Geethartha Chintane 139: Letting Go of Attachment is Possible Through Continuous Practice

Letting go of the sense of “I” and “mine” is like riding a bicycle without holding the handlebars—it requires practice. Krishna emphasizes the need for practice. Initially, one may feel it’s impossible to ride without holding the handlebars, but with consistent effort, one can even ride without using their legs, as circus performers demonstrate. This mastery is achieved only through persistent practice.

Krishna later speaks about the state of a sthita-prajna (a person of steady wisdom). All these transformations must happen internally. Human intellect tends to claim ownership over what it perceives and experiences, saying “this is mine.”

This is why monks follow strict rules, such as not staying in one place for more than a week during Chaturmasya or Paryaya periods. Staying longer creates a sense of attachment. Similarly, monks are prohibited from attending weddings or listening to stories of romance. These rules exist to ensure mental preparedness and detachment.

Extravagant weddings and events often serve to inflate attachment. Despite such expenses, divorces occur, bringing even more sorrow to those involved. This sorrow arises from the heightened sense of attachment. Hence, actions that increase attachment should not be encouraged.

~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha

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