Bhagavad Gita on the Roots of Negative Emotions
The following verse from the Bhagavad Gita (6.35) speaks about the importance of attachment with detachment:
सङ्गात्सञ्जयते कामः कामात्क्रोधोऽभिजायते।क्रोधाद्भवति सम्मोहः सम्मोहाद्विपरिल्ययः।
Saṅgāt sañjayate kāmaḥ kāmāt krodho ’bhijāyateKrodhād bhavati sammohaḥ sammohādv viparyayaḥ
Translation:
From attachment arises desire, and from desire arises anger. From anger arises delusion, and from delusion arises confusion.
This verse teaches us that attachment is the root cause of all our negative emotions. When we are attached to something, we become obsessed and cannot bear to lose it. This leads to anger, frustration, and delusion.
The Meaning of Detachment
The solution to this problem is to cultivate detachment. Detachment does not mean we should not care about anything and be detached from everyone. It simply means we should not let our attachment to things, animals, or humans control us. We should be able to accept and let go of things, even if they are important to us.
It is easier said than done, but it is essential for our spiritual growth. When we are detached from material things, relations, or anything else, we can focus on our spiritual development. We are also less likely to be affected by negative emotions such as anger, frustration, and delusion.
Krishna’s Message to Arjuna: Focus on Duty
In the Gita, Krishna teaches Arjuna to cultivate detachment from the results of his actions. He tells him to focus on doing his duty without worrying about whether he will win or lose the war.
By cultivating detachment from the results of our actions, we can free ourselves from the cycle of karma and rebirth and achieve inner peace and happiness.
Two Types of Actions in Modern Life
In this context, there are two types of action in the lives of individuals living in the modern world. One set of actions is duty-bound, while the second set of actions is of self-interest. The former are actions expected to be performed per your duty requirements. The latter are solely concerned with meeting your desires or expectations. This may even be part of achieving one’s ambitions.
There is nothing wrong with having ambitions or expectations and actions thereof. However, one must be careful of the methods adopted to meet the end. There is nothing wrong with doing everything possible to achieve your end. But if the actions hurt or harm others or even affect them in any way in trying to achieve your ambition, they are not spiritually acceptable. Put in your best possible efforts within your abilities and accept whatever the result.
Jealousy and Envy: The Hidden Pitfalls
Here comes a catch. It is possible that your colleague/colleagues may succeed with the same degree of effort or even less than what you put in. Would you feel happy for your colleague’s success and congratulate him/her? Or would you feel aggrieved and agitated, suffer from jealousy and envy for them, develop negative tendencies, indulge in backbiting, and develop animosity? I am sure most people succumb to the second tendency, and a few will accept the first with all good intentions. T
This basic human tendency or weakness is the greatest pitfall that results in unwanted mental agony or distress and leads one to bad karmic actions. The sad story is that we cannot digest or accept others’ success. In such a situation, one fails to see the reason or never tries to understand why.
Karma as the True Cause of Outcomes
Irrespective of efforts or not, be it understood that what one achieves or gets is all based on our past karmic debits/credits. If someone succeeds and you do not accept that their past good karma is paying off, it is folly on your part. Also, accepting that you’re not succeeding is solely due to you, meaning some past bad karma manifesting can help you find solace in yourself.
Take it that this is the rational and logical truth. Remember that God does not write your destiny; you design your destiny by your karma. Accept that what others get and you do not get is based on karma.
Introspecting Negative Emotions at the Workplace
It is often seen in workplaces that when someone goes ahead of you despite being junior, gets more recognition, or succeeds faster, it generally leads to ill feelings, jealousy, and hate/animosity against such individuals. Let us all introspect and ask ourselves, have we not felt such emotions? Are we not one among them? We may not accept, but then, I am sure we must have all gone through such situations and felt such emotions.
We forget here that such actions may be mere mental but are nevertheless negative karmic actions that we are sowing to reap the rewards later. Do you want it, or better learn acceptance and be happy in the success of others and sow a better karmic action which would stand you in good stead later? Apply rational thinking, and what to do is better left to you.
The Inevitability of Attachments
Returning to the Gita verses, Krishna tells Arjun about attachment to things and results. In my take, attachments are inevitable, and I am referring to individuals and even pets. There are different attachment types: parents, children, siblings, family, near and distant relations, friends, or even material things/objects. Naturally, one feels some attachment when one stays or interacts with others on a short or long-term basis. For that matter, even when humans live with their pets, attachments happen.
Not Attachment, but Inability to Detach Is the Problem
It is not an attachment per se that leads to unhappiness, frustration or delusion. The inability to detach and not attach is the cause of all troubles. In this context, the phrase ‘attachment with detachment’ needs to be understood and even learned to practice. Attachment always leads to expectations; when expectations are not met, one feels disappointed and unhappy. In this context, we need to understand and practice detachment. Let me illustrate the same with examples.
Examples from Daily Life
1. Parent-Child Expectations
We all know parents are attached to their children, and very often, this attachment is associated with the expectation of their children taking care of them in their old age. If that doesn’t happen, parents feel upset and unhappy. In such cases, children are like investments in their future.
In reverse cases, many children are attached to their parents, expecting to inherit property or wealth. If their expectations are not met, they become inimical to their parents. What do we say about attachments that are more of a take than a give? It is not the attachment that matters here, but the lack of detachment in terms of expectation.
2. Workplace Relationships
Let us take another example. Imagine a workplace where a boss has many juniors working under him. No doubt, out of respect or as a matter of action, the juniors might serve the boss by bringing tea to him or running some personal errands. Imagine some of the juniors are the blue-eyed boys of the boss or are the favourites close to him.
In this case, the boss expects more from them than all others, and if they refuse or cannot do what the boss wants, he feels more aggrieved and upset. Why? Because of the expectations due to the close relationship he enjoys with them.
Here is a case where the boss cannot practice detachment along with attachment. A spiritually enlightened boss would have been able to accept the situation with a detached mind without compromising his attachment.
Can you get it, Steve? This is the state of mind that one needs to cultivate, and once you learn to do so, you are practising attachment with detachment. It may seem not easy, but it becomes easy once you catch the fine nuance behind it. So, shun expectation out of all attachments, and presto, you are practising attachment with detachment.
Relevant Gita Verses on Detachment
Let us see a few verses of the Gita touching on attachment with detachment
1. Detachment from the Fruits of Actions (Karma Phala Tyaga)
karmaṇy-evādhikāraste mā phaleṣhu kadāchana
mā karma-phala-heturbhūrmā te saṅgo’stvakarmaṇi (Git: 2, 37)
Meaning: “You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.”
2. Performing Duties Selflessly
niyataṁ kuru karma tvaṁ karma jyāyo hyakarmaṇaḥ
śharīrayātrāpi cha te na prasiddhyed akarmaṇaḥ (Gita: 3, 8)
“Perform your obligatory duties because action is indeed better than inaction. Even the maintenance of your body would be impossible through inaction.”
3. Equanimity in Success and Failure
eṣhā te’bhihitā sānkhye buddhiryoge tvimāṁ śhṛṇu
buddhyā yukto yayā pārtha karma-bandhaṁ prahāsyasi (Gita: 2, 39)
“You have a right to work, but never to the fruit of work. You should never engage in action for the sake of reward, nor should you long for inaction.”
Conclusion: Live with Love, Without Clinging
These teachings emphasise the importance of maintaining a balanced and detached attitude while engaging in life activities. Individuals can cultivate inner peace and spiritual growth by performing their duties with dedication and without excessive attachment to outcomes. This concept extends beyond religious boundaries and has been a source of inspiration for people seeking spiritual wisdom and guidance worldwide.
Illustrating Detachment through Stories
Let us illustrate the concept of attachment with detachment using scriptural and non-scriptural stories. Each tale illuminates how one can live in the world fully, yet not be entangled by it—a teaching found across many spiritual traditions.
1. King Janaka and Sage Ashtavakra: The Royal Example of Nishkama Karma
One of the well-known spiritual stories from India that illustrates the concept of attachment with detachment is the story of King Janaka and Sage Ashtavakra. This story is found in the ancient Indian scripture, the Yoga Vasishta.
King Janaka was a wise and enlightened ruler who ruled the kingdom of Mithila. He was a great king and a sincere seeker of truth. One day, Sage Ashtavakra visited his court. Ashtavakra was known for his deep wisdom and spiritual insight and was revered as a sage of profound knowledge.
During a philosophical discourse, Ashtavakra questioned the king about the nature of true detachment and attachment. King Janaka, a wise and reflective ruler, expressed his understanding. He said that he ruled the kingdom and fulfilled his responsibilities with full dedication, yet he remained detached from the fruits of his actions.
Ashtavakra, wanting to test the depth of the king’s detachment, suggested that he give up his kingdom and renounce everything to attain true detachment. King Janaka agreed to this without hesitation. He decided to renounce his kingdom and embrace the life of a wandering ascetic.
However, Ashtavakra had a lesson to teach the king. As Janaka was about to leave his kingdom and give up his royal duties, Ashtavakra stopped him and said that true detachment is not about renouncing external things but about inner freedom from attachment. He emphasised that one could be deeply engaged in the world and fulfil their responsibilities, yet remain detached from the outcomes and possessions.
“He who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction, is wise among men; he is a yogi and a true performer of all actions.” – Bhagavad Gita 4.18
This story illustrates the concept of Nishkama Karma, or selfless action, a central theme in many Indian spiritual traditions, including the Bhagavad Gita. It teaches that one can live a life of full engagement, fulfilling duties and responsibilities, but should not be attached to the results. This way, individuals can maintain inner peace and equanimity, regardless of external circumstances.
The story of King Janaka and Sage Ashtavakra powerfully reminds us that true detachment is not about renouncing the world, but cultivating a state of inner freedom and non-attachment to life’s activities.
2. The Potter and the Clay: A Lesson in Letting Go
A potter named Ramu lived in a small village nestled amidst the lush hills of India. Ramu was a skilled artisan known for his exquisite pottery, each piece crafted with love and care. He took pride in his work, and his creations were highly sought after by people from all over the region.
One day, as Ramu was shaping a lump of clay into a beautiful vase, he became deeply attached to his creation. He admired its smooth contours, delicate lines, and vibrant colours, which he painted on it. He felt a sense of ownership over the vase, as if it were an extension of himself.
As the days passed, Ramu’s attachment grew stronger. He spent every waking moment working on the vase, perfecting every detail. He even slept beside it, fearing someone might damage his prized possession.
One evening, as Ramu finished the vase, his apprentice, Raju, entered the workshop. Raju was a young and eager potter, always eager to learn from Ramu. Raju was amazed by the vase’s beauty. He had never seen such a perfect piece of pottery. He asked Ramu if he could touch it, but Ramu refused, saying it was too delicate.
Raju was disappointed, but he understood Ramu’s protectiveness. He continued to watch Ramu as he worked, admiring his skill and craftsmanship.
Suddenly, the workshop was filled with a loud crash. Raju turned to see that the vase had fallen from its pedestal and shattered into a thousand pieces.
Ramu was devastated. He had spent weeks creating the vase, and now it was gone. He fell to his knees and wept, his hands clutching the broken pieces.
Raju watched Ramu’s anguish with a heavy heart. He knew his friend was attached to the vase and felt sorry for his pain.
But Raju also knew that the vase was just a material object. It was made of clay, and clay is meant to be broken. It was not the vase itself that was valuable, but the love and care that Ramu had put into creating it.
Raju gently placed his hand on Ramu’s shoulder and said, “Ramu, the vase is gone, but your skill and love for pottery remain. You can create another vase, even more beautiful than the last.”
Ramu looked up at Raju, tears streaming down his face. He realised that Raju was right. The vase was just a thing, and it could be replaced. What was truly important was his love for pottery, and that would never be lost.
Ramu stood up and began cleaning up the vase’s broken pieces. As he worked, a sense of peace washed over him. He realised that his attachment to the vase had been a burden, and now that it was gone, he felt lighter and freer.
Ramu thanked Raju for his words of wisdom. He had learned an important lesson about attachment and detachment. He knew he should not become too attached to material things because they are temporary. The only truly permanent thing is the love and care we put into creating things and our relationships.
“That which perishes was never eternal. And what is eternal never perishes.” – Bhagavad Gita 2.16
From that day on, Ramu continued to create beautiful pottery, but he never again became attached to his creations. He knew that his value as a potter came not from the things he created, but from the love and care he put into his work.
3. The Merchant and the Golden Lotus: From Restlessness to Inner Fulfilment
In the bustling city of Varanasi, there lived a wealthy merchant named Kamal, renowned for his vast riches and prosperous business. Despite his material abundance, Kamal was plagued by a deep sense of dissatisfaction. His heart yearned for something beyond the fleeting pleasures of worldly possessions.
One day, while strolling through the bustling marketplace, Kamal stumbled upon an elderly sage beneath a banyan tree. The sage’s serene countenance and aura of wisdom captivated Kamal, and he approached him seeking solace.
Kamal poured out his heart to the sage, confessing his emptiness and yearning for true fulfilment. The sage listened patiently, his eyes filled with understanding.
“Kamal,” the sage began, “the path to true fulfilment lies not in clinging to worldly possessions but in embracing detachment.”
Kamal was puzzled. “Detachment?” he echoed. “How can I find happiness by letting go of the things that bring me comfort and security?”
The sage smiled gently. “Kamal, attachment is the root of suffering. When we cling to material possessions, we become slaves to their impermanence. True happiness lies in the freedom from attachment, in the ability to appreciate the world’s beauty without grasping after it.”
Kamal pondered the sage’s words, their wisdom resonating deep within his soul. He decided to embark on a journey of self-discovery, seeking to understand the true nature of attachment and detachment.
As Kamal delved deeper into his spiritual quest, he began to see the world in a new light. He realised that his attachment to wealth and possessions was the source of his discontent. He started to detach himself from his material possessions, sharing his wealth with those in need and finding joy in simple pleasures.
Kamal’s journey eventually led him to a remote mountain village, where he encountered a humble potter. Despite his meagre possessions, the potter exuded an air of contentment and serenity that captivated Kamal.
“Potter,” Kamal inquired, “how can you find such happiness in a life of simplicity?”
The potter smiled warmly. “Master,” he replied, “true happiness lies not in the abundance of possessions but in the absence of attachment. I am content with what I have, for I understand that true wealth lies within.”
The potter’s words deeply moved Kamal. He realised that the sage’s teachings were true: detachment was not about renouncing worldly pleasures but finding joy in the present moment without clinging to possessions or outcomes.
From that day forward, Kamal embraced detachment as a way of life. He continued to manage his business with wisdom and compassion, but he no longer allowed his identity to be defined by his wealth. He found joy in serving others, connecting with nature, and appreciating life’s beauty.
Kamal’s journey of self-discovery had transformed him. He had found true fulfilment not in material possessions but in the freedom from attachment, in the ability to appreciate the world without grasping after it.
4. The Lotus and the Pond: Blossoming through Inner Freedom
A serene pond existed in the heart of a tranquil forest, nestled amidst lush greenery and vibrant flowers. Its waters, as calm as a mirror, reflected the beauty of the surrounding sky and trees. Within this tranquil pond resided a magnificent lotus flower, its petals unfurling gracefully, radiating an aura of purity and peace.
With its roots firmly anchored to the pond’s bed, the lotus thrived in the nourishing waters, its petals basking in the sun’s warmth. It was deeply attached to its surroundings, finding comfort and fulfilment in the familiar embrace of the pond.
As the seasons changed and the pond’s waters fluctuated, the lotus remained steadfast, its roots clinging tenaciously to the soil beneath. Yet, with each passing day, the lotus became increasingly aware of its attachment, a sense of limitation creeping into its existence.
One day, a gentle breeze swept through the forest, carrying a wise old owl with it. Perched upon a nearby branch, the owl observed the lotus, sensing its inner turmoil.
“Why do you cling so tightly to the pond, oh lotus?” the owl inquired, its voice soft and melodic.
The lotus, startled by the owl’s unexpected presence, responded with hesitation. “I have always known this pond as my home,” it explained. “Its waters have nurtured me, and its embrace has provided me security and sustenance.”
The owl nodded understandingly. “Attachment is a natural human instinct,” it acknowledged. “It provides us with a sense of belonging and stability.”
However, the owl continued, “Attachment can also become a burden, hindering our growth and preventing us from experiencing the fullness of life. Just as a lotus cannot bloom without the pond, so too we cannot flourish without detachment.”
The lotus listened intently, its petals swaying gently in the breeze.
“Just as a lotus flower cannot bloom without the pond, so too we cannot flourish without detachment,” the owl explained further. “Detachment does not mean abandoning our attachments; rather, it means understanding their impermanence and embracing the ever-changing nature of life.”
The lotus contemplated the owl’s words, its mind expanding with newfound wisdom.
“Detachment allows us to appreciate the beauty of each moment without clinging to it,” the owl continued. “It allows us to flow with the currents of life, adapting to change and embracing the unknown with open arms.”
Inspired by the owl’s teachings, the lotus began to loosen its grip on the pond’s bed. Its roots, once firmly anchored, now extended deeper into the soil, seeking nourishment from the depths of the earth.
As the lotus released its attachment to the pond, it experienced a profound sense of liberation. Its petals unfurled with newfound vitality, their colours becoming more vibrant and radiant. The lotus had learned that detachment is not rejection, but graceful acceptance of change.
The lotus had learned that detachment was not about severing its connection to the pond; it was about embracing the interconnectedness of all things while maintaining its own unique identity.
From that day forward, the lotus continued to thrive in the pond, symbolising resilience, adaptability, and the profound wisdom of detachment. Now, it symbolises resilience and inner freedom, blooming not in bondage but in wisdom. It embraces the ever-changing currents of life, its petals forever blooming with grace and beauty, reflecting the true essence of its existence.Bottom of Form
“Let go of what is not yours. Even your body is not yours. You are the witness, not the doer.” – Ashtavakra Gita.
Conclusion: Embracing the Art of Living with Inner Freedom
The stories above, drawn from both scriptural and symbolic traditions, remind us of a truth deeply embedded in the spiritual heart of India: that true detachment is not a cold indifference or rejection of the world, but rather a luminous inner freedom amidst life’s participation.
King Janaka’s wisdom, the potter’s heartbreak, Kamal’s transformation, and the lotus’s awakening—all illustrate the same eternal message: one can be immersed in life’s duties, beauty, and relationships, yet remain unshackled within. This is the state of yoga-sthitah — of being anchored in the Self while performing action. As Bhagavad Gita (2.47) teaches:
“Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana” — You have the right to perform your prescribed duty, but are not entitled to the fruits of action.
Attachment springs from identity. We suffer when we confuse who we are with what we own, create, or experience. But when we remember that we are, in truth, the witnessing Consciousness—the eternal Atman—we are freed from clinging. We act not out of lack or insecurity, but out of fullness and love. As the Ashtavakra Gita declares:
“He who sees the whole world in the Self, and the Self in the whole world, remains free of sorrow and desire, ever content, ever at peace.”
Just as the lotus remains untainted by the muddy water it arises from, the wise remain inwardly pure and serene, even while living amidst the shifting play of life. Let us then live with wholehearted engagement, but with a heart that is free, like a flute through which the Divine breath may play its music.
