There is a story that illustrates detached actions or detachment. When Prahallad ruled India, his son went to a forest where he saw a beautiful girl, a daughter of a hermit. He decided that he would marry her. At the same time his friend, son of Master of Prahallad, saw her and he too wanted to marry her. Since both were friends, they told each other their feelings. Prince said, ‘I am son of the king and hence I have the first right.’ While son of Master said,’Being son of Master of your father, I have higher status compared to you, and hence I have the first right.’ They kept on arguing and did not arrive at any conclusion. They challenged each other and decided that whoever lost would lose his life.
Prince said,’Who should we approach for the decision?’
‘Your father, King Prahallad.’
‘He is my father. Will you accept his verdict?’
‘Yes. Your father is a saint. God Narsinh appeared to save him. For a saint everyone is equal.’
They went to the King Prahallad. Prahallad said,’I bow to my Master and hence he assumes higher status than me. Therefore, his sons too, assumes higher status than my son. So, prince you lose.’ and ordered death punishment for his son.
Then the son of master asked ‘Who is greater, me or you?’
Prahallad said,’You, of course.’
‘Then I override your order to hang Prince.’
Prahallad then ordered that Prince be relieved from the death sentence.
In both the instances, Prahallad was unaffected by the result of his action. He was neither overwhelmed by grief nor by joy. Such actions are called as detached actions. This kind of detachment is necessary to acquire divine bliss.