We must strive for freedom if we strive for self-knowledge. The task of self-knowledge and of further self-development is of such importance and seriousness, it demands such intensity of effort, that to attempt it any old way and amongst other things is impossible. The person who undertakes this task must put it first in his life, which is not so long that he can afford to squander it on trifles.

Every scientist, through personal study and research, completes himself and his own humanity. ... Scientific research constitutes for you, as it does for many, the way for the personal encounter with truth, and perhaps the privileged place for the encounter itself with God, the Creator of heaven and earth. Science shines forth in all its value as a good capable of motivating our existence, as a great experience of freedom for truth, as a fundamental work of service. Through research each scientist grows as a human being and helps others to do likewise.

The external freedom won't be given to us but in the exact measure as we've known at a given moment, to developing our internal freedom.

Real Freedom is to not feel limited when wearing this Zen robe, this troublesome formal robe. Similarly, in our busy life we should wear this civilization without being bothered by it, without ignoring it, without being caught by it.

The beginning of freedom is the realization that you are not "the thinker."

Limitation of one's freedom might seem to be something negative and unpleasant, but love makes it a positive, joyful and creative thing. Freedom exists for the sake of love.

All that produces longing in the heart deprives it of its freedom.

Without total freedom, every perception, every objective regard, is twisted. It is only the man who is totally free that can look and understand immediately. Freedom implies really, doesn't it, the total emptying of the mind. To completely empty the whole content of the mind – that is real freedom.

Freedom of worship, even of public speech, would become a farce if interference became the order of the day.

Pervading nationalism imposes its dominion on man today in many different forms and with an aggressiveness that spares no one. The challenge that is already with us is the temptation to accept as true freedom what in reality is only a new form of slavery.

The legal toleration of abortion or of euthanasia can in no way claim to be based on respect for the conscience of others, precisely because society has the right and the duty to protect itself against the abuses which can occur in the name of conscience and under the pretext of freedom.

The time has come to accept in our hearts and minds that with freedom comes responsibility.

Presence is the key to freedom, so you can only be free now.

Freedom to do what one likes is really bondage, while being free to do what one must, what is right, is real freedom.

Rise above the deceptions and temptations of the mind. This is your duty. Learn to become wise. Desire nothing, give up all desires and be happy. The real spiritual progress of the meditator is measured by the extent to which they achieve inner tranquility and freedom from desire.

When you drop all your ideas, fantasies and projections about who you are and what freedom is and remain completely empty, this is freedom.

Freedom is not the right to live as we please, but the right to find how we ought to live in order to fulfill our potential.

From an Advaitic point of view, there is freedom, not free will … Advaita says there is freedom—you as Atman are free, but as a limited, individual being you do not have free will.

You have the freedom, ability and authority to love your life. Just be you, then wait.

Remember, until you become a buddha you have wasted your life. Buddhahood is your flowering, your fragrance. A tree is fulfilled when it blooms, and a man is fulfilled when he releases the fragrance of buddhahood, when he becomes luminous; then he comes to know who he is. In knowing that, all is known. In knowing that, God is known. In knowing that, truth is achieved - you become the truth, and truth liberates. Truth is freedom.

With freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk has not ended yet.

The call for a sincere gift of self is the fullest way to realize our personal freedom.

Freedom is indivisible; the chains on any one of my people were the chains on all of them, the chains on all of my people were the chains on me.