Attachments

Human beings are inherently complex. For centuries, mankind has engaged in research to unravel the mysteries of human thought and behavior. While such studies may establish broad patterns and psychological truths, they often seem to lose their relevance when applied to individuals, where lived experience can appear to contradict established facts. Against this backdrop, the subject of attachment emerges as particularly significant.

As the word attachment is invoked, the panorama of one’s relationships—spanning from birth to the present—naturally comes to mind. Each relationship carries its own meaning, fulfilling different needs, yet a recurring thread weaves them together: the yearning for belongingness and the desire to be acknowledged. Although these are universal human needs, for this individual, they stand out as dominant themes that have defined much of their relational history.

In striving to secure acknowledgment and a sense of belonging, there were instances where self-worth was gradually compromised. This self-demeaning was not always overt or dramatic; it could be as subtle as silently enduring small jokes that appeared trivial to others but pierced deeply within. The fear of losing acknowledgment led to silence, compliance, and a pattern of over-agreeableness—an existence marked by “walking on eggshells.”

At one stage, friendships and acquaintances began to take precedence over familial relationships. Yet, with time, it became evident that family bonds often possess a permanence that friendships may lack—not merely due to physical proximity, but also because family members hold an unparalleled familiarity with one’s true self.

Another realization arose concerning the nature of expectations. It is common for individuals to think, “I did this for them, so they should do the same for me.” However, if an act is performed solely with the anticipation of reciprocity, it ceases to be a genuine deed. Here, the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita resonates profoundly: “Karma karo, phal ki chinta mat karo”—perform one’s duty without attachment to the fruits of action. After all, no one truly owes another anything, especially when actions were undertaken without promise of return.

Ultimately, a powerful truth revealed itself: the only constant companion throughout life, until the final breath, is oneself. Thus, as long as one lives authentically—ensuring that one’s existence does not bring harm or nuisance to others—life can be considered meaningfully and successfully lived.

Let’s get to know more

What book are you reading right now?

Currently I am reading “The Holy Vedas” translated to English by Bibek Debroy and Dipavali Debroy.

It’s an ancient Indian text, comprising of all topics one can fathom about, right from human flesh to information about the whole universe.

Vedas consists of 4 portions; first RIG VEDA (considered to be the oldest). Second YAJUR VEDA. Third SAMA VEDA and last one is ATHARVA VEDA. All the Vedas are written in complete Sanskrit and in a very complicated way. It has two meanings; one is the latent and another is the manifest. Latent is the deep hidden meaning as in reading between lines kind of. Manifest is the visible meaning.

One thing which is very interesting to be noted that Vedas were not invented, those were discovered. It is said that the knowledge in that was transmitted from one generation to another, through oral instructions know as Shruti in Sanskrit. The who learns Veda thoroughly, is said to practice some unique way to memorise the shlokas from Vedas. One is supposed to practice it everyday.

Vedas are considerably difficult to understand than Upanishads. One can actually try reading Upanishads before they start with Vedas. I read only some small derivation of Upanishads which just scratched its surface. The concepts in it are pretty fascinating too.

I have just started to read it and I have understood nothing in it yet. I’m still on manifest level. It will take a lot of time to reach to the latent meaning.

The Last Hour

Describe the last difficult “goodbye” you said.

I remember a day when I was travelling in a train. I had a passenger who was very sad. I sat in-front if her thinking what was the reason for that gloom on her face. As being a Psychology enthusiast and student I always try to seek reasons behind situations. It was almost a 7 hour journey. Till the last hour she didn’t even look at me. But during the last hour I saw a tear drop falling on her cheek and then when I approached her asking what was the matter she let her shyness drown down the tears which ran like a tap. During that hour I understood what exactly the matter was. When my destination was near neither of us wanted to leave because just in a matter of time we had developed a bond which was unexplainable. That goodbye was hard for me and I guess same was for her too.