Significance of Non-attachment
Non-attachment is a core concept across various spiritual traditions, emphasizing the importance of freedom from desires and material attachments. In Buddhism, it signifies not clinging to transient experiences, leading to peace and wisdom, while Jainism underscores letting go of emotional investments for progress toward liberation. Vaishnavism and Purana highlight detaching from worldly pleasures to attain spiritual growth, whereas Yoga frames it as essential for deeper realization. Ultimately, non-attachment cultivates a state of liberation and is fundamental for achieving both personal growth and spiritual enlightenment.
Synonyms: Detachment, Aloofness, Disengagement, Indifference, Separation, Impartiality, Objectivity, Neutrality
In Dutch: Niet-gehechtheid; In Finnish: °¾±¾±²Ô²Ô¾±³Ù³Ùö³¾²â²â²õ; In Spanish: Desapego; In German: Nicht-Anhaftung; In Swedish: Icke-bindande; In Malay: Bukan lampiran; In French: Non-attachement; In Swedish: Icke-anknytning; In Finnish: °¾±¾±²Ô³Ù²â³¾Ã¤³Ù³Ùö³¾²â²â²õ
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Non-attachment'
Non-attachment in Buddhism encompasses the practice of letting go of clinging and desires, recognizing life's transience. It promotes peace, emotional freedom, and unconditional kindness, essential for enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of samsara.
From: Cetasikas
(1) Non-attachment (alobha) is a quality of kusala citta that opposes clinging to objects of desire and is essential for the cultivation of wholesome states.[1] (2) The absence of clinging to objects or living beings, which must coexist with non-aversion for true kindness and mindfulness.[2] (3) The quality of not clinging to desires or possessions, considered one of the beautiful roots.[3] (4) Non-attachment, or alobha, refers to the absence of greed and the state of being unaffected by objects experienced, similar to a water drop on a lotus leaf. It is characterized by unselfishness and liberality.[4]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The practice of freeing oneself from personal attachments, leading to greater peace and happiness as advocated in the verses.[5] (2) The state of being free from desires and clinging to worldly pleasures or material possessions.[6]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The quality of arahats who are not disturbed by worldly vicissitudes.[7]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A state of mind that reflects the ability to engage in actions without clinging to or identifying with them, recognizing that everything is transient and illusory.[8] (2) The state of not being attached to anything, which Ananda argues could be equated with the mind itself, as suggested by the Buddha.[9]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) The principle highlighted by Shen Whai in understanding the Essence of Mind and letting go of desires.[10] (2) The fundamental objective of the school, which involves treating all things as empty and freeing oneself from emotional responses and attachments.[11]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The principle that encourages detachment from material existence and forms as a path to achieving the True Self and Emancipation.[12]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The state of being free from desire and emotional involvement, as demonstrated by certain monks during the grief.[13]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) Freedom from clinging to desires and forms, key for achieving enlightenment.[14]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) The state of not clinging to or grasping at things, recognizing the transient nature of experiences.[15] (2) The practice of relinquishing clinging to outcomes, thoughts, or even the practice itself, leading to peace and wisdom.[16]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The state of being free from desires and fixations that lead individuals astray and bind them in samsara.[17]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The key Buddhist concept of not being bound by desires, depicted through the behavior of the forest deer.[18]
Hindu concept of 'Non-attachment'
Non-attachment in Hinduism emphasizes detachment from desires and outcomes, promoting spiritual growth and liberation. It advocates a state of emotional freedom from worldly attachments, enabling a focused pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and peace.
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) Non-attachment is self-mastery and freedom from desire for what is seen or heard.[19] (2) The highest form of detachment from the manifestations of Nature, characterized by freedom from desires.[20] (3) A key aspect of karma yoga, indicating the importance of performing actions without concern for their outcomes, while remaining fully committed in effort.[21] (4) The state of being free from the clutches of worldly desires and attachments, essential for achieving deeper spiritual realization.[22] (5) A practice that involves letting go of desires and emotional investments to calm the mind.[23]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) A state of being detached from outcomes and objects, reflecting a higher spiritual realization.[24]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The practice of detaching oneself from the fruits of actions and from sensory objects related to one's desires.[25] (2) Asamsakti, the fifth stage of liberation characterized by a lack of desire and emotional ties to material objects.[26] (3) Detachment from material possessions and relationships, allowing for clearer focus on spiritual pursuits.[27]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The principle of avoiding emotional or mental bondage to external pleasures and distractions, crucial for spiritual advancement.[28]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The state of freedom from desires and clinging, which is essential for the progress towards Brahmavidya.[29]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A state of being free from emotional investments or dependencies on objects or outcomes, promoting tranquility and wisdom.[30]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A concept reflecting the idea of not being emotionally or materially bound to anything, which is a theme in Narayana's essence.[31]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) A state of being where one performs actions without clinging to the fruits or outcomes, leading to liberation from the binds of karma.[32]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A state of mind encouraged as a key to happiness and freedom from troubles, contrasted with the miseries caused by attachment.[33]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The state of being free from worldly desires and ephemeral enjoyments, which Prahlada exemplifies.[34]
Jain concept of 'Non-attachment'
Non-attachment in Jainism signifies freedom from emotional dependencies and desires, enabling spiritual progress towards liberation, and emphasizes minimal emotional or material attachment, especially regarding a monk's possessions.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The state of being free from emotional ties or dependencies, allowing a soul to progress toward liberation.[35] (2) Denotes a state of having no emotional or material attachment, particularly towards the bare possessions that a monk may hold.[36]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The state of letting go of desires and emotional investments in worldly objects and experiences.[37]
The concept of Non-attachment in local and regional sources
Non-attachment is a key concept emphasizing emotional and material freedom, allowing individuals to transcend worldly desires. It is central to spiritual growth, facilitating meditation, and aligning one’s heart towards a higher reality, as exemplified by Krishna.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This refers to the state of not being emotionally or materially attached to worldly things, a practice that was followed by the great sage for forty years.[38] (2) The practice of detaching oneself from the outcomes of actions, which helps one overcome the power of external influences and maintain inner peace.[39] (3) This is presented as a central idea, highlighting the state of not needing or wanting anything, and is a characteristic displayed by the subject, who works for work's sake.[40] (4) This is the secret, and it is the ability to be the Witness, and not to identify oneself with the external world, which can be achieved through the practice of meditation.[41] (5) Non-attachment is the second idea that is supreme in Krishna's message, and is the state of being free from the desires and attachments of the world.[42]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) An ideal described in the text that emphasizes emotional detachment as a means to achieve personal growth and altruism.[43] (2) The practice of detachment from desires and material concerns, regarded as a path toward spiritual grace.[44] (3) A state of being unattached, achieved through the attachment to a higher reality, facilitating ethical living and the dissolution of ego.[45] (4) An essential principle mentioned in the story, suggesting that a person who achieves non-attachment can transcend life and death.[46] (5) A philosophical doctrine highlighted in Huxley's works, including influences from the Bhagavad Gita.[47]