“For in truth neither past nor future have any existence apart from this Now; by themselves they are illusions. Life exists only at this very moment, and in this moment it is infinite and eternal. For the present moment is infinitely small; before we can measure it, it has gone, and yet it persists for ever.”
― Alan W. Watts, Become What You Are
Detachment, or non-attachment, is a state of being that allows us to let go of the past and the future, and instead be present in the moment. It is a state of acceptance and surrender, in which we let go of our need to control and allow life to unfold as it will. This state of detachment is often referred to as "enlightenment," as it allows us to see the world and our place in it more clearly and with greater understanding.
To achieve detachment, it is important to cultivate mindfulness and focus on the present moment. This means letting go of regrets about the past and fears about the future, and instead being fully present in the present moment. It is also important to recognize that the past and the future are illusions, as they do not actually exist in a tangible form. Only the present moment is real, and it is infinite and eternal.
One way to cultivate detachment is through meditation, which helps us to focus on the present moment and let go of our thoughts and worries about the past and the future. Another way is through the practice of non-attachment, in which we let go of our attachments to material possessions, outcomes, and other external things, and instead focus on our inner self and our connection to the present moment.
Ultimately, detachment allows us to be in harmony with the Tao, or the natural flow of life. It allows us to move in time with life and be in accord with its changing music. And, as Alan Watts suggests, we cannot be out of harmony with the Tao, as we are it and it is us. By becoming what we are and embracing detachment, we can find true peace and understanding in the present moment.
