“How shall we start, and later arrive at the contemplation of this ineffable beauty which, like the divinity in the mysteries, remains hidden in the recesses of a sanctuary, and does not show itself outside, where it might be perceived by the profane? We must advance into this sanctuary, penetrating into it, if we have the strength to do so, closing our eyes to the spectacle of terrestrial things, without throwing a backward glance on the bodies whose graces formerly charmed us. If we do still see corporeal beauties, we must no longer rush at them, but, knowing that they are only images, traces and adumbrations of a superior principle, we will flee from them, to approach Him of whom they are merely reflections. Whoever would let himself be misled by the pursuit of those vain shadows, mistaking them for realities, would grasp only an image as fugitive as the fluctuating form reflected by the waters, and would resemble that senseless (Narcissus) who, wishing to grasp that image himself, according to the fable, disappeared, carried away by the current.”
– Plotinus, Ennead I.6 Of Beauty
Here Plotinus echoes many of the contemplative traditions in encouraging “fleeing the things of the world.” The things of this world are merely shadows, “as fugitive as the fluctuating form reflected by the waters.” Whether they must be rejected/given up completely, or merely abstained from for a time so that the heart may become unattached, is a matter of debate within the traditions, and perhaps among each individual seeker.
To engage in the world without attachment, to appreciate all the beauty in the world – but without seeing its forms as absolute, or coming to them with craving or need – is sometimes seen as characteristic of one who has matured on the contemplative path. The final stage of the Zen Oxherding Pictures (Returning to the Marketplace with Helping Hands) may be one way of expressing this.