CRASSH

This paper seeks to explore the relationships between attachment and detachment, slavery and freedom through its focus on persons who identify themselves as ‘slaves’ of the Hindu god Shiva. By entirely subjugating themselves to their chosen god, they seek to liberate their souls from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Full attachment to the Lord requires conscious detachment from worldly desires and entanglements. However, this is not easy as adherents do not renounce the world and live as ascetics. They continue to live as householders and to fulfil essential obligations to others, particularly to their parents and children. By focusing on the ways in which ‘slaves of Shiva’ are simultaneously attached and detached (albeit to different things), this paper explores the seeming paradox of willing slaves.