Written by Sweety Vyas

We live in an age of distraction. There are so many challenges that we face – at work, in our larger family and even with our physical body. Negativity sticks to us. We constantly agonize over why we are not perfect. One little problem in our life impacts us and escalates into a larger issue. Even social media often fuels feelings of jealousy. We try to show that we are the best. In this competitive world, we become obsessed with succeeding. Not being good enough is a constant threat. Our thoughts are continuously geared towards winning at all costs.

We can learn from the lotus leaf. The lotus leaf is interesting because it does not get wet despite the rain or water splashing on it. It has a waxy surface and water glides off easily. The leaf remains fresh and maintains its greenness. Similar to the lotus leaf, we can remain unaffected and let go of the attachments that are detrimental to us.

Bhagavad Gita 5.10 is a beautiful verse where it is explained that one who does his duty without any attachment, surrendering the results to the divine, is untouched by sin, like a lotus leaf is untouched with water. We should keep God at the front and center and do our work.

Non attachment does not mean that we need to give up our goals or not engage with the world around us. It means surrendering control and not being attached to results. “The spiritual Law of Detachment is about trust and surrender rather than control,” Swart writes. In this way we do not fall prey to our ego. 

Our actions should be done to please God. He created us. He is the ultimate doer. Our attachment should be with Him alone. Detachment from the results of our work will keep our consciousness unentangled. We will become less affected by everything including the daily challenges we face. We can become invincible against the ups and downs in the roller coaster of life. On the other hand, if we become fixated on the rewards of our activities, we get entangled karmically.

We should work with the right consciousness by being connected to God. Then negativity will not stick to us. The key is to do our duties in this world, but not be attached to the outcome.  

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