Non-attachment means giving up the notion of 'I'

Oasis

What is the meaning of non-attachment? Its essence lies in giving up the notion of “I” and “mine.” 

This is commonly interpreted to mean giving up physical possessions, retiring to the forest, wearing saffron robes and living the life of a mendicant.

But it is not so. It refers not so much to the renunciation of possessions but renouncing the idea of possessor.

 

As Sathya Sai Baba said: “The body is the house given to you on rent. The owner is God. Live there so long as He wills. Thanking Him and paying Him the rent of faith and devotion.”

 

According to Swami Rama: “Such a man is always aware of the truth that he has come to this world as a traveller on a long voyage.” 

 

“He is always like a guest in this world. Such a travelling guest does not carry a burden on his back because the travelling would then become a painful experience.” 

 

“He always remembers that this life is like a crowded bazaar and he devises a method of travelling through that bazaar without being hurt or hurting others.”

 

On close examination, we will discover that everything we have in this world is on rent.

This includes our loved ones and the things and relationships that we consider close to us. 

 

This is because none of these things or relationships can last forever. They are bound to leave us at one point of time or the other. 

 

It is, therefore, a good idea to understand the transitory nature of the phenomenal world as opposed to the eternal nature of the inner world.

 

Sri Krishna teaches Arjuna that he should not steer away from his duty of protecting dharma, that he must engage the battle and not run away from the reality of life. 

 

It should be made clear that the Bhagavad Gita does not advocate violence. 

That is not its objective. 

It espouses the supreme truth that a person should not be afraid to die in performing his duties.

 

In addition, the Lord informs Arjuna that even if he were to decide to stay clear of the war, his intrinsic nature (that of a Kshatriya) would goad him into action. 

 

Swami Rama points out that the part of the mind that entertains doubts is called manas, while that part of the mind that takes decisions is called buddhi. The latter must triumph over the latter.

 

The sacred Gita teaches the truth that Brahma Vidya is the highest goal of life. The best means of gaining that knowledge is direct experience. 

 

This is why a guru is necessary to teach the aspirant because the guru has the experience of receiving direct knowledge.