209. Axe of Non-Attachment



Krishna spoke about the inverted tree of life where human beings are bound by roots hanging downwards and these roots are nothing but karmas (actions). Krishna immediately offers a solution to come out of this bondage and advises us to wield the ‘axe of non-attachment’ (15.3).

Non-attachment is one of the foundational principles of the Bhagavad Gita. Krishna has referred to this teaching on many occasions. Broadly, we have attachments to people, things, feelings, thoughts and beliefs. Many of our beliefs are based on unscientific myths, irrational assumptions, or unverified information. By cultivating the quality of ‘questioning’, which was given by Krishna to be a good learner, one can attain non-attachment to them (4.34). When we are told about non-attachment, we tend to gravitate towards detachment or even hatred. That’s why Krishna categorically told us to drop hatred (5.3) by inculcating the divine quality of forgiveness (16.3).

We find it very difficult to shed attachment as it has been nurtured by us for a long time and thus becomes a part of us. The underlying message is to drop the sense of attachment but not destroy things or relationships. In fact, it is doing one’s best in any given situation without a sense of attachment or hatred.

Krishna says, “The true nature of this Ashvattham (Peepal) tree, its beginning, its end, and its modes of continuity - none of these are understood by ordinary men. Using a strong axe of detachment, one must cut it down and search out the base of the tree, which is the Supreme Lord, from whom streamed forth the activity of the universe a long time ago. Upon taking refuge in Him, one will not return to this world again” (15.3 and 15.4).

Once one is armed with the axe of non-attachment, the search begins for the base of the tree - the Supreme Lord or Paramatma.


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