Detachment vs Apathy

[Boleo]

Detachment is a word that conjures up different meanings to different people and seldom is associated with being virtuous. But to some people detachment is the noblest of all virtues. Meister Eckhart said of it, as “He who would be serene and pure needs but one thing, detachment.” He also described it as the most noble of all virtues, higher even than humility or Love.

While to an outside observer, detachment may be indistinguishable from apathy, lethargy or ambivalence but at the level of intention it is fundamentally different. Detachment is taking action and totally detaching from the outcome. We are responsible for the work, God is responsible for the results. It can best be summed up in the words “Thy will be done”.

The Greek word for unconditional love is Agape. They considered it the highest for of love because it was not dependent on any pre-existing circumstances such as friendship, family ties or sexual attraction. Agape is the wide open for of love where there is absolutely no reward, no benefit or “quid pro quo”.

Humility is generally considered to be the virtue most unattached to reward or personal benefit but some people simply are so innately modest that they only appear to be humble. Their reward is the ease and comfort they obtain through anonymity. Their true motive is the copesthetic feeling that they get from standing on the sidelines of events.
True humility can be summed up with the words “Thy will be done”.

Serenity is sometimes associated with a certain level of detachment but like modesty there is still some expectation of obtaining comfort or equanimity. It is only is the Eastern Philosophy’s and religion where absolute detachment is considered the pinnacle of serenity. In Buddhism it is called Za-zen, Wu-nien or Mushin. In Taoism it’s corresponding equivalent can be found in “Wu-wei”. True serenity can be summed up with the words “Be still and know I am God”.

Paul of Tarsus said the there were 3 noble principles; “Faith, Hope and Love and the greatest of these is Love.” This makes it appear as if Love were the highest principle but if you look at his qualifying list of attributes you will see that he is referring to unconditional love epitomized in detachment;

Charity suffereth long, and is kind;
charity envieth not;
charity vaunteth not itself,
is not puffed up,
Doth not behave itself unseemly,
seeketh not her own,
is not easily provoked,
thinketh no evil;

[Fluttering]

Thank You Boleo. Detachment was a hard lesson for me to learn..I understand now that detachment requires love

[adore79]

Originally Posted by Boleo

but some people simply are so innately modest that they only appear to be humble. Their reward is the ease and comfort they obtain through anonymity. Their true motive is the copesthetic feeling that they get from standing on the sidelines of events.

I have to somewhat disagree with this part, sometimes it is impossible not to feel good after anoynmously helping someone.

Other than that this is a very interesting thread.