One of the most compelling and subtle instructions of the Buddha was his teaching on non-attainment. The essential point of no-attainment is that you don’t ever really “get” anything in this life that is yours to keep. And in spiritual practice you do not “get” enlightened or “master” yoga. Realizing this, coming to “own” this, is so very relevant to our lives today. I have always found non-attainment confounding, growing up as an American trying to win the gold star in third grade math class, attempting to belt the ball as far as possible in Little League baseball and trying to get the girl in high school. Collectively we are more prone than ever before to a mind that grasps. Consider the way people take photos today. For every beautiful sunset, every step of the grandchild, every encounter with a celebrity, we take a photo in hopes to “get” it and have it forever. And take social media where the craving to get more and more likes and followers runs rampant. But in America, getting has always been about money. Today people get lured into thinking they should get rich fast. And on top of it all, our governing leaders are unabashed about targeting greater wealth—in crypto, in oil, in real estate and reduced taxes.
In spiritual traditions non-acquisitiveness is essential to fulfillment. To live a happy, healthy life it is essential to relinquish the quest to simply get more—more cash, more power, or more fame– because the itch to accumulate inflames the spirit and distracts from making progress on the path. Ironically, it is by the wisdom of not-getting that you achieve all things. For when you relinquish our grasp, when you stop chasing after the world, the things you really need come to you as gifts.
