Article XCI: Detachment and the Ultimate Goal

"The wise should not unsettle the mind of the ignorant who is attached to the fruits of work, but the enlightened one should inspire others by performing all works efficiently without attachment." Bhagavad Gita (III:26)

Moksha, or enlightenment, is the ultimate goal in Vedanta. There are unlimited paths to enlightenment, which are different dependent on one's past action (samskara) and tendencies (vasana). One can approach enlightenment by detachment, and enlightenment is ultimate detachment. The enlightened being acts without attachment to the results of action. The enlightened person acts of dharma, which is righteousness, truth, and duty. The actions of the enlightened are selfless, without regard to the ego. In fact, the enlightened person has completely transcended the ego.

Enlightenment is beyond the ego, beyond the body and mind, beyond space and time. Enlightenment is beyond happiness and sadness, beyond the tangible and intangible, beyond birth and death. Enlightenment is realization of pure, eternal, infinite bliss and peace of the Divine within. The unenlightened may not be perfectly blissful and peaceful, but every step toward enlightenment allows for greater bliss and peace. Even one sip of the Ganga is a taste of the Divine.

Every detached action brings one closer to enlightenment -- greater peace and joy. Every selfless action brings one closer to enlightenment -- greater peace and joy. Greater detachment, selflessness, and dharma in each action allow for greater ease of detachment, selflessness, and dharma in future action. Aspiring and approaching enlightenment gives one greater peace in the pursuit itself.