Sri Aurobindo Teachings On Attachment

This a collection of teachings on attachment by Sri Aurobindo.

All attachment is a hindrance to sadhana.

Goodwill you should have for all, psychic kindness for all, but no vital attachment.

To become indifferent to the attraction of outer objects is one of the first rules of yoga.

Non-attachment liberates the inner being into peace and the true consciousness.

Physical rejection is not the best way to get rid of the attraction of material things. Accept what is given to you, ask for what is needed and think no more of it. Attaching no importance, use then when you have. Do not be trouble if you have not. That is the best way of getting rid of attachment.

Even after liberation, one has to remain vigilant of attachment.

If there has been an entire purification down to the depths and nothing is there to open the gate, then attachment cannot harm a person.

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Sri Aurobindo's teachings on detachment, particularly in the context of yoga, emphasize the necessity of becoming indifferent to the attraction of outer objects as a fundamental principle. This detachment is crucial for spiritual progress and self-realization. Here's an expanded explanation of this concept:

The Concept of Detachment in Yoga

1. Inner Focus over Outer Distractions:

   • Yoga aims to unite the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness. To achieve this, one must turn inward and focus on the inner self rather than being distracted by external objects and desires. Outer objects, while they may provide temporary satisfaction, often lead to attachment and distraction from the spiritual path.

2. Understanding 'Outer Objects':

   • Outer objects refer to material possessions, sensory pleasures, and worldly achievements. These are transient and can create bondage, preventing the mind from attaining true peace and liberation. By becoming indifferent to these, a practitioner can cultivate a more stable and serene state of mind.

3. Indifference and Equanimity:

   • Indifference in this context does not mean neglect or apathy but a state of equanimity where one is not swayed by likes and dislikes. It is the ability to remain unaffected by external circumstances, maintaining inner calm and balance. This equanimity is a sign of spiritual maturity and is essential for deep meditation and self-realization.

4. Freedom from Attachment:

   • Attachment to outer objects can lead to suffering, as they are impermanent and subject to change. By cultivating detachment, one can reduce suffering and attain a state of inner freedom. This freedom allows for a deeper connection with the divine and the realization of one’s true nature.

5. Practical Application in Yoga:

   • In practice, this principle can be applied through regular meditation, self-discipline, and mindful living. Practitioners are encouraged to observe their thoughts and emotions without getting entangled in them, developing a witness consciousness that is aware but detached.

6. Sri Aurobindo's Integral Yoga:

   • In Sri Aurobindo's Integral Yoga, detachment is seen as a means to transform the whole being—mind, heart, body, and soul—into a vessel of the divine. This holistic approach requires the practitioner to transcend personal desires and align with a higher purpose.

Becoming indifferent to the attraction of outer objects is a foundational rule in yoga according to Sri Aurobindo. It involves cultivating a state of inner equanimity, reducing attachment to transient material pleasures, and focusing on the deeper, permanent aspects of existence. This detachment is not about renouncing life but about living it with a higher consciousness and purpose, ultimately leading to spiritual liberation and union with the divine