In today’s rapidly evolving world—where every day brings new technological inventions, social media, and material comforts into our lives—the web of attachment, or moha, confuses our minds. The Sanskrit word moha literally means “delusion” or “attachment.” Whether it’s the craving for likes and comments on social media or an unwavering attachment to material possessions and relationships, in modern life, such attachments often pull us away from our true spiritual growth.
The Story of Rajveer
Rajveer, a young professional working at a bustling IT company in Bangalore, was caught between his success and his modern lifestyle. Every morning, he would start his day with his smartphone, spending hours on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, where he received refreshing news, trending videos, and status updates. Gradually, Rajveer’s identity became intertwined with his digital profile and material possessions. He began to believe, along with his friends, colleagues, and even family, that “if I don’t have all this, my life will be incomplete.” One day, Rajveer was assigned a stressful project at work. Despite working day and night, he began to feel an inner emptiness and restlessness. His mind kept drifting back to the digital world—constantly wondering if his posts were getting enough likes, whether his success was accurately reflected on social media, and if he was losing himself in that material realm. Over time, Rajveer’s mental state started to change. He realized that his true problem lay in an excessive attachment (moha) to digital life and material objects. Spiritual texts describe this attachment as a kind of delusion that distances us from the truth. The Bhagavad Gita even states, “In a mind darkened by attachment and illusion, the light of truth never enters.” From a psychological perspective, it has been observed that excessive attachment and constant digital stimulation negatively affect our mental health. Recent research shows that when we are continuously connected to external stimuli, our focus shifts away from inner peace and self-realization. As a result, issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression emerge.
A Meeting with an Old Friend
One evening, when Rajveer was extremely troubled, he met his old college friend, Aditya. Sitting down with a calm demeanor, Aditya explained to him:
"Raj, this world of attachment and illusion only entangles us in delusion. We forget our true identity. Real happiness lies within—in that pure inner peace that comes when we calm our minds."
Aditya spoke about the importance of meditation, yoga, and true love. He explained that the path to liberation from attachment involves self-reflection, regular meditation, and understanding one’s true nature. He advised Rajveer to set aside some time from his daily routine to meditate so that his mind could become steady and he could listen to his inner voice. In a world where technology is omnipresent, Aditya offered Rajveer a unique suggestion:“Take a little distance from social media, but don’t abandon technology altogether. Instead, use it as a tool—a guide that leads you to self-realization through meditation apps, online yoga classes, and mindful practices.”
Embracing Mindfulness
Rajveer began using a mindfulness app that offered 20 minutes of meditation each day. He also learned how to utilize mobile technology effectively to reduce his inner tension. Gradually, he noticed that reducing the time spent on social media helped restore his mental peace. He even adjusted his routine by taking a walk in the fresh air each morning and spending some quiet time in meditation before bed. Spiritual texts teach that the fundamental remedy for overcoming attachment is renunciation (vairāgya) and self-reflection. Rajveer discovered that by understanding his deepest desires and emotions, he realized that many of his troubles were rooted in attachment. Slowly, he began to recognize that the things that did not truly make him happy were mere fleeting attractions.
Key Points That Helped Rajveer:
Meditation and Yoga:By practicing meditation for 20–30 minutes daily, he learned to steady his mind. Meditation helped him listen to his inner voice, guiding him toward his true goals.
Positive Thinking and Self-Reflection:He started reflecting on his daily experiences and realized that many of his decisions were influenced by attachment. Gradually, he embraced positivity and impartiality in his thoughts.
Psychological Support:Modern psychology confirms that when one understands one’s inner desires, it becomes possible to rise above them. Rajveer consulted a therapist to learn how to recognize and overcome attachment.
Spiritual Teachings:Rajveer watched several online discourses with messages like “everything is moha and maya,” which taught him that every worldly object is transient. These teachings inspired him to break free from the web of attachment.
The Message for Today’s Youth
Rajveer’s story serves as an inspiration for today’s youth. When we become lost in the allure of material comforts and the glitter of social media, we drift away from inner peace and true spiritual advancement. The web of attachment binds us to temporary pleasures, leaving our minds confused. As Rajveer began looking within, he found that real happiness is hidden in the small things—knowing oneself, connecting with the inner source, and savoring every moment of life. Through this transformation, he learned that: Social media is merely a tool, not the ultimate goal. Material pleasures offer momentary satisfaction, but true contentment comes when we learn to control our desires. Spiritual wisdom frees us from the web of attachment.
Psychological awareness helps balance our thoughts and emotions.
Rajveer’s journey demonstrates that the path to overcoming attachment is long and continuous. It is not just about distancing oneself from the external world, but also about understanding and balancing one’s inner world. Modern technology and psychological support can be valuable allies on this journey. We must understand that attachment confuses us, and true liberation comes when we connect with our deepest desires, emotions, and truth. In today’s world, where new stimuli greet us every moment, it is essential to keep our minds steady and move toward true happiness. The message to overcome attachment is:
“Let go of attachment; embrace love and self-knowledge. This will lead you to inner peace and lasting joy.”
Rajveer adopted this message and gradually found balance in his life. His story teaches us that understanding and rising above attachment is one of the most important tasks in life—it not only brings mental peace but also contributes to our overall development.