Discovering the Power of Vairagyam (Detachment, Dispassion or Renunciation )

A Journey to Inner Peace through Yoga and Advaita Vedanta Teachings

The term Vairagyam, which is often translated as “dispassion” or “detachment” is a fundamental concept in both Yoga as well as in Advaita Vedanta teachings. This term refers to the idea of letting go of attachment to worldly desires, possessions, and experiences, in order to find inner peace and spiritual fulfillment.

In the Upanishads, one of the foundational texts of Hinduism , the concept of Vairagyam can be found in several passages. In the Katha Upanishad, for example, the sage Yama teaches the young boy Nachiketa about the importance of dispassion in attaining knowledge of the self. He says:

“The wise who, by means of concentration on the Self, realizes that supreme Power of the Self, which is seated within and is distinct from the physical body, and who has detached himself from all sensory pleasures, obtains everlasting happiness.” –  Katha Upanishad2.3.15

Here, Yama emphasizes the need to detach oneself from sensory pleasures in order to attain true happiness. This detachment is not seen as a negative thing, but rather as a necessary step on the path to spiritual realization.

In the Bhagavad Gita, another important Hindu scripture, the concept of Vairagyam is also emphasized. In Chapter 2, verse 44, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna:

“In the minds of those who are attached to sense pleasures and worldly possessions, wisdom does not take firm root. But to those who are unattached, who practice renunciation, and who are free from all worldly desires, wisdom comes quickly.” – Bhagavad Gita 2.44

Here, Lord Krishna explains that those who are attached to worldly desires are not capable of attaining true wisdom and spiritual knowledge. In order to gain this knowledge, one must be free from attachment and practice renunciation (the act of voluntarily giving up worldly possessions).

In the Yoga Upanishads, a collection of texts that focus specifically on Yoga philosophy, the concept of Vairagyam is also discussed. In the Yoga-Kundalini Upanishad, for example, it is said:

“A man who is attached to sense pleasures cannot meditate. But the wise man who controls his senses through dispassion and practices the Yoga of meditation, attains peace and infinite happiness.” – Yoga-Kundalini Upanishad 1.42

This passage emphasizes the idea that attachment to sensory pleasures is an obstacle to meditation, and that dispassion is necessary in order to attain inner peace and happiness.

In Advaita Vedanta teachings, the concept of Vairagyam is closely linked to the idea of Maya – the illusion that the material world is real and permanent. The Advaita philosopher Shankara teaches that attachment to the material world is a result of this illusion. This way detachment is necessary in order to realize the true nature of the Self.

In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, Shankara explains:

“The wise one is he who has renounced all desires, who is free from attachment, and who is able to realize the Self within. Such a person knows the truth that the material world is not real, and that only the Self is eternal and true.” – Shankara’s commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, 2.50

Here, Shankara emphasizes that Vairagyam is not simply the act of giving up worldly possessions. It is rather a state of mind in which one realizes the true nature of reality.

 In conclusion, the concept of Vairagyam is a fundamental part of both Yoga and Advaita Vedanta teachings. Through detachment from worldly desires and possessions, one is able to attain inner peace, spiritual knowledge, and ultimately, the realization of the true nature of the Self. By studying scriptures such as the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Yoga Upanishads we can gain deeper insight into this powerful concept and its role in our spiritual journey.