Quoting Max Muller, a German philologist and orientalist, and one of the founders of the western academic field of Indian Studies "None of our philosophers, not accepting Heraclitus, Plato, Kant, or Hegel has ventured to erect such a spire, never frightened by storm or lightnings.” To conquer the “inner self” is the main point. The ability to go inward, and find oneself, rather than become diluted by ones socio-economic surroundings.
To lessen the “pollution” on the Atman, or the Spirit, one must go inward. To master the Soul, one must study their surroundings. Philosophers and poets alike, like Emerson, delve into the qualities of the goodness in man, the purity of the Atman weights and balances the self.
The meaning of freedom and liberation from “bondage” refers to the rules and roadblocks we essentially place for ourselves, before encountering and dealing with those that surround us. The voyage inward, into the understanding that we are complete within, and that the answers we seek are not contained outside, but rather inside, by connecting to the whole, essentially via meditation and understanding. The trick is to maintain a balance in the search.
It seems rather easy to follow the mantra “Tune in, and Drop out”, but it is not always so. True, most sages and yogis perhaps choose to alienate themselves, or place themselves in a life of connection; Away from mainstream society. Why is this so? Is it a strategy to limit the amount of corruption on their Soul, and therefore have a more pure connection with their Spirit? Is it the way to truly connect to the divine, and become part of the whole? Or is it just one method of many?.