Attachment, 4 Definition(s)

In the Four Noble truths, Buddha Shakyamuni taught that attachment to self is the root cause of suffering: From craving [attachment] springs grief, from craving springs fear; For him who is wholly free from craving, there is no grief, much less fear. (Dhammapada Sutra. In Narada Maha Thera, The Buddha and His Teachings.) If you dont have attachments, naturally youre liberated ... In ancient times, there was an old cultivator who asked for instructions from a monk, "Great Monk, let me ask you, how can I attain liberation?" The Great monk said, "Who tied you up?" This old cultivator answered, "Nobody tied me up." The monk said, "Then why do you seek liberation?" (Hsuan Hua, tr., Flower Adornment Sutra, "Pure Conduct," chap. 11.) For the seasoned practitioner, even the Dharma must not become an attachment. As an analogy, to clean ones shirt, it is necessary to use soap. However, if the soap is not then rinsed out, the garment will not be truly clean. Similarly, the practitioners mind will not be fully liberated until he severs attachment to everything, including the Dharma itself.

A deluded mental factor that observes a contaminated object, regards it as a cause of happiness, and wishes for it. See Understanding the Mind.

In the Four Noble truths, Buddha Shakyamuni taught that attachment to self is the root cause of suffering: From craving [attachment] springs grief, from craving springs fear; For him who is wholly free from craving, there is no grief, much less fear. (Dhammapada Sutra. In Narada Maha Thera, The Buddha and His Teachings.) If you dont have attachments, naturally youre liberated ... In ancient times, there was an old cultivator who asked for instructions from a monk, "Great Monk, let me ask you, how can I attain liberation?" The Great monk said, "Who tied you up?" This old cultivator answered, "Nobody tied me up." The monk said, "Then why do you seek liberation?" (Hsuan Hua, tr., Flower Adornment Sutra, "Pure Conduct," chap. 11.) For the seasoned practitioner, even the Dharma must not become an attachment. As an analogy, to clean ones shirt, it is necessary to use soap. However, if the soap is not then rinsed out, the garment will not be truly clean. Similarly, the practitioners mind will not be fully liberated until he severs attachment to everything, including the Dharma itself.

Ninth of the twelve Dependent Originations; grasping at things we think will satisfy our craving, represented by someone reaching out for fruit from a tree