Breaking the Chains of Attachment

In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves trapped in a cycle of emotional highs and lows, dictated by our attachments to people, outcomes, and material possessions. These attachments, while seemingly natural, can lead to confusion, stress, and suffering. Over two millennia ago, the Bhagavad Gita addressed this very human struggle. Through the dialogue between Lord Krishna and the warrior Arjuna, the Gita offers timeless wisdom on how to break free from the chains of attachment and find inner peace and clarity.

This article explores the profound teachings of the Gita, illustrating how the attachment we feel toward our surroundings often clouds our judgment and blocks our path to true self-realization. By examining key verses and applying real-life examples, we’ll discover how embracing detachment can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life, free from the emotional turbulence that attachment often brings.

 Understanding Attachment and the Bhagavad Gita

Understanding attachment makes it easier to understand the Gita. All suffering arises from the boundary drawn between oneself and others. The more attachment we have, the more suffering grows. Attachment and suffering are intertwined, and suffering leads to more attachment. This cycle continues when one cannot distinguish between themselves and others.

The moment one starts labeling things as “mine,” attachment takes root. Just like when I say, “This is mine,” everything that isn’t mine begins to feel separate. As I define my boundaries, I also define the boundaries of others. This creates division and leads to suffering, a cycle of attachment that binds us.

The story of Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita illustrates this well. He was confused and overwhelmed by his emotions. It wasn’t the war itself that confused him, but the attachment he felt toward those around him — his family, friends, and his own beliefs. His attachment clouded his judgment, and he could no longer see the right course of action.

Attachment, Suffering, and Delusion

Just as attachment grows, so does suffering. The two are connected, and together they create delusion. As attachment grows outward, it begins to cloud one’s thinking. When someone is attached, they can’t see beyond their own perspective. For Arjuna, this attachment was to his relationships and the war, which led to emotional turmoil. He couldn’t differentiate between right and wrong, between duty and attachment.

“Karmanye vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana,

Ma Karma Phala Hetur Bhur Ma Te Sangostva Akarmani.” (2.47).

“You have the right to perform your duty, but not to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.”

In a corporate setting, a person aiming for a promotion who doesn’t get it may feel devastated. However, by focusing on doing their job well and letting go of attachment to the outcome, they can find satisfaction in the work itself.

This is why Krishna’s wisdom was necessary for Arjuna to regain clarity. Attachment leads to confusion, and confusion to suffering. Krishna helped Arjuna see that attachment was the root cause of his suffering, and that by letting go, he could regain his composure and fulfill his duty without emotional entanglement.

The Interplay of Attachment and Duty

Arjuna was not a passive observer in his suffering. His attachment was strong and deeply rooted in his relationships. As a result, he felt as though he was stuck, unable to move forward. The more he thought about his attachments, the more he became trapped in a cycle of emotional distress. He could not separate himself from his relationships, and this led to greater suffering.

“Tasmad asaktah satatam karyam karma samacara,

Asakto hy acaran karma param apnoti purushah.” (3.19).

“Therefore, perform your duty efficiently and without attachment, for by doing work without attachment, one attains the Supreme.”

A teacher who teaches passionately without waiting for recognition finds fulfillment in their students’ growth.

However, Krishna showed him that attachment was merely an illusion, one that created suffering. By focusing on duty without attachment, one can overcome this illusion. Detachment is not about indifference; it’s about being free from emotional entanglements that prevent clear thinking and action.

The Role of the Self

When we hold onto attachments, we lose sight of the true self. Arjuna’s inner turmoil was a result of his identification with his relationships and his role in the world. He believed that he was defined by these external factors, but Krishna showed him that the self is beyond such attachments. True liberation comes from recognizing the self as separate from worldly attachments.

“Jneyah sa nitya-sannyasi yo na dvesti na kanksati,

Nirdvandvo hi maha-baho sukham bandhāt pramucyate.” (5.3).

“One who neither hates nor desires anything is known as a perpetual renouncer. Such a person, free from all dualities, easily overcomes material bondage and is completely liberated.”

A businessperson who loses a deal but chooses to learn from the experience instead of harbouring resentment practices detachment, allowing for personal growth.

“Matra-sparshas tu kaunteya sitosna-sukha-duhkha-dah,

Agamapayinonityas tams titiksasva bharata.” (2.14)

“The non-permanent appearance of happiness and distress are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer. Learn to tolerate them without being disturbed.”

A student who faces joy when succeeding and distress when struggling can find balance by focusing on consistent effort rather than being attached to emotional highs and lows.

As Arjuna began to understand this, he realized that his suffering was self-imposed. His attachment had blinded him, and his suffering was a consequence of his identification with things outside of himself. By letting go of these attachments, Arjuna could fulfil his duty without the burden of emotional confusion.

In the Gita, attachment and suffering are shown to be two sides of the same coin. When one is attached, they inevitably suffer. But by letting go of attachment and focusing on duty, one can achieve peace and clarity. Arjuna’s journey is a lesson for all of us: when we hold onto things too tightly, we become prisoners of our emotions. But when we learn to let go, we free ourselves from suffering.