The habit of attachment gives rise to craving, and craving robs us of our inner peace and happiness in the most deceptive ways. Attachment is on of the main mental afflictions Buddha described. The afflictions of anger and jealousy obviously steal our peace, but attachment might seem like it is creating happiness! An affliction is defined as a metal habit that, when it arises, disturbs the mind. To eliminate afflictions, you must know the afflictions’ faults,  characteristics, remedies, and the causes of their arising. In this episode, we will discover attachments faults and remedies for this mental poison.

Attachment means noticing a pleasant or attractive object and desiring it. When attachment clings to its object and grows stronger, it is hard to tear yourself away from the object, just as it is difficult to remove oil which has soaked into a cloth.

Mindfulness practice: Choose peace. Let go. 

The Buddha’s victory cannot be undone; 

No one in the world can approach it. 

By what path would you guide him, 

Who has no path, 

Whose field is endless? (179) 

 

The Buddha has no ensnaring, embroiling craving 

To lead him; 

By what path would you guide him, 

Who has no path, 

Whose field is endless?

 

Even the gods envy 

The awakened ones, 

The mindful ones, 

The wise ones 

Who are intent on meditation 

And delight in the peace of renunciation.

--Buddha, The Dhammapada

References:

Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. Shambala, Boston and London, 2011, pp. 47-48.

 

Je Tsongkhapa. Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment., Volume 2. Pages 104-105, 147, 184-185. Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor.