It is said that to advance spiritually one must learn to be detached from all worldly things.A sense of ‘detached attachment’ should be developed. Just like the oft quoted lotus leaf, which despite being in muddy waters, successfully manages to be untouched by it.For a sanyasi or a bramhachari to do this is .childs play,they can be quite comfortable with the material things- for example,good food,travelling by cars, good clothes etc etc but they don’t crave for it and are equally comfortable by the lack of it.This state can probably be achieved by an aspi rant but what about the attachment with the family members and close friends?Again, an exalted soul can easily identify himself with the joys and sorrows of the common man,feel equally sensitively,and even guide him,but there is nothing that is binding in this ,he can easily do this for hundreds of people making all of them happy and better.But when it is time to move on, he can break free of them with equal ease.Is it possible for a householder to do it?can he or should he learn to detach himself from his father, mother, sibling, spouse and children? Arent love, affection, ,care _foundation of a happy family life? A mother could be religious, instilling the right values in her children,lead a sattvic life but how can she think of decreasing her attachment to her children?Wouldnt doing so be going against her duties and wouldn’t being attached pull her further into maya and illusion?though theoretically she knows that she should not be too involved and attached to her family, can she achieve this practically?Is it possible? is it right?having voluntarily chosen to be a householder will the loving bonds of the family be detrimental to ones spiritual progress?Help…….Help…….Help…….
Its Natural
One can never be detached with anything.
How is that possible, can you detach yourself from past, present an future ?
Can the ocean detach itself from the waves ?
There are no states of spirituality and nothing can be achieved.
Whatever you call as states is merely your imagination.
Don't design a state and then try to achieve it.
Instead just see how true your current state is.
Try going round the other way....
Hare Krishna!
I agree fully with your statement 'to advance spiritually one must learn to be detached from all worldly things.A sense of ‘detached attachment’ should be developed.'
But instead of trying to actually develop detachment in onself, how 'bout approaching and achieving detached-attachment from a different angle?
One can try doing precisely the same things that we do everyday, but WITH KRISHNA IN OUR MIND ALL THE TIME. That is the key. To remember Krishna all the time and dedicate all, every single thing that we say or do to Krishna. Including taking care of the house, showing your love towards your children, cooking etc. That way, all that you do will automatically get purified and you will carry out your prescribed duties.
And I think once that happens, Krishna will ensure that the detachment that you desire will also automatically develop in you. You will not actively have to 'learn' or 'develop' it yourself.
Hope this helps...helps....helps... ;-)
Haribol!
Your eternal servant,
Eternal Muser
This is wonderful...
Eternalmuser. You have said it well that by developing attachment to Krishna, one develops detachment from things not related to Krishna automatically. The Bhagavatam says that when one develops devotion to Krishna (vasudeve bhagavati, bhakti yoga prayojita), one develops detachment and knowledge automatically (janayaty asu vairagyam, jnanam ca yad ahaitukam).
A devotee is more attentive to the needs of the Lord than to his family. This does not mean the family is to be neglected. The family must be looked after well and be engaged in Krishna's service. An incident from the life of Srivasa Thakura illustrates this well.
Once when Mahaprabhu was doing kirtan at Srivasa's house, Srivasa's son died. The ladies in the house raised a huge cry. Srivasa heard that and he did not want to disturb the mood of Mahaprabhu. Being more attentive to the needs of the Lord than his own family, Srivasa went inside the house, consoled the ladies and asked them not to cry. Then he came out and continued the kirtan.
Radhikesh das
No Expectations from loved ones - is the key.
Hare Krishna Mataji.
I think detachment means not keeping any expectations from your loved ones.
The Lord defines "akarma" (non-karma) as doing one's duties without expecting results.
Selfless , desireless Love. Regard for the Parmatma (Supersoul) in each heart. This is spiritual advancement. This is what the Lord expects from us.
Why would the Lord spend most of His years on earth setting an example of ideal householder life (grihastashram) ? Ideal son, husband, father, king, master. He loved His children so much . They would be climbing all over Him.
The world cannot work without grihasthas.
Do you know the story of Vitthala of Pandharpur ?
Once a man named Pundarik , who hardly cared about his parents, suddenly started serving them with love. This was due to his association with a pious sage who was a great devotee. The Lord had to see this change in Pundarik for Himself. He went to Pundarik's house. Knock Knock.
Pundarik said , "Oh! Lord, its You ! Well, I am a bit busy , my parents need me , so please wait. Here, take this brick. I am sorry about that."
The Lord was pleased by His devotion to parents. He stood on the brick with His hands on His waist, a slight smile on His Face. Rukmini Devi joined Him. Pundarik became a good devotee. That is how the Deity of Vitthala came into being at Pandharpur, where thousands of piligrims go each year - in the months of Aashadh and Kaartik.
Vitthala / Vithoba & Rukhumai / Rukhumabai. Vit means brick in Marathi, [ language of the state of Maharashtra where Pandharpur is ]. Hence the name.
Your servant
Krishnali