Loving detachment

Vairagya, dispassion, is understood as having no interest in anything happening around, or in an extreme case, leaving the so-called worldly life and going to the forest. But then, how is it that great maharshis, embodiments of vairagya, worked tirelessly for welfare of humanity? Their eternal compositions, resulting from their lifelong selfless dedication, contribute to the sustenance and well-being of human civilisation.

The word vairagya, etymologically, from vi-raga, means 'without colour' or 'without preferential clinging'. Generally, we see the world coloured by 'me' and 'mine'. Vairagya allows us to see the world as it is without applying the colour of 'me' and 'mine'. So, it means 'impersonality and impartiality.'

Vairagya frees our minds from possessiveness and selfishness. It liberates us from the fear of losing what we like and facing what we dislike, from preferential clinging and prejudicial intolerance. It enables us to embrace the world as it is and do whatever is necessary for the welfare of society.


The secret of a knower's life and action-his indomitable courage and unlimited inspiration-lies in his vairagya. Atma represents the pinnacle of vairagya.

As vairagya increases, we come closer and closer to the atma, the soul that remains unaffected by anything happening in the world.