What are the things we need to be attached to and detached from during the initial and advanced stages of spiritual life?

What are the things we need to be attached to and detached from during the initial and advanced stages of spiritual life?

Answer :

The world is true, what is false is the notion that it is pleasurable. What comes from the real world is real. The illusion is that this world is for our enjoyment.

In the initial stages, try to develop Detachment from the things which directly and drastically oppose devotional service. We follow the 5 fundamental vows.

We also try to detach ourselves from things and activities and people which might distract our heart and mind from God, although they may not be sinful. Like certain friends or hobbies from the past.

It is different from person to person. We develop detachment not by thinking them as false, but knowing they have no potential of providing perpetual happiness to us in and of themselves, but they can be offered and used for God to purify our heart and engage others in devotion. Let’s say wealth, musical art, or oratory skills, can be used to engage others in devotion of God and purify our hearts. The brahmachari don’t renounce everything material, but since they want to devote more time in devotion, they give up their family life and responsibilities.

There are 4 kinds of people :

1. Materialistic people: who are attached to material and detached from God.

2. Mayavadi: detached from matter and God.

3. Sahajyas: attached to matter, but claim to be attached to God.

4. Devotees: detached from matter, but attached to God.

So, from the beginning and till the end, we try to increase our attachment to God and decrease our attachment to anything and anyone which distracts us from God.