Patanjali Yoga Sutra II-39:
Aparigraha sthairye janma kathanta sambodhah When one is steadfast in non-possessiveness or non-grasping with the senses (Aparigraha), there arises knowledge of the why and wherefore of past and future incarnations.
- Aparigraha = non-possessiveness, non-hoarding, non-greed, non-acquisitiveness
- Sthairye = upon being steady in, stability
- Janma = birth, incarnation
- Kathanta = how and from where
- Sambodhah = complete knowledge of
Aparigraha teaches us to let go of the tendency to cling, whether it’s to material possessions, achievements, or even beliefs. It is the practice of releasing attachment and living simply, creating space for spiritual growth and inner peace. The less we hold on to, the freer and lighter our lives become. When we are not grasping any longer, seva (selfless service) becomes a big part of our life as we lose all selfishness.
The Burden of Possessions
As TKV Desikachar wisely says: “The more we have, the more we need to take care of it. The time and energy spent on acquiring more things, protecting them, and worrying about them cannot be spent on the basic questions of life.”
Excessive accumulation reflects a fear of scarcity, and a false sense of security tied to possessions. Instead of hoarding, Aparigraha invites us to relinquish greed, embrace contentment, and cultivate gratitude for what we already have.
Aparigraha in the Bhagavad Gita
Aparigraha is a central teaching in the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna advises: “Let your concern be with action alone, and never with the fruits of action. Do not let the results of action be your motive, and do not be attached to inaction.”
This teaching reminds us to focus on the present moment rather than worrying about outcomes. By relinquishing attachment to results, we engage more fully in our actions, finding joy in the process itself.
Example: How often do we become consumed by the results of a project, vacation, or meal we are preparing, to the point that we lose the joy of the experience itself? Aparigraha teaches us to work wholeheartedly without clinging to success or fearing failure.
Greed, Jealousy, and Contentment
When we seek fulfilment through accumulation, it often leads to new desires, greed, and jealousy. As John McAfee cautions: “When we start to satisfy desires, new levels of greed or attachment can develop. Greed generally equates to collecting things well beyond one’s immediate or foreseeable future needs.”
Jealousy arises as a byproduct of this mindset, fuelled by comparison and the fear of not having enough. By practising Aparigraha, we let go of such tendencies, fostering a life of simplicity, gratitude, and true freedom.
Aparigraha in Daily Life
Practical Suggestions for Practice:
- Question Your Needs: Before making a purchase, ask yourself, “Do I truly need this, or am I acting out of habit or desire?”
- Let Go of Clutter: Donate items you no longer need to those who can use them. Simplifying your physical space can bring clarity and calm to your mind.
- Practice Gratitude: Reflect on the abundance in your life and acknowledge that you already have enough.
- Release Old Beliefs: Examine and let go of limiting beliefs or attachments to past experiences that no longer serve you.
- Be Generous: Share your time, energy, knowledge, and resources with others. Generosity creates a mindset of abundance.
- Volunteer and Donate: Contribute to charitable causes, spreading positivity and reducing attachment to material wealth.
- Unclutter Your Mind: Practise mindfulness during mundane activities like washing dishes, focusing on the simplicity of the task rather than distractions.
- Avoid Comparisons: Stop comparing your possessions, achievements, or status with others. Celebrate what you have and appreciate the journey of others.
- Moderate Consumption: Whether it’s food, media, or social interaction, practice mindful moderation.
Examples in Context:
- Owning Excess: If the societal norm is to have one or two cars, owning more without genuine necessity may reflect attachment. Consider simplifying and redirecting excess resources toward meaningful contributions.
- Being Grateful: Acknowledge abundance by appreciating the roof over your head, the food on your plate, and the relationships in your life. Gratitude anchors us in the present moment.
Aparigraha in Our Asana Practice
Attachment in yoga practice can manifest as a desire to attain “perfect” postures or compare oneself to others. Aparigraha helps us cultivate humility and self-awareness.
- Avoid Overexertion: Let go of the need to push beyond your limits. Honor your body as it is in the moment.
- Stay Present: Focus on the process of the pose rather than striving for an external ideal.
- Resist Comparison: Release the urge to measure your practice against others. Yoga is a personal journey, not a competition.
- Let Go of Outcomes: Practice yoga for the love of it, not for achieving specific results. Embrace the satisfaction of the present moment.
- Open to Guidance: Release rigid expectations and trust the natural flow of your practice.
Questions for Reflection
- Are your possessions driven by necessity or indulgence? How can you simplify your life?
- Do you find yourself clinging to old beliefs, achievements, or identities? What steps can you take to release them?
- How does attachment to outcomes impact your peace of mind? Can you find joy in the process itself?
- In what ways can you practice gratitude and generosity to embrace a mindset of abundance?
- If societal norms differ from your lifestyle (e.g., owning a car when others rely on bicycles), how can you reflect on Aparigraha without judgment?
Wisdom on Aparigraha
“It is preoccupation with possessions, more than anything else, that prevents us from living freely and nobly.” (Thoreau)
By practising Aparigraha, we open ourselves to a life of simplicity, freedom, and spiritual growth. Letting go of attachment reveals the true wealth of life: contentment, gratitude, and connection to the Divine.