I would like to clear up a misconception that has circulated throughout the New Age community for far too long. Years ago, I heard a wise teacher express this idea. I’m paraphrasing, but I’ve found it to be profoundly true through my own experience.
I’m referring to the belief that practicing non-attachment is a path to enlightenment. We’ve all heard some highly respected Eastern and Western spiritual teachers emphasize non-attachment, and it’s easy to conclude that if we become detached enough, awakening will follow.
I see it differently.
If you’re minimizing your possessions, restricting your diet, simplifying your lifestyle, or making other sacrifices in the hope that these practices will lead to enlightenment, you can stop now.
Can simplifying your life be beneficial? Absolutely. Can generosity, compassion, and healthy choices enrich your life? Of course they can. But these practices, by themselves, do not produce awakening.
After all, do you really believe the universe will reward you spiritually because you chose brown rice over white?
The deeper truth is this: Non-attachment is not the path to enlightenment. Non-attachment is the natural result of awakening.
When consciousness shifts, so does attachment. You don’t become enlightened by letting go of your desires or possessions, or restricting activities you love, or changing anything about your wonder-full self. You let go because something within you has awakened.
