Aparigraha: Non-Possessiveness, Greedlessness, Simplicity

Fulfilling needs rather than wants. Non-possessiveness (Aparigraha) 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 is expected to reduce his possessions to a reasonable simplicity.  This rule 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 you take away “stuff,” you face yourself. It is not always comfortable, but it is invigorating and makes room for new growth to come.

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,” 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

In the yoga world, we can be very greedy as well. What we are greedy after is 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.

Another practice of Aparigrapha is non-attachment.  The practice of not clinging and the joyful willingness to let go of anything that binds us to ego opens the space of freedom to be more engaged and presence without agenda.  In other words, we can truly love (be present).