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Aparigraha: non-possessiveness


Wandering ascetics
Wandering ascetics

Aparigraha, one of the principles of Yama in Yoga, means "non-possessiveness", "non-hoarding", "non-acceptance of gifts".


Let's take a closer look at the Sanskrit word "aparigraha" (अपरिग्रह) itself. The prefix "a" means negation, "parigraha" means accumulation or thirst for property, profit, gifts, etc. "graha" indicates seizure and retention, when we seize material values or things and don't let them go, become attached to them. The prefix "pari" means "in full, completely, from all sides". That is, parigraha is surrounding oneself with things, property, gifts from all sides.


This principle underlies sannyasa and all monastic orders, including Jainism and Buddhism. In the past, yogis were often wandering ascetics, so they had an absolute minimum of things that they carried with them. There are such yogis now, too. But regardless of whether the yogi is a wandering sadhu or lives in one place, the principle of aparigraha remains the same. Its essence is that a yogi should not accept gifts beyond what he needs for his simple life. This means no attachment to material values, to wealth of various kinds. Attachment to things and gifts makes the yogi's consciousness unfree, restless, gives rise to such feelings as greed and envy, strengthens pride and grows the Ego due to the possession of certain things that are so valued in society. This is one of the traps of Maya, especially in our age of consumption.


In fact, aparigraha is important not only for monastic yogis, but also for grihasthas, whose minds are full of worries due to attachment to what they possess. Following aparigraha and a minimalistic lifestyle helps to find peace of mind and contentment (santosha), which is essential for the successful practice of dhyana and samadhi.


Each thing we possess occupies a certain space in our consciousness, especially if we are attached to it and identify it with ourselves. In order for the consciousness to be flexible and empty, capable of containing the entirety of this world and all knowledge, it should not be occupied with property. This applies not only to material property, but also to intellectual property (ideas, concepts).


How to practice aparigraha in everyday life as a social person?


  • try not to buy unnecessary things, stick to minimalism. Be aware of advertising and social stereotypes - they will always impose purchases on people, since growing consumption is the engine of the economy. It is not at all necessary to buy a new phone model every year, or constantly buy fashionable clothes.

  • reflect on your attachments to material goods and try to achieve an even, calm attitude towards them. We don't live for the sake of material goods, they are impermanent and can disappear at any moment. Therefore, there is no point in focusing on them, it is better to direct attention to the knowledge of your Eternal nature, which is completely independent and free. By practicing detachment from property, we gain greater clarity about ourselves, and also receive the necessary energy for development.


In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali states:


अपरिग्रहस्थैर्ये जन्मकथंतासम्बोधः ॥ २.३९॥

aparigrahasthairye janmakathaṃtāsambodhaḥ || 2.39||


"When one is established in non-possession, perfect knowledge of the purpose/cause of birth [is gained]."


This means that when you attain spiritual purity in the form of complete renunciation (non-attachment), you attain complete knowledge of yourself, the causes and purposes of your birth and existence. With practice comes the understanding that the only thing that matters is the Eternal Atman. When you are established in your true eternal nature, interaction with the material world is easy and effortless, you have everything you need at the moment.

2 Comments


Joseph Johnson
Joseph Johnson
Oct 21

Beautifully said Guruji 🙏🏽

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KR S
KR S
Aug 03

Elucide and useful, thank you Guruji 🙏

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