The improper handling and misunderstanding the purpose of detachment has distorted lives of many to miss the ‘truth of what is’. Learning how to detach, in a healthy manner, will save one from a lot of things that don’t even align with ones journey.
Detachment, often misunderstood as a state of indifference or apathy, is in fact, a profound philosophy that holds the key to a balanced and harmonious life. It is the art of striking a delicate equilibrium between involvement and letting go, attachment and freedom. To delve into the diverse perspectives of the old and wise, philosophers and scriptures that have explored and lived the significance of detachment in the human experience, may just help holding hands with detachment better.
Detachment is being close to everything but not letting it consume and own you. Not giving up the things in this world, but accepting the fact and to be continuously aware that nothing is permanent. Most confuse detachment with avoidance, the difference between the two are acceptance and acknowledgement.
Holding hands with detachment is an art of enjoying everything while always being open to the possibility of losing it and if ones soul discovers the vast expanse of potential it becomes a channel for divine manifestation.
The handle with care understanding about detachment is experiencing our feelings without allowing them to control us. To possess somebody is to destroy all possibilities of love and it is not fruitful either in friendship or in a relationship, Possessiveness is a sign of insecurity and not one’s love. Those who step back and look at things objectively and when they let go and accept, they are in a state to say “It was my letting go that gave me a better hold.”
Detachment is not about forsaking our responsibilities or disconnecting from the world, but rather a skillful approach to living that allows us to navigate the complexities of life with clarity, serenity, and grace. It encourages us to release our grip on the uncontrollable, relinquish our obsessions, and find inner peace amidst external chaos.
This spouse is mine, this cloth is mine, this food is mine; this wealth is mine…. Thus, the goat-like conditioned soul keeps uttering “Mine! Mine!” and the wolf of time pounce on it and devour it.” Most spiritual paths ask us to give up the possessive mentality. Devotional spirituality is so inclusive that it channels even the possessive mentality.
Knowing detachment well, one can be deeply involved but not entangled. Attachment can be painful when you don’t prepare yourself for detachment. Allow others to be who they are and allow yourself to be who you are. Our obsession with possession of externals causes us to lose our most fundamental inner possession, our own consciousness leaving us internally dispossessed.
Scriptures encourages individuals to perform their duties without attachment to the results, surrendering the fruits of their actions to the divine. Through selfless service, meditation and cultivating devotion one can gradually detach from the material world and find inner peace and spiritual fulfilment.
Attachment is a fundamental aspect of human nature. While attachment itself is not inherently negative, the attachment that leads to dependency and suffering is what scriptures warn us. They teach us that true happiness and freedom lie in detaching ourselves from the temporary and transient aspects of life and connecting with our eternal nature.
Cultivating detachment is a gradual process that requires practice and discipline. By embracing detachment, we open ourselves up to the beauty of the present moment and release the burden of expectations.
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