BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Buddhism Detachment in Buddhism

Partially in response to an earlier thread in this forum, my latest article is on Detachment in Buddhism, which is often misunderstood. Enjoy!

Great article, Lisa. I really enjoyed it. You explained the concept very well and offered much for us to ponder. I can see where peace and happiness could come from healthy detachment. Thank you.

Great article Lisa!!!

Just in time too. I had forgotten and needed the reminder.

Hi Debbie/Yvonne, I am so glad you liked it. Yes, I think 'detachment' has gotten a bad rap - it's not a very appealing word I think. It's really about wisdom - connecting with a the wiser part of our awareness, rather than the part that is a jumping monkey:-)

Jumping monkey.....so right on that! Our minds have a way of running wild sometimes. I think it gets us into trouble. Knowing how to step back with a less emotional view and connecting with that wiser part of us can really make a difference in our stability. Thanks again for some great points.

Dear Lisa, If at the beginning someone understands the suffering of attachment,that person will not make his happines depend on the thing, the thought,but instead live inthe Now. As soon as someone starts going back or in the future,I beleive that is when the attachment begins.Mindfullness is not spoken about,enough,or rarely.so is Equanimity. To me they make me see as things really are,and keeps me from attachment. Never been happier than Now,not falling into the traps of cravings and attachments. With Respect _/\_ loongdragon

I recently read and reviewed a book called Leaving Egypt, where the comparison was made that for the Israelites, Egypt was the equivalent of attachment and everyday addictions.

I have been trying to worm out what my Egypt is and find this all very interesting. I've never sat down and thought in a focused way about my attachments.

Dear Jilly, Each attachment,is something that will bring you to crave,then take you to suffering. With Metta loongdragon

Hi Jilly, I love this idea of Egypt, what a fascinating reading of the Exodus. Yes, we all have our Egypt. Often they are internal states that we are attached to, not even external things or people. Often we are very attached to the very emotional or mental patterns that we already know we need to let go in order to be happy. We fear change and crave the familiar, even over happiness. So it takes a lot of honesty and authenticity to see our Egypt. Both of which I know you have in spades:-)

Great article!