“Man is naturally born into a state of freedom. He is not born so that he might submit to rules or a master. This though has occurred to me. But does this not contradict the duties of a warrior?”


“Freedom is neither won through painful struggle, nor can it be forced into existence. What’s more, freedom has absolutely nothing to do with one’s social status or profession. To simply accept yourself as you are, and as you live, to let it be. In this is freedom.”

//Jin & Priest.

To me it is interesting to watch anime not only because of it's pure aesthetic value but also for it the ideas it inspires for thought and conversation. What Jin asks of the priest pertaining to what freedom really is- is more perplexing than most realize. The Bushido Code is a doctrine of moral values upheld by the Japanese Samurai that literally translates to "Way of the Warrior". It upholds frugality, loyalty, and honor above all else. What happens when a samurai becomes masterless and considers freewill? To Jin, the duties of the Bushido code was his life. With his very question, he is already free in the sense that he questions his status and direction in life. He is free to contemplate a future without penalty for free thought.

Yet there is always some paradox when it comes to finding a purpose in life. The priest's answer rings true in most buddhist philosophy. Freedom cannot be forced into existence-to accept yourself as you are is true freedom. What happens though when one's social status is focused on being free and happy? By asking about it, you are now mentally barred from becoming it. This theme dates back further than even ancient Japan- way back to Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, characters often find themselves with the predicament of foreknowledge. When characters are told of their fate and/or unfulfilled destiny, does freewill even exist at that point? Do we all grow into the people we are meant to be or do we shape our own lives? By thinking about trying to be free- we are bound by the thought alone. Freedom via peace of mind in itself is a conundrum when you analyze it. To achieve peace of mind, you must simply be- instead of forcing it. Yet with this foreknowledge, achieving bliss and enlightenment becomes near impossible.

Perhaps this is why Balance is so prevalent in Buddhist and Taoist philosophy. To find and refine the right amount of thought and freedom to achieve enlightenment, freedom, and the happiness all buddhists seek.