Oakville Zen Meditation
An attachment is an emotional bond +/- physical that is created between the Self and its image with something /somebody. All living beings have attachments, and we cannot deny, escape nor eliminate them because we need them, and because they are part of our genuine and social entity. Buddhist teachings identify extreme attachment such as craving as the principal sources of suffering (dukkha). The sources of attachment are infinite; We are attached to our:
Affective relationships.
Self Image, Social / professional Image, events, our achievements,, failures, our health,
Material / physical also called sensorial attachments in Zen:
Cognitive/ Intellectual:
Idea, opinion, belief, thought, judgment, illusion are also creating attachments.
Unless cultivating an open mind as suggested in Zen, these intellectual attachments may last forever, trapping our minds and preventing serenity.
Spiritual belief:
Being attached to our religious faith may bring serenity but also suffering. History is full of examples
The common denominator to all our attachments is the emotional bond potentially a great cause
of suffering when attachment becomes out of control.Desire ( I want, I like ), expectation, ( I wish), hatred ( I don’t want, I dislike ), and all kinds of delusion or illusion that Zen calls Ignorance.
How to deal with our attachments: Here is an actual dialogue:
“Because of the potential risk of suffering, I want to get rid of all my attachments,” says the student.
“Don’t ever try,” replied the teacher. It is impossible for 2 reasons:
1 “By trying to let them go, you are adding another attachment on the top of the others and this one is almost masochistic”
2 “As mentioned previously, having emotional attachments is an integral part of the Self.
The key is about a proper balance between too much and not enough.
So, what should I do if I cannot let my attachments go or eliminate them, replied the student?
Just be mindful of them, said the teacher, accept them, and keep in mind that:
> 1 Regardless of the source of the attachment, the potential risk / degree of suffering is proportional to the intensity of the emotional bond. Act accordingly.
Appreciate the moments of your attachments because:
>2 We do not control too much of anything.Things, events, and people come and go.
>3 Impermanence of things, events, and people is constant, and everywhere
>4 Trying to get rid of attachments is Okay when causing detrimental effects such as medical abuses, overwork, etc..
Seeking professional help may be advised.
> 5 Practice the so-called Non-Attachment in its Buddhist Zen meaning:
Non-attachment does not mean ignoring, or rejecting love, relationships, pleasure, or possessions; it means:
> Assessing the relevance of the source of our attachment, its degree, and try to act accordingly.
> Avoiding the excesses such as compulsive clinging / grasping , over controlling, dependency, Non-attachment is not detachment from life and from others, but living with proper emotional balance between you and your sources of attachment. This is part of the Middle Way that we talk about many times.
When excess is present, Zen encourages to let go, allowing the bond to dissolve naturally, and being free from detrimental behavior. Professional help is often recommended .
Finally: mindfulness and meditation practices help cultivate awareness, facilitating inner peace, and self- compassion. The Eightfold Path provides practical steps to ease, if not preventing suffering.
