Wanderings

By detachment is not meant, however, that we should force ourselves to endure excessive deprivations.  On the contrary, Baha’u’llah assures us that it is perfectly acceptable to enjoy the things of this world, as long as we remember God and follow His teachings.

Nor does detachment imply that we should not be concerned with the affairs of the world.  Rather, we should devote ourselves to the betterment of humanity and service to others.

~ Kenneth E. Bowers, God Speaks Again: An Introduction to the Baha’i Faith, p. 116

Detachment is one of my favorite topics.  When I was growing I had a hard time with the concept that it was acceptable to have possessions as long as you did not allow them to rule your life.  Not until I was adult did I finally put it together that there is a difference between me owning something and allowing it to own me.  Detachment from the things of this world does not mean that we must live a monastic lifestyle without modern conveniences and even luxuries such as cell phones, fancy clothes, or a dishwasher (haven’t had one in years myself).  But, it does mean that we must not allow our temptation for such items to rule our lives and influence our decisions.

Detachment is not necessarily piety, but it is a different way of thinking that requires us to put the needs of humanity above our selfishness.  By serving others instead of ourselves, we can become detached from our desires and become closer to God.

TeacherJay God Speaks Again Bowers, desires, detachment, excess, materialism