In a world that constantly shifts and evolves, our attachments to people, possessions, and experiences often become the source of our deepest suffering. Gurudev Sri Anish eloquently captures this paradox, reminding us of the pain that arises when we cling to things inherently impermanent.
Reflecting on this, he shares a simple yet profound example:
“In this life, our problem is that we get attached to that which is impermanent. For instance, if I am wearing this watch and I am in love with this watch, I become attached to it. It becomes my precious watch. I might say, ‘I’ll kill you if you take this watch away from me,’ or ‘I will become depressed if you take this watch from me.’ Now that’s our problem.”
His words point to a fundamental truth: when we anchor our happiness and sense of self to objects or relationships that are transient by nature, we set ourselves up for inevitable heartache. This attachment becomes a trap, pulling us into a cycle of desire, fear, and disappointment.
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Understanding the Nature of Impermanence
To truly let go, we must first understand the nature of impermanence. Everything around us, including our bodies, relationships, and material possessions, is in a constant state of flux. Just as a river never flows with the same water twice, life never repeats itself in exactly the same way. This truth is not a cause for despair, but a call to embrace the present with grace and gratitude.
Finding Peace in Detachment
Detachment does not mean indifference or a lack of care. Instead, it is about loving without ownership, enjoying without clinging, and living without fearing loss. It is the art of holding lightly, knowing that nothing truly belongs to us. When we understand this, we begin to experience a profound sense of freedom and inner peace.
A Path to Lasting Joy
By practicing detachment, we create space for deeper, more meaningful connections. We learn to appreciate the essence of those around us without trying to possess them. We discover a joy that is rooted not in the fleeting, but in the eternal—the love, compassion, and awareness that lie at the core of our being.
As Gurudev Sri Anish teaches, the path to lasting peace lies not in accumulating or clinging, but in releasing and trusting the flow of life. In letting go, we come home to ourselves.
