In life, we all have various desires. Some want to succeed at work, others to make their families happy, or to grow and improve themselves. These are natural feelings, but there are times when we might have a more abstract goal, like “wanting to achieve ultimate humanity before we die.” While it might sound noble, this desire could actually be an “unnecessary attachment.” In this article, I’ll dive into this desire and explore how it might be holding us back.

The Aspiration for Ultimate Humanity
You might have felt it before: “I want to become a better person” or “I want to be the kind of person others deeply respect.” This is a common aspiration many people share. However, the desire to “achieve ultimate humanity” hides a subtle trap.

One problem is the attachment to the idea of “achieving.” Setting goals is wonderful, but when you become too attached to them, it can actually hinder personal growth. The more we fixate on results, the more we risk pushing ourselves into a corner. I’ve experienced this firsthand—when I focused on becoming “better” or “more humane” than others, I found myself feeling more stressed and less at peace.

The Trap of Attachments
In Buddhism, there’s a concept called “bonnō,” often translated as desires or attachments. These refer to the mental disturbances or suffering caused by things like excessive desire, attachment, or ignorance. The more we want, the more we become trapped, and the more our hearts suffer. This desire for “ultimate humanity” can also be seen as one of these attachments.

While self-improvement is certainly a good thing, the problem lies in the fixation on “achieving” it. What exactly is “ultimate humanity”? Everyone has different definitions, and the moment we start comparing ourselves to others, we find ourselves in an endless cycle of striving without ever reaching an end.

The Parallel Life Perspective
As someone practicing a parallel life, I believe in living multiple lives at once. Instead of being confined to one role or goal, we can embrace different paths and choices simultaneously. But what’s essential in this lifestyle is the mindset of “non-attachment.”

For instance, while the desire to “achieve ultimate humanity” may be one goal in life, if we become too obsessed with it, we risk losing sight of other important aspects of our lives. In living a parallel life, we need to embrace goals without clinging too tightly to them, allowing ourselves the flexibility to adapt.

The Courage to Let Go
So how can we let go of this “unnecessary attachment”? What I’ve learned is that it’s important not to obsess over results, but rather to accept things as they are. No matter how hard we try, none of us can become a perfect person overnight—and that’s okay. It’s more important to accept who we are now and enjoy the journey.

The pursuit of “ultimate humanity” doesn’t need to be our sole focus. Instead, we can find fulfillment in the small growth moments we experience every day, and in how we interact with others. Perhaps this is the true path to becoming the best version of ourselves.

Conclusion
While life is full of desires and attachments, we don’t have to be bound by them. The desire to “achieve ultimate humanity” may, in fact, only serve to complicate our lives. What matters is letting go of this attachment and embracing ourselves as we are today.

Each of us walks a unique path in life, and there’s value in all of them. Rather than seeking perfection, we should focus on living each day meaningfully. This may be the truest way to cultivate genuine humanity.

I hope this message resonates with you and helps lighten your heart. As a practitioner of the parallel life, I believe this mindset can enrich your own life as well. May your journey be filled with happiness and fulfillment.

Feel free to share this message with others—it may help spread a sense of peace and inspiration to many more.