VAISHALI GILL
Attachment is a state that acts as a “source and means for keeping an active process energized”. We attach to things, people and time in order to nourish and maintain the apparent source of our happiness. The function of it is to fuel what we see as a cause of happiness. But it is not only limited to what we perceive as pleasant. We also often subconsciously attach to old habit-patterns or even suffering and stress. We can also attach to inner things such as ideas, political opinions, views, dogmas and perceptions of ourselves and others. Such a clinging leads to the infinite variations of problems and complications that we are experiencing in this world on a daily basis. Detachment arises not because we decide to detach. It arises upon thorough comprehension of suffering/stress and its cause. Detachment has nothing to do with indifference or carelessness. Detaching from external things does not mean that we get rid of them. We simply comprehend that it’s not things or other people that can really make us happy in a reliable way. That leads to a natural state of letting go. We see that we alone are responsible for our well-being – not things and people around us. This is very empowering and uplifting. Through letting go we become more free and relaxed in many ways. Not operating from a state of perceived lack or fear we are free to live our life with ease.Detaching from internal things is the same.Detachment, also expressed as non-attachment, is a state in which a person overcomes their attachment to desire for things, people or concepts of the world and thus attains a heightened perspective.