During the course of our lives, we take numerous decisions and perform many actions to fulfil our desires and commitments. Through these acts, we exercise our belief system by pronouncing various judgements on issues, people and objects. Consequently, we get attached to the foci of our judgements; namely; those individuals, things…even, the beliefs themselves. Over time, these attachments trap us in a Cycle of Karma; wherein we are forced to pay our dues for the consequences of our thoughts and deeds over many life terms. As a result, negative thoughts and feelings assail us at various times – disturbing our inner peace and stymying our life satisfaction levels.

The path to evolving consciousness to the state of Oneness requires one to transcend attachments. In this supreme state of being, all judgements evaporate; thereby emptying the soul. Does this mean that we have to necessarily eliminate all attachments? No. Because if that were so, the only route for the pursuit of conscious growth would have been Renunciation. However, we know that the mere renunciation of worldly pleasures and the retreat to seclusion does not guarantee a person conscious growth. Why?

It’s very likely that the renouncer would remain attached to the values associated with his new-found calling. His enhanced belief system would then enflame his ego. It would compel him to harbour thoughts and perform actions that would ensnare him in the Karmic cycle; instead of liberating him. Thus, removal of all attachments isn’t necessary for achieving supreme consciousness. On the other hand, being attached is not the way forward either. So, what’s the ideal state?

The ideal state for conscious development is attachment with detachment. When a person exists in this condition, he can choose to attach himself to something; while remaining detached at the same time. A good example to illustrate this concept is that of a spectator viewing a panel discussion. At this event, the witness feels excited by the topic; conversations and the mannerisms of the speakers. He’s anonymous; yet his existence is noted. Moreover, he’s liberated from the actual act of participation…an act that would lead to his attachment with the outcome and his inevitable bondage in the Karmic Cycle. How can one attain the state of attachment with detachment?

While attaining this state of being is a journey of spiritual growth; one can move towards it with the help of certain practises. Personally, I find a particular meditation technique very useful. I call it ‘Inner Plex.’ I close my eyes and let any thoughts, images, sounds populate my mental canvas. I don’t try to focus or concentrate on anything. I simply let my thought stream flow. Some of the images are disturbing and random. Others are funny. Some are sad. They transition like a slideshow. At some point, the images disappear and I stare into nothingness. At this stage, a feeling of unbridled love envelops me. It’s a love for all things and for all people. It’s a love that celebrates every existence equally. It’s a love that’s spared from the pain of loss. When I emit this raging love, I am filled with an incredible sensation of happiness that’s impossible to describe in words. It’s the happiness that flows from attachment with detachment.