Detachment and Non-attachment

    There is a significant difference between the meanings of the two terms, detachment and non-attachment, and understanding clearly of what these two terms indicate can help us with our introspective contemplations.  Detachment, in nondualistic insight indicates the previous situation of attachment.   When attachment to an object of desire (“what I want and what I don’t want”) is absent, then there is detachment. A detached attitude occurs when delusion about the desire based on an object is done away with. Delusion is done away with only through understanding.  But to achieve detachment is to first perceive, recognize and acknowledge the process and consequences of delusion. Once detachment fades away, non-attachment becomes the present case. Stability in the absence of attachment is the state of non-attachment.   Detachment is a momentary event. If we get caught up again in the same delusion then attachment again persists.  If we see the whole point, then detachment again occurs and if it continues and is not just momentary and temporary, then we can rest in a free state of non-attachment. Seeing this process in this way gives a strong clue of how to continue in profound practice.