detachment

The lotus symbolizes non-attachment in some religions in Asia owing to its ability to soar over the muddy waters and producing an immaculate flower.

Detachment, also expressed as non-attachment, is a state in which a person overcomes his or her attachment to desire for things, people or concepts of the world and thus attains a heightened perspective.

Importance of the term

Detachment as release from desire and consequently from suffering is an important principle, or even ideal, in the Bahá'í Faith, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Jainism, Kabbalah and Taoism.

Translators of religious and philosophical texts have endeavoured to transfer the concept of detachment or/and non-attachment^{[1] [2]} from one language, and one culture, to the other with more or less fortunate results. It is difficult, however, to come up with a word that is able to reflect all shades of the ideal or principle and that can satisfy the particularities of the diverse spiritual and philosophical cultural traditions.

In Buddhist and Hindu religious texts the opposite concept is expressed as upādāna, translated as "attachment". Attachment, that is the inability to practice or embrace detachment, is viewed as the main obstacle towards a serene and fulfilled life. Many other spiritual traditions identify the lack of detachment with the continuous worries and restlessness produced by desire and personal ambitions.

Types of Detachment

Buddhism

Regarding the concept of detachment, or non-attachment, Buddhist texts in Pali mention Nekkhamma, a word generally translated as "renunciation". This word also conveys more specifically the meaning of "giving up the world and leading a holy life" or "freedom from lust, craving and desires."^[3]

The writings of Milarepa, are canonical Mahayana Buddhist texts that emphasize the temporary nature of the physical body and the need for non-attachment.

Detachment is a central concept in Zen Buddhist philosophy. One of the most important technical Chinese terms for detachment is "wu nian" (無念), which literally means "no thought." This does not signify the literal absence of thought, but rather the state of being "unstained" (bu ran 不然) by thought. Therefore, "detachment" is being detached from one's thoughts. It is to separate oneself from one's own thoughts and opinions as to not be harmed mentally and emotionally by them.^[4]

Christianity

Several stories in the New Testament teach the importance of detachment. Jesus made it clear that attachment leads to worries and eventual ruin in the New Testament, Matt. 6:19-21 and Matt. 6:24-26. Other texts emphasizing non-attachment are:

• The Beatitudes - "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"
• The Widow's Gift - a poor widow gave a humble gift of two coins but was considered to be the most generous gift as it was everything she had.
• The Undetached Official - a rich man asked Jesus what else should he do outside not committing adultery, not stealing, not bearing false witness, not defrauding, honoring his father and mother -- to inherit eternal life. Jesus answered by saying: "...sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor...". Upon hearing this the official became sad, because he was not ready to give up so much.

The Christian teaching of life after death denotes an important concept where life on earth is temporary and that everything that causes us to be selfish, such as material gain and possessions, are inconsequential regarding our eventual destiny.

Hinduism

The Hindu view of detachment comes from the understanding of the nature of existence and the true ultimate state sought is that of being in the moment. In other words, while one is responsible and active, one does not worry about the past or future. The detachment is towards the result of one's actions rather than towards everything in life. This concept is cited extensively within Puranic and Vedic literature, for example:

One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action, as the lotus is untouched by water.

—Bhagavad Gita 5.10:

Jainism

Detachment is one of the supreme ideals of Jainism, together with non-violence. Non-possession/Non-attachment is one of the Mahavratas, the five great vows Jain monks observe.^[5]

Judaism

The Jewish teaching on detachment as mentioned in the Old Testament is: "You shall not covet...anything that is your neighbor's... You shall not desire your neighbor's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, or his ox, or anything that is your neighbor's. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also".

Taoism

The Tao Te Ching expressed the concept (in chapter 44) as:

Fame or Self: Which matters more? Self or Wealth: Which is more precious? Gain or Loss: Which is more painful? He who is attached to things will suffer much. He who saves will suffer heavy loss. A contented man is rarely disappointed. He who knows when to stop does not find himself in trouble. He will stay forever safe.

Islam

Quran teaches the believers to view this world only as a passage, and to love God more than anything in it: 2:165.

Practicing detachment from material wealth is manifested through one of the most important pillars, namely zakat (charity), which is basically a purification attempt.

References

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