THE ART OF DETACHMENT

One of the most valuable tools which the disciple must learn to use with effect on his evolutionary path is the art of detachment, impersonality and acceptance. The worker must learn to stand apart and hold himself free from that which he is trying to create. He must learn to cultivate the attitude of the onlooker and the silent observer. Mental detachment will enable him to obtain a calm and impersonal view of that which he wishes to accomplish.

This detachment must be seen as a form of self-protection, of self-immunisation, or of aloofness, but as an attempt to arrive at true perspectives and to see the real values involved as viewed from the level of the soul. It is only from this altitude that circumstances and people will be seen as they really are—with their shortcomings and their virtues, their divinity and humanity; it is only through this attitude that man may escape from violent emotional and mental responses which must inevitably result in unbalanced discernment. Detachment may of course also be carried to excess, when it will constitute a vice, and it is therefore for the true server of the Plan to find and walk the middle way.

The gaining of true impersonality and detachment is but another way of saying that the disciple has succeeded in lifting himself above the problems of the personality, and is now enabled to work from the level of the soul. He has learned acceptance and can therefore handle every situation in a spirit of love, refusing to take hasty action that might permit any form of separation to creep into his relationships with his fellow man. This must inevitably lead to true service and the fulfilment of that small section of the Plan for which he is responsible.

Impersonality is achieved by eliminating all personal ambition and love of power. It means relinquishing many cherished ideas, hard won qualities, carefully nurtured ideals, or powerfully formulated beliefs, and accepting conditions as they are.

The cultivation of an attitude of ‘divine indifference’ with regard to personal desires, contacts and goals, will contribute considerably towards the attainment of impersonality. Acceptance will mean emotional control, which is one of the most difficult tasks to which the evolving disciple is subjected, and which usually takes considerable time to achieve; once attained, however, it will prove to be worth all the effort expended.

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