Freedom as the Ground of Love

Mirabai renounced marriage to a prince to pursue devotion to Krishna—an act of radical freedom that scandalized her society. Her life proclaims that authentic love, whether divine or human, cannot exist under coercion. This insight dismantles attachment patterns built on obligation, duty, or fear of disappointing others. Many people choose partners because they feel they should, because family expects it, because they're past a certain age, or because they fear being alone. Mirabai's example insists: if the choice isn't free, the attachment cannot be genuine. For those with anxious attachment, this is liberating: you don't need to stay with someone out of fear that leaving violates commitment. For avoidant types, it's challenging: true commitment requires choosing someone freely, repeatedly. In partner selection, Mirabai's framework asks: Am I choosing this person freely, or am I complying with external pressure? Can I walk away if I need to? Do I stay because I want to, or because I'm trapped by obligation? Freedom is not the opposite of commitment—it's the only ground where commitment becomes real.