Is it possible to be independent while being dependent?

Q: Is it possible to be independent while being dependent?

Guruji: This Universe is interdependent. We are interdependent we must realize this. In the past we thought independence meant prosperity, power, free will and all that. But today we have crossed that. From bondage we need liberation. From being bonded, we need to be free and independent. But independence is very relative. If you look into it with keen awareness you will find the real truth is interdependence. Honour the interdependence then you will find such freedom. Otherwise in the name of independence we try to close down our awareness. So one step further from independence is acknowledging the interdependence. Now India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, they are all independent. But you know they cannot behave irresponsibly because they are all interdependent. The River Sutlej flows from India to Pakistan. Ganga flows from India to Bangladesh, Brahmaputra flows from China to Assam to Bangladesh. So we need to realize, for our water we are all dependent on each other. Air, we are dependent. If there is a swine flu in China, soon it will affect the rest of Asia, continent. Isn’t it? We have to be careful. The air is one, the energy sources are one and ultimately people are one! Different geographical conditions, our eyes are different, our nose is different, our heights maybe different, skin colour may be different, but we are one. On one level the entire globe is dependent on each other. Terrorism on one part of the world doesn’t remain there. It affects every other part of the world. Isn’t it? So nobody on the planet will be safe if even a few people are following violence or believing in the philosophy of violence. People must realize our interdependence, acknowledge it and be responsible.
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We think we are holding the roof. Things happen by themselves. This is a little revolutionary. May be it may raise many questions in your head, but thoroughly examine this in your life. All the events that have happened just fell into place for you to be where you are just now. You see the entire phenomenal world is happening on its own. You only have to watch.
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Q: There are many inequalities in this world, one of them is between women and men. Women are suffering from different types of discrimination. Why is it so and what do you suggest for the countries both in the East and West? What do we do?

Guruji: Three things: women empowerment, women empowerment and women empowerment! Women should feel empowered, they should never feel like a victim. When you feel like a victim, you lose energy, you lose enthusiasm and you lose power. The spiritual path is where you get rid of both, victim consciousness and culprit consciousness.
As a victim you remain in the small mind and you can never reach the self. As a culprit also the same thing happens, you come into doership and you can’t reach the self. So stop blaming yourself and start praising because praising is a divine quality. So stop being a victim. Don’t think that you being a lady are being discriminated against. Nobody can do anything if you stand up! You have all the power to stand up and ascertain your rights. Of course we need to bring a lot of change in the society. But you can do that without having to feel that you are a victim.

Om Namah Shivay