Detachment is a release from pain and desire that often manifests relief, relaxation and tranquility in the individual. In Ways of Wisdom, it is argued that people who have the capability for detachment ôdo not engage in self-deception or inner struggle, nor have they simply made themselves numb and unfeeling,ö (76). Detachment viewed from this perspective is something positive that brings ôtrue psychic releaseö from pain and striving. Detachment is a capacity found in all individuals to one degree or another. Detachment varies from one individual to the next but it encompasses detachment from physiological as well as psychological pain. According to Ways of Wisdom, when detachment occurs on both levels there are major benefits which include relief, relaxation of body and mind, equanimity, and peace of mind, (77). Nevertheless, despite these alleged benefits to the detached individual that promote a harmonious and comfortable relationship with the world, detachment is just one more form of attempted escapism from reality.
In Ways of Wisdom, we are told that we all experienced cravings and desires because we are desirous and caring creatures, (77). However, this deep capacity for caring often causes us pain and anxiety because it manifests within us yearning, craving, and the pain of unsatisfied desires. Ways of Wisdom contends that being drawn by our desires is an innate aspect of humanness, but it also posits the notion that we can release ourselves from this force by developing the capacity for non-attachment. When we can achieve non-attachment, we free ourselves from being drawn by desires. As argued in Ways of Wisdom, the goal of detachment is to disconnect from our desires that pull our emotions and behaviors, ôThe object of detachment from desire is not to cease all effort, but rather to detach oneself from the felt need which usually motivates the effort. Thus the result is not mere quietude, a cessation of al...