Question: If the same “detachment” perspective on moral values can be used both by the demon Kamsa (in justifying his killing of the sons of Devaki) and a divine avatar, it is hard to accept that such an approach could represent a true basis for morality. Is detachment a way to by-pass dharma/karma for a demon?
Answer by Romapada Swami: No, a demon does not by-pass karma by detachment. A person of demoniac nature has the tendency to misuse even the best philosophy. Kamsa’s behavior is a typical example to illustrate that knowledge can be dangerous in the hands of demons. However, abuse of a principle does not discredit the value of that principle itself.
Arjuna was also asked to be detached in killing his grandfather and teacher, but to serve the higher cause of fulfilling the Lord’s mission. Since God is Absolute and equally merciful towards everyone, whatever He does benefits everyone. Therefore He is beyond all morality and rules, and His killing results in the liberation of the other’s soul. This is not the same as the justification that Kamsa gave. Unlike Kamsa, the true basis of morality for the rest of us is to abide by God’s laws, and by following this principle we can do equal justice to all. We do have to cultivate detachment, not to use as an excuse for justifying our whims, but to detach ourselves from our independent notions, so that we can act as an instrument of the all-good Supreme Lord, absent the intervention of our self- centered likes and dislikes.
