The Puzzle of Buddhist Non-Attachment: A Challenge for Laypersons
Joykrishna Sarkar
Philosophies May 19, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/philosophies10030060 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Buddhism |
| Keywords | Communication Developmental psychology Theology |
| Key points | Argues that non-attachment presents a dilemma for laypersons, creating a challenge in reconciling Buddhist philosophy with the realities of worldly existence. |
Abstract
This article explores the challenges associated with practicing Buddhist non-attachment as a layperson and whether its application in everyday life represents a puzzle. In Buddhism, practicing non-attachment implies becoming free of desires, as prescribed by Mahāyāna Buddhist philosophy in pursuit of liberation. This raises a critical challenge to form and maintain friendships in this increasingly competitive and demanding environment. To thrive, one must pursue beneficial goals to ensure a meaningful existence. A layperson, therefore, cannot entirely detach from their goals and aspirations without potentially abandoning the Buddhist path to enlightenment. Thus, non-attachment presents a dilemma for laypersons, creating a challenge in reconciling Buddhist philosophy with the realities of worldly existence.
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| Buddhist Modernism and the Rhetoric of Meditative Experience | 1995 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Buddhist and Psychological Perspectives on Emotions and Well-Being | 2005 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Too Early to Tell: The Potential Impact and Challenges—Ethical and Otherwise—Inherent in the Mainstreaming of Dharma in an Increasingly Dystopian World | 2017 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| From self to nonself: The Nonself Theory | 2016 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |