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The habit of attachment gives rise to craving, and craving robs us of our inner peace and happiness in the most deceptive ways. Attachment is on of the main mental afflictions Buddha described. The afflictions of anger and jealousy obviously steal our peace, but attachment might seem like it is creating happiness!\xa0An affliction is defined as a metal habit that, when it arises, disturbs the mind.\xa0To eliminate afflictions, you must know the afflictions\u2019 faults,\xa0 characteristics, remedies, and the causes of their arising. In this episode, we will discover attachments faults and remedies for this mental poison.

Attachment means noticing a pleasant or attractive object and desiring it. When attachment clings to its object and grows stronger, it is hard to tear yourself away from the object, just as it is difficult to remove oil which has soaked into a cloth.

Mindfulness practice:\xa0Choose peace. Let go.\xa0

The Buddha\u2019s victory cannot be undone;\xa0

No one in the world can approach it.\xa0

By what path would you guide him,\xa0

Who has no path,\xa0

Whose field is endless? (179)\xa0

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The Buddha has no ensnaring, embroiling craving\xa0

To lead him;\xa0

By what path would you guide him,\xa0

Who has no path,\xa0

Whose field is endless?

\xa0

Even the gods envy\xa0

The awakened ones,\xa0

The mindful ones,\xa0

The wise ones\xa0

Who are intent on meditation\xa0

And delight in the peace of renunciation.

--Buddha, The Dhammapada

References:

Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. Shambala, Boston and London, 2011, pp. 47-48.

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Je Tsongkhapa. Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment., Volume 2. Pages 104-105, 147, 184-185. Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor.