We are free to choose, but when how and what we choose is set millions and millions (since forever) years ago. But this does not mean we can’t change, but to change, we must have causes, causes lead to enlightment, causes can lead to the enlightment of all, to the what Nirvana is: freedom from feelings, 100% reason.
But you are right, we have the possibility to keep giving love, even when we only get hate back. But is that the situation for you? Are you sure? Cause that is the nature of Nirvana, but, since birth, we are all slaves under samsara (egoism), and we are lead out of samsara by causes, not by free will. Or did Buddha say we have free will?
“Ignorance of other options means a lack of freedom . And this most certainly is true. You arn’t fully free unless you know every option you may choose from.”
hmm…freedom is mental condition. more of an illusion. look at it this way. everything that we choose to feel, believe or the way we choose to react to circumstances all comes down to our minds. if we believe we are free in our minds there is no way that we are trapped whether or not we know every option. what defines “truly being free” anyway??? you?me? God? no… i think everyone creates the definition of everything they feel,believe or do. if one gives in to the options presented to them by society, they have given in to programmed feelings, virtues and yes, freedoms. one may be physically free in all aspects but mentally,they’re trapped inside a walking cell.
Just a thought, your ‘man inthe cage’ reminds me a bit of Plato’s analogy of the cave. True, it isn’t exactly the same, but number two rminded me of a discussion my class had about how aware we really are and our choice of wil to stay in ignorence/ what we think is reality.
