Significance of Freedom from attachment
Freedom from attachment is a fundamental concept across various spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, Jainism, Vaishnavism, and others. It emphasizes the liberation from emotional ties to material possessions and desires as essential for spiritual growth and enlightenment. This state is characterized by the ability to exist without clinging to worldly desires, leading to a deeper understanding of equality and inner peace. Achieving freedom from attachment is seen as crucial for attaining higher states of existence and ultimately, spiritual liberation.
Synonyms: Detachment, Liberation, Independence, Non-attachment, Emotional freedom, Release, Autonomy, Self-sufficiency, Emancipation
In Dutch: Vrijheid van gehechtheid; In Finnish: Vapaus kiintymyksestä; In Spanish: Libertad del apego
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Freedom from attachment'
Freedom from attachment in Buddhism signifies liberation from desires and worldly ties, essential for achieving enlightenment. It involves letting go of possessions and emotional bonds, leading to spiritual advancement and a detached state of mind.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The state achieved by the ascetic when he let go of worldly possessions and desires, important for spiritual advancement.[1]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) The state achieved by Ananda as he let go of worldly attachments, leading to enlightenment.[2]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A state of mind where individuals are freed from desire and attachment to worldly matters.[3]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) A state of being liberated from desires or clinging to material or emotional ties.[4]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) The state of being unbound by desires and possessions, emphasized as vital for enlightenment.[5]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A Buddhist concept that asserts detachment from desires, which contrasts with the views expressed in the Veda.[6]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) To practice is to be free of attachment, which is essential for achieving liberation.[7]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) An important concept in Buddhism involving the release from clinging to desires or material possessions.[8]
Hindu concept of 'Freedom from attachment'
Freedom from attachment in Hinduism signifies liberation from emotional dependencies and desires, promoting spiritual growth and inner peace. It entails detachment from worldly pleasures and connections, essential for true happiness and achieving higher states of existence.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The state of being liberated from emotional connections or dependencies on worldly objects.[9] (2) The state of being unbound by emotional or physical connections, crucial for spiritual liberation.[10] (3) The state of being unbound by desires or emotional connections that can lead to suffering.[11] (4) A state of liberation in which an individual is not bound or affected by emotional or material dependencies.[12] (5) Achieving liberation from emotional or material ties that cause distress and hinder happiness.[13]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A state of liberation where one's desires and expectations no longer dictate their actions.[14] (2) The state of not being bound by desires or possessions, essential for liberation.[15]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The state of being liberated from personal desires and biases, resulting in a perspective of equality toward all.[16] (2) A state achieved by pious individuals who, even after realizing the truth, remain detached from worldly desires and pursue remembrance of the Lord.[17]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A state achieved by the wise who avoid worldly entanglements, gaining clarity of thought.[18] (2) The internal mark of devotion, representing detachment from worldly desires.[19]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The state of being free from desires or bonds that impede spiritual growth.[20]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The state of being unattached to worldly pleasures despite enjoying them.[21]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The state of being liberated from emotional ties and desires; essential for spiritual growth and attaining higher states of existence.[22]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The state achieved by Karttikeya when he recognizes his mother's form in others, leading to a detachment from worldly desires.[23]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) An important concept discussed by Shuka, emphasizing the difficulties of achieving liberation while tied to worldly bonds.[24]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) Described by Saubhari as essential for liberation and a state of bliss, beyond the cycle of rebirth.[25]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A key aspect of the renunciation process, emphasizing detachment from worldly possessions and relationships as a prerequisite for spiritual growth.[26] (2) The state of being free from any emotional bonds such as friendship, hatred, and love, enabling true perception of equality in all things.[27]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) The liberation from the ties to worldly pleasures and bodily desires that vairagya brings.[28]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) The essential state of being where an individual is not bound by possessions, desires, or personal identity.[29]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The state achieved by devotees who let go of worldly desires to focus on spiritual devotion to Hari.[30]
Jain concept of 'Freedom from attachment'
Freedom from attachment in Jainism signifies achieving ultimate spiritual liberation, characterized by the absence of emotional bonds and desires, and being unencumbered by material possessions, which fosters spiritual growth.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The state that Nandana reached at the end of his life, indicating ultimate spiritual liberation.[31] (2) The state of being free from emotional bonds and desires, exemplified by the Lord through his actions.[32]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The state of being unburdened by emotional ties to physical or material possessions, facilitating spiritual growth.[33]