DETACHMENT – WHY ONLY KRISHNA CAN TEACH US
“Krishna, the one who remained detached amid the battleground.”
In the realm of existence, opposites always coexist. Good and evil, love and hate, attachment and detachment – these pairs are intertwined. However, detachment cannot exist without attachment. The concept of detachment is deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy, particularly in the Hindu epic scripture, the Bhagavad Gita. It is within this text that Lord Krishna imparts his wisdom on the importance of detachment. But why does Krishna emphasise detachment in the Gita?
“Krishna was deprived of the first touch of his mother Devaki.”
This initial connection between a mother and her child is crucial for the baby’s emotional and physical development. Krishna’s separation from his mother’s touch could have had severe consequences for his growth and well-being.
From the very moment of his birth, Krishna’s life was marked by detachment. Even before he entered the world, his maternal uncle had planned his demise. The fear and anguish that Krishna’s mother, Devaki, experienced during this time would have undoubtedly affected the unborn child. Just as Abhimanyu learned the strategy of Chakravyuh in his mother’s womb, Krishna may have been aware of everything before even opening his eyes to the world.
Traditionally, the first physical bond a child forms is with their mother. However, Krishna was immediately separated from his mother for his safety. The initial attachment that most children experience was denied to him. Instead, he formed a deep bond with his foster mother, Yashodhara, who was not related to him by blood. Though not based on a biological connection, this relationship was divine. Krishna also formed numerous friendships during childhood, experiencing attachment to many individuals.
“Inseparable Radha Krishna – the unbreakable bond of love and commitment.”
Krishna’s love for his flute was another form of attachment. He cherished this musical instrument and was deeply connected to it. The love between Radha and Krishna was pure and true, transcending attachment boundaries. In their relationship, attachment had no place because they were inseparable, becoming one in love. Although Krishna physically separated from Radha, they remained united in each other’s hearts. This exemplifies the kind of detachment Krishna speaks about in the Gita. He never advocated for avoiding attachment to children or family. Instead, he emphasised detachment as a state without insecurity or anxiety in relationships, even when physically distant. Just as Radha was always in Krishna’s heart, was he genuinely detached from her?
Legend says that when Krishna left Radha, he ceased playing his flute. He detached himself from his beloved childhood instrument, which he offered to Radha as a symbol of his detachment from material possessions. Radha, in turn, was in love with the flute itself. This act of detachment went beyond materialistic objects, showcasing Krishna’s profound understanding of detachment.
In Chapter 13, Verse 10 of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna explains the essence of detachment:
असक्तिरनभिष्वङ्गः पुत्रदारगृहादिषु । नित्यं च समचित्तत्वमिष्टानिष्टोपपत्तिषु ॥ १३-१०॥
asaktiranabhiṣvaṅgaḥ putradāragṛhādiṣu nityaṃ ca samacittatvamiṣṭāniṣṭopapattiṣu
“Non-attachment; non-identification of Self with son, wife, home, and the rest; and even-mindedness amidst both the desirable and the undesirable events in life…”
“Detachment is the key to achieving a sense of completeness.”
In today’s materialistic world, happiness often seems tied to attachments such as branded clothes, luxury cars, extravagant houses, and a high-end lifestyle. Spiritual richness, however, holds no value in the eyes of materialism. We perceive the world through our physical senses, focusing on things and their superficial value rather than utilising our soul and intellect to seek true treasures—knowledge, wisdom, and intelligence. By shifting our focus away from worldly attachments (without necessarily discarding them), we open ourselves to the pursuit of spiritual richness. The path becomes more explicit, unburdened by attachments, making it easier to find inner peace.
The attachment between Radha and Krishna can be likened to two rivers merging into one, blending their unique qualities. When one reaches such a stage of unity, there is no sorrow in losing someone or fear of ignorance. In today’s stressful world, where the relentless pursuit of accumulation burdens individuals, it is essential to consider the attachments that weigh us down. Whether they are relationships or material assets, learning from Radha and Krishna’s example, we can strive for a relationship devoid of separation and the need for detachment.
“The challenges that motivated Krishna to recite the Gita.”
Krishna’s teachings extend beyond personal relationships. When he urged Arjuna to fight on the battlefield, he emphasised the importance of fulfilling one’s duties. Krishna had engaged in battle against his uncle Kansa, driven by a desire for justice. He understood that the world is often unjust and that meaningful resolutions can only be achieved through action. Life, for Krishna, was a continuous struggle, starting from the day he was born. He defeated five demons, including Putna, who sought to kill him.
Similarly, in the lives of ordinary individuals, each day is marked by the battle for survival. In this ongoing struggle, where is the time to learn the process of detachment? Detachment should not be discovered later in life; it should be imparted to our children early. We should teach them to focus on the purity of their souls and not become overly attached to things that compromise their values and ethics. A better world can only be achieved when everyone consistently chooses to do good, not just today or tomorrow, but every day and at all times.
Krishna’s life contains valuable lessons on detachment. His experiences with attachment and detachment provide insights into the nature of relationships and the significance of non-attachment. By embracing the wisdom of detachment, we can strive for inner peace and live a life free from the burdens of excessive attachment. Just as Krishna taught Arjuna on the battlefield, his teachings continue to guide us in navigating the complexities of existence and finding an equilibrium between attachment and detachment.
