Aparigraha is the practice of not clinging to or craving for unnecessary things on a physical level, not striving for anything but at the same time moving with absolute engagement on a mental level and being completely  present but non-attached, rather than detached, on a spiritual level.

Through the practice of Aparigrapha, a yogi will naturally move toward more simplicity and away from all craving, striving and the accumulation of possessions. This natural movement counters the Western mania for accumulating wealth and possessions, both seen as markers of prestige and identified with success in life.

The Yogi has a very different concept of what constitutes the main goals of life.  The unburdening of oneself of the heavy load of excessive possessions, cravings and striving there is more space for truth and love.   The yogi does not hoard but rather moves with balance and equanimity while cultivating a spacious existence with unending boundaries of love.

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 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

Aparigrapha/spiritual materialism

Even yogis are not immune to the seduction of life, though it may be subtle.  In the yogic world, we can be greedy as well. What we crave is often more subtle; the hunger of 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.