Aparigraha: Non-Possessiveness, Greedlessness, Simplicity

Fulfilling basic needs rather than wants. Non-possessiveness (Aparigrapha) rather than the absence of all possessions, Aparigraha is the practice of not clinging to them or craving unnecessary things.  At the same time, the Yogin, through the practice of Aparigrapha, will naturally move toward more simplicity and away the accumulation of possessions. This natural movement counters the Western mania for accumulating wealth and possessions, both seen as marks of prestige and identified with success in life. 

The Yogin has a very different concept of what constitutes the main goals of life.

Practice: Non-attachment to possessions, relationships, circumstances, conditions of life, etc…

When we unburden our soul of the weight of excessive possession, we stand naked in the light of our existence and see the radiant beauty of the soul. When Aparigrapha is practiced with Ahimsa (non-harming), there is a natural movement toward a more simplistic life.   This shedding of skin may, at first, be uncomfortable, but it will never be experienced as debilitating or painful.  The line between uncomfortable and painful is unique and individual.  What constitutes excessive possessions for one will not be experienced equally by another.  In other words, Aparigrapha is not a blanket statement or practice that requires everyone to live an austere life, but rather it is a discipline that requires an alertness of consciousness to an intuitive knowing of what is right for your soul. 

Self-inquiry is necessary in discovering what is appropriate for you in this beautiful movement toward simplicity.  Simple questions to ask are: Do I own my possessions or do my possessions own me”.  Do I define myself by my possessions.  Who would I be without all my stuff, position, relationships, etc.  There is no judgment, of self or other, in this practice of self- inquiry.  It is simply an un-cluttering of space that opens up awareness and offers an opportunity for expansion and growth.  When practiced with Ahimsa, Aparigrapha is experienced as invigorating and enlivening The practice of Aparigrapha, though it may takes us out of our comfort zone, is experienced as freedom. Without the weight or clutter of excessive possessions, the soul is spreads it wings and takes flight.

PRACTICE:  Abstain from accumulating more than you need – “stuff” only serves to distract you from your source, your true self.  Often, one tries to satisfy spiritual starvation with relationships, sex, food, and material goods.  Remove the distraction, and you can connect more deeply with what is truly happening inside.  It is okay to have “stuff” in your life – just don’t be attached to it.  Remain connected to your source, and let other aspects of your life go the way the universe directs them.

            Wanting More 

The fifth and final yama in Patanjali’s list is “Aparigraha,” non-possessiveness or non-greed. This is a very difficult one to practice because we are surrounded by stimulants to our greed all the time. In some ways, our society’s economic system is based on greed. We are constantly being bombarded with advertisements, which attempt to whip up our desire for more. In fact, greed or “parigraha” is the desire for more. 

            Aparigrapha/spiritual materialism

Even yogis are not immune to the seduction of life, though it may be more subtle.  In the yogic world, we can be very greedy as well. What we are greedy after is often more subtle; we may hunger after enlightenment, difficult asanas, spiritual powers or perfect bliss. Just because one practices yoga is no guarantee that one will escape the subtleties of greed. While yogis may not covet material goods, we covet more esoteric gains. This type of spiritual materialism has its roots deeply entrenched in the soil of greed.  One way to sidestep the trap of parigraha or greed is to follow the advice of many sages.

A wonderful admonition is to be happy with what you have, whether it is a lot or a little. This spirit of true renunciation will diminish the power of greed.