Why is detachment considered so important, and how can one acquire it?

Detachment is presented as a paramount virtue on the spiritual journey. Chapter 17 describes it as the first among the six divine attributes of the Lord, a quality that belongs only to the 'greatly fortunate.' Its importance is such that God Himself bestows it upon those with whom He is pleased. When God grants detachment, He also joins the seeker with discrimination, which together help to carry them across the difficult 'ocean of existence.' This divine grace is the primary way to acquire detachment, as it does not typically fall to the lot of ordinary individuals.