The Middle Way – Grey Path

This article is a result of a very interesting discussion I had with a friends daughter – Prasanna Tiwari ; post attending a session on Bhagavad Gita by Krunal Shah, another kindred spirit.

The Buddha said “Attachment leads to suffering.” and I took it to my heart by trying to detach myself but then I found out that Detachment is not that you should own nothing, but that nothing should own you.

He also said that “The root of suffering is attachment.” And today morning during my routine Satori I realised that the more we try to hang on to things, the more they slip through our fingers.

So you see Detachment is a process of letting go that allows us to live in a state of grace.

What is Detachment with Attachment?

Detachment with attachment is a key concept in Buddhism that refers to the idea of being detached from material possessions and worldly desires while maintaining a sense of attachment or connection to others and to the world around us. This concept is based on the Buddhist belief that attachment to material things and desires is the root of suffering.

In Buddhism, detachment is not about withdrawing from the world or becoming indifferent to others. Instead, it is about cultivating a sense of inner peace and contentment that comes from letting go of attachments and focusing on the present moment. Detachment with attachment means that we can still experience the joys and sorrows of life, but we are not controlled by them.

Impermanence

One of the key teachings of detachment with attachment is the impermanence of all things. According to Buddhism, everything in life is impermanent, including our thoughts, emotions, and physical possessions. Nothing lasts forever, and trying to hold onto things that are fleeting and ephemeral only leads to suffering. Instead, we should focus on cultivating inner qualities such as compassion, kindness, and generosity, which are lasting and can never be taken away from us.

The Middle Way

One of the most well-known Buddhist teachings on detachment with attachment is the concept of the Middle Way. The Middle Way is a path that avoids extremes and seeks balance in all things. In the context of detachment with attachment, the Middle Way means finding a balance between being too attached to material possessions and desires and being too detached from others and the world around us. By finding this balance, we can experience inner peace and contentment and live a fulfilling life.

Grey Path

So, you read what Buddhism says about the Middle way, it’s easier said than done in this fast paced world. So I decided to chart my own path – The Grey Path.

You see Detachment with attachment is not a passive or apathetic approach to life. Instead, it is a proactive and engaged way of being in the world. By letting go of our attachment to material possessions and desires, we can focus our energy on cultivating inner qualities such as compassion, kindness, and wisdom. These qualities can then be used to benefit others and make a positive impact on the world.

I practice detachment with attachment through mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment or distraction. By practicing mindfulness, we can become more aware of our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, and we can learn to observe them without getting caught up in them. This can help us develop a sense of inner peace and detachment from our desires and attachments.

In conclusion, detachment with attachment is a key concept in Buddhism that emphasizes the importance of letting go of attachment to material possessions and desires while maintaining a sense of connection to others and the world around us. By cultivating this balance, we can find inner peace and contentment, develop qualities such as compassion and wisdom, and make a positive impact on the world.