What is Freedom?

The sweet emotional expression of guqin music flooded yesterday’s T’ai Chi Chih practice as we merged with other “Circles of Light” around the country to help Franky Carrillo’s dream become a reality. None of us know Franky personally, but each could identify in their own way with the simple request from a man who served 20 years in Folsom State Prison as an innocent person and was finally exonerated and released.

For me, the guqin melody was like poetry without words. The seven-stringed zither without bridges is one of the most classical Chinese instruments with over 3,000 years of history. Its ability to express human feelings with a high degree of sensitivity elevates the spirit. What a great background for our homage to Franky’s wish. Chi seemed to be springing from all around, and I soon found myself in a delicious no-thought state as TCC took over my practice.

The timeless trip to the cosmic consciousness pose passed, and I soon found myself bowing and repeating: “I am grateful, I give thanks.” As conscious thoughts slowly reappeared, they were escorted by the soft utterance of three words by my teacher, Sheryl Adair: “What is Freedom?” The room was instantaneously bathed in a reflective and profound silence as if somehow engaging in a sensory connection with Franky’s experience, one that words could not express.

The silence was broken with a few respectful responses. “Freedom depends on the situation,” said one. “Not being imprisoned,” said another. The concern that “unbridled freedom can lead to anarchy” was also expressed. These perhaps obligatory responses quickly contributed to our mutual appreciation that the question was one for contemplation, not answering.

This morning Sheryl’s question again came to mind. We read about freedom, dream about freedom, rejoice in the notion of freedom, teach, advocate and hope for freedom, but what do we mean by freedom? As I contemplated the question, the “Pledge of Allegiance” came to mind with its notion of “liberty and justice for all.” Is liberty the freedom to live one’s life without threats, fear or some sort of retaliation? And is justice the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others and not infringing on their right to freedom?

With one question leading to another I returned to the notion that freedom means many things to many people. Does it look like someone walking out of prison? In Franky’s case it does. The Sandy Springs Circle of Light congratulates Franky on his well-deserved and overdue freedom and extends our warmest wishes for a sweet and chi-filled life.

Editor’s Note: For more about Franky, see page 4 and 5.