called a jivanmukti, one who is free while alive… Becoming based in Self while living your life, you are completely free (mukti) while being alive (jiva)…” In many ways, all three leaders — Gandhi, King and Mandela — could be considered jivanmuktis. They stayed true to their Self while continuing to lead and pursue better lives for others.

Based in Self, you have the power to be a jivanmukti. It’s inherent in who you really are. You can realize your Totality while being alive, whatever day it is in July or any month, wherever you are and no matter what circumstances you face. And from that Totality, and only from that Totality, can you make a difference in the world.

Swami Nirmalananda always says, “Do more yoga!” The yoga makes the difference in you so that you can make a difference for others.

Note: While I was writing this, Swami Nirmalananda’s new blog entry “Freedom! Independence Day! Liberation” arrived in my email inbox. Was I channeling?!

This month’s Teachings Article by Swami Nirmalananda is Freedom.