To no longer be attached 

is to be free of  

self-centered thoughts and expectations. 

Non-attachment falls between two extremes. At one end lies detachment, the state of being emotionally uninvolved. A detached person, therefore, is often perceived as aloof, as uncaring. Clearly, this state is not our goal. At the other end lies attachment, being emotionally entangled as we focus on a person, object, or idea. Not our goal either! 

Our objective is non-attachment, which lies purposefully and unselfishly in the middle. There is no emotional entanglement, but we still care. Very much so. And therefore we do our best in everything we undertake. But we do not get caught up in egoistic thoughts. Facing a task, we can ask “What is the best way to do this” rather than insist “I want to do it this way.” 

Having thus reined in our ego, we stop expecting a desired outcome. Then when things do not go our way, as it invariably happens, we will not fall prey to obstinacy and regrets. 

Finally, no longer attached or entangled, we will be free. 

Chapter 32: Infinite Lifespan and Joy (10)

“Outwardly, they appear at ease and composed. Inwardly, they vigorously forge ahead in progress.”

One may appear to be moving calmly and slowly, but actually be making progress. For example, we know from the Buddha that the bodhisattvas in the Pure Land move slowly and leisurely. They appear at ease as if nothing is happening. Their focused diligence does not show outwardly. Actually, they are working hard to make progress. It’s just not readily apparent that they are doing so, that the buddha-name in their mind is never interrupted. True diligence is inner progress, joyfully made, not an outward ritual.

From "Commentary on the Infinite Life Sutra" Volume 3

Pure Land Translation Team

When we jump to conclusions, we invariably land in the wrong place.

Buddhism is like an immense mountain

with 84,000 paths leading to the peak. 

Choose—and remain on—one path. 

To attain the summit of a mountain in the most effective and enjoyable manner, climbers choose one route. Depending on their abilities, some will prefer a more cautious approach, others a more challenging one. Having chosen their route, they do not deviate from it. The climbers do not keep trying different ones for they know they’ll end up wandering around the mountain instead of climbing it, their time and energy wasted. 

Our practice is the same. With the summit of enlightenment as our goal, we choose the path that best suits our conditions and abilities. Like the climbers, we also want to stick to our chosen route. Should we take our eyes off our goal, we can become enthralled by other paths. 

This one looks easier! That one looks more challenging! I’ll try it! 

Enamored with exploring myriad options, we will end up circling the mountain. And our goal of climbing it and reaching enlightenment? Forgotten.