|
by Jayaram V
Attachment is the bond of desire we form with the things of
the outside world. The
gunas are responsible for the attachment (3.27). Those who are
deluded remain attached to these modes and actions (3.29).
Sattva, which is pure, without impurities, illuminating and
free from sickness, binds the soul through attachment with
happiness and knowledge (14.6).
Rajas which is full of passion (ragatmakam) and born out of
"thrishna" (thirst or intense desire) and "sanga" (attachment),
binds the soul through attachment with action (14.7).
Tamas is the darkness and the crudeness in man. It is
"ajnanajam" (born of ignorance) and "mohanam"), cause of
delusion. It binds the soul through recklessness, indolence and
sleep(14.8).
The senses play a very important role in the development of
attachment. The individual, thinking of senses objects,
develops attachment with them. From attachment are born various
desires. From desires arises anger. From anger comes delusion,
and from delusion arises confusion of memory. From confusion of
memory comes loss of intelligence and when intelligence is lost
the breath of life is also lost (2.60-63).
Desire for the
fruit of ones actions is responsible for man's bondage to the
cycle of birth and death. Man's right is to work only, not to
the fruit of his actions (2.47). Therefore abandoning all
attachment, he should perform his work (2.48). As the ignorant
act with attachment so do the wise without attachment (3.25).
Attachment and aversion to the sense objects are situated in
the senses. A man should therefore not come under their
influence (3.34).
Thus he who works, offering his actions to God, giving up
all attachment, is not touched by sin as the lotus leaf by
water. (5.10). The true karmayogi shakes off all attachment
while performing his actions (5.11) and rests happily in the
city of nine gates (5.13). Unattached to external contacts he
finds happiness in his Self. He finds eternal bliss (5.21).
Detachment and Hinduism
Hinduism puts heavy emphasis on the need to turn inwards, to
withdraw oneself from the sense objects and look into ones own
inner world, where alone one can find true solace. In
order to become attached with God and merge into Him, it is
essential for an aspirant to detach himself from the external
world and all its trappings, whose attractions are always
tempting and alluring to the mind and the senses.
The shift in emphasis from the body consciousness to soul
consciousness becomes possible only when one develops and
ingratiates into his thoughts and deeds the attitude that the
apparent physical self is not the true self, but just an outer
covering of it.
Detachment from ones own outer self is the first step,
detachment from all external relationships either with the
people, kith and kin and things of the world is the next step.
Detachment from the very concept of God and the idea and desire
of attaining salvation, is in fact the final step. When one
becomes completely free from all manners and modes of
attachment, even attachment with God, one becomes truly
qualified to enter the world of eternal freedom.
Suggested Further Reading
|
