This paper aims to examine the idea of a ‘great free man’ presented by Seon Master Daehaeng, which focuses on the realization of human nature, interconnectedness, and development of the society. Daehaeng spoke of the freedom to pursue the inherent nature of all people, to empathize and be compassionate with each other as interconnected beings, and to make progress in society by utilizing inner wisdom; to let go of self-centered mind is an essential method of practice in daily life. The paper also explains our direct experiences through counseling with the most unfree prisoners, including death row inmates and life sentences for years, from the perspective of the true human dignity and the transforming power of compassion. It illuminates that true individual freedom and happiness are directly connected to others and society, and that everyone has the inherent freedom to cultivate inner wisdom and compassion to contribute to humanity.
Based on Buddhist philosophy, Daehaeng argued that all human beings are not limited to one’s physical body, but spiritual beings, who have inherent Buddha nature. The Buddha nature is full of wisdom and compassion and has infinite potential, so we have the freedom to realize that potential. However, we are suffering in a limited life, captured by self-centeredness and materialism. Self-centeredness leads to distorted perspectives and prejudices, and promotes alienation, competition, and hatred. The social systems and laws just reflect our level of consciousness. Therefore, to be free from suffering, a fundamental change in consciousness is necessary. Daehaeng argued that the most fearful prison in the world is the prison of fixed ideas called the mind, and urged people to wake up and break free from it. The key to open the prison of the mind is held by each individual; as Viktor Frankl said, it is the freedom to choose one’s thoughts and feelings in any situation. The course of life should be a journey to realize this unique nature. Daehaeng expounds that the secular world and the practice of the mind are not separate. Rather, all daily tasks and problems are resources and opportunities to cultivate inner wisdom and compassion. Freedom is not given without a price. We are given the freedom to be awake at every moment, make choices, and take responsibility for the consequences. It is a choice to settle for our habitual thoughts and actions, or face the impermanent reality, let go of our obsessions, and choose the power of our inner conscience and true heart. As a method, Daehaeng suggested that we should practice to let go of all thoughts that arise and entrusting them to our fundamental mind.
She said that since all beings are interconnected and non-dual beings, it is important to recover the freedom to realize love and compassion in relationships. Individualism and competition are causing conflict and alienation. We should overcome conflict and discrimination against each other and peacefully coexist in harmony as the true meaning of life. We are asked to awaken from the indifference that makes us insensitive to the suffering of others and have compassion to empathize and reduce suffering together. With true love and compassion for each other according to their nature, transcending oneself and pursuing a life that is mutually beneficial is the realization of humanity and the true purpose of life.
My experience through counseling with prisoners helped me witness this concept of freedom firsthand. Originally, I was afraid of criminals, but I gained courage by believing in their inherent nature and relying on the principle of Non-duality that we all share the same fundamental mind of goodness and compassion. When I was afraid and disappointed in them, constantly letting go of my thoughts and feelings was a great help. It has not been easy, but I think I was blessed to eventually see hope in human nature. Even those who were considered ‘the worst’ had deep repentance, good nature, and above all, care and compassion for others. Just as there is always a bright sun behind dark clouds, the light in their hearts has been simply hidden. In particular, in the case of death row inmates, they showed a change by sincerely praying and serving others even though they had nothing more to lose. One death row prisoner became a completely different person from the past, giving me the heartfelt impression in that he was truly loved by his daughters. They all showed that although their bodies were imprisoned, their hearts were free to choose. Meeting the inmates gave me faith and hope in the power of the human free mind and the inherent goodness. This insight has been a great help when counseling many normal people who are free in their bodies but are imprisoned in the prison of their minds due to depression and other mental illnesses.
Finally, we need the freedom to study freely for society and the earth beyond ideology or personal bias. It is the freedom to explore inner wisdom beyond knowledge. Daehaeng presents a complete science that connects and integrates the mind with material-based research, and called this ‘one-mind (Hanmaum) science.’ In order to cultivate wisdom and solve problems, to develop in all fields, the freedom to conduct research that contributes to the development of humanity should be provided.
In conclusion, Daehaeng urges us to let go of our small egos and wake up. Anyone can pursue the freedom to recover a great and free soul. All beings are inherently interconnected, and each individual’s choices and changes can affect society and the entire planet. Daehaeng’s thought of ‘a great free person’ helps us reflect on the fact that solving various problems currently facing the planet and striving for a sustainable future all depend upon each individual’s fundamental mind that transcends one’s self.
This paper aims to examine the idea of a ‘great free man’ presented by Seon Master Daehaeng, which focuses on the realization of human nature, interconnectedness, and development of the society. Daehaeng spoke of the freedom to pursue the inherent nature of all people, to empathize and be compassionate with each other as interconnected beings, and to make progress in society by utilizing inner wisdom; to let go of self-centered mind is an essential method of practice in daily life. The paper also explains our direct experiences through counseling with the most unfree prisoners, including death row inmates and life sentences for years, from the perspective of the true human dignity and the transforming power of compassion. It illuminates that true individual freedom and happiness are directly connected to others and society, and that everyone has the inherent freedom to cultivate inner wisdom and compassion to contribute to humanity.