Let Go Your Hold

The Buddha said:

"In every direction," said the Buddha, "above, below, around, and within, you see things you know and recognize. Put them down. Do not let consciousness dwell on the products of existence and things that come and go, for there is no rest of relief there. When you understand that by taking the objects of the world for granted as total reality, you are tied to the world, then this understanding will release you from your dependence on objects and will stop your craving and your desire for constant becoming. Then you can let go your hold and engage with things as they are, instead."

-Sutta Nipata

This quote is from the Dhammapada, and urges the follower to stop clinging to "things you know and recognize". For clinging is holding tight to "products of existence and things that come and go" i.e. to impermanent objects which have finite existence i.e. your computer, food, or a favorite song.

"...There is no rest of relief there." refers to the suffering which clinging to existence may cause.

Taking the world for granted as total reality ties us to the world. By letting go of clinging, I do not have to give away my possessions. In letting go of the objects of this world, I see that they are not the total reality of existence at all.

Thinking in this way, I am no longer tied to the world. I am released from my dependence on objects. My craving and desire for constant becoming has ceased.

Having let go my hold, I am free to engage with things as they are.