Aparigraha, the last of the Yamas (ethical restraints) in Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga, is all about non-attachment, non-greed, and non-possessiveness. It’s about only taking what you need, keeping what serves you, and learning when to let go.
Aparigraha is important in yoga philosophy because it helps you feel free and peaceful. By practicing Aparigraha, you embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth. It encourages you to detach from material things, relationships, and even your own mental baggage, so you can find inner peace.
In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of Aparigraha and discuss how it can benefit you. We’ll also show you how to incorporate it into different parts of your life, like your yoga practice, your possessions, your relationships, and your overall mental well-being.
Aparigraha and Patanjali’s Eight Limbs
To fully understand aparigraha, it’s helpful to look at its place within the broader system of yoga as outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
The Yamas: Ethical Restraints
The first limb of yoga is the Yamas, which are ethical guidelines for how we interact with the world. Aparigraha is the fifth Yama, following Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), and Brahmacharya (moderation).
Think of the Yamas as the foundation for ethical living and spiritual growth. They’re not just rules to follow, but principles that guide us toward a more conscious and compassionate way of being.
Each Yama supports and reinforces the others. For example, if you’re committed to Ahimsa, you’ll naturally be less likely to be greedy or possessive, which supports Aparigraha. They all work together to create a holistic approach to ethical conduct.
Aparigraha and the Other Limbs of Yoga
By practicing Aparigraha and the other Yamas, we’re preparing ourselves for the more advanced practices of yoga, like Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath control), and meditation.
Yoga is about cultivating inner peace and self-realization, and Aparigraha plays a key role in achieving this. By letting go of our attachments, we create space for greater clarity, contentment, and connection to something larger than ourselves.
What are the benefits of practicing Aparigraha?
Aparigraha, like the other Yamas, isn’t just about restriction. It’s about freedom.
Here are some of the ways you can benefit from living a life of non-attachment.
Access to higher knowledge and wisdom
When you release your attachments, you clear your mind and make room for new ideas and perspectives.
Non-attachment helps you see things more clearly and trust your intuition.
Gaining self-reliance and independence
Aparigraha reduces your need for external approval or validation. When you’re less dependent on external sources of happiness and security, you become more self-reliant.
As you become less attached to outcomes, you’ll find that you become more confident in your ability to handle whatever life throws your way.
Greater enjoyment in life
Aparigraha encourages you to appreciate the present moment, instead of constantly striving for more.
Letting go of attachments reduces the stress and anxiety associated with clinging to things.
Understanding of impermanence (Parinamavada)
Parinamavada is the concept that everything is impermanent. Aparigraha can help you accept the impermanent nature of life, making it easier to adapt to change.
Understanding that everything is in constant flux allows you to find peace in the midst of uncertainty.
Cultivating unconditional love
Aparigraha in relationships means letting go of expectations and attachments, allowing you to love others unconditionally.
Non-attachment helps you establish and maintain healthy boundaries in your relationships.
Aparigraha On and Off the Mat: Practical Applications
So how can you put aparigraha into practice? Here are some ideas for incorporating this concept into your yoga practice and your daily life.
Aparigraha on the Yoga Mat
The yoga mat is a great place to practice letting go. This can mean:
- Releasing expectations about achieving specific poses or levels of flexibility. It’s okay if you can’t do a headstand today. Or ever.
- Avoiding comparing yourself to others. Your yoga practice is your own journey. Focus on what feels right for you in your body.
- Embracing the present moment. Focus on your breath, your body, and the sensations you’re experiencing right now.
- Practicing for the love of practicing. Enjoy the process of moving your body and connecting with your breath. Don’t worry about the end result.
Aparigraha Beyond the Mat: Daily Life
Aparigraha isn’t just for the yoga studio. You can also practice it in your everyday life by:
- Practicing mindful consumption. Think about what you really need before you buy something new. Prioritize experiences over material goods.
- Decluttering. Simplify your living space by letting go of unnecessary possessions. Donate them to someone who can use them, or recycle them.
- Cultivating a sense of gratitude. Take time each day to appreciate what you have in your life. This can help you feel more content and less attached to material possessions.
By practicing aparigraha, both on and off the mat, you can cultivate a sense of freedom, contentment, and inner peace.
Aparigraha in Relationships: Fostering Healthy Connections
While aparigraha is often discussed in the context of material possessions, its principles can also profoundly impact our relationships. By applying non-attachment to our connections with others, we can cultivate healthier, more fulfilling bonds.
Healthy Boundaries
Aparigraha in relationships begins with establishing and respecting boundaries. This means understanding and communicating your own needs and limits clearly. It also involves honoring the boundaries of others, avoiding the temptation to overstep or control.
“When you’re able to respect your own boundaries, you have more respect for the boundaries of other people,” Chemel says. “That enables you to have a better relationship.”
Think of boundaries as the fences that mark the limits of your personal space. They allow you to maintain your individuality while still engaging in meaningful connections.
Generosity and Selflessness
A core tenet of aparigraha is giving without expectation. In relationships, this translates to practicing generosity and selflessness. It means supporting the growth and well-being of your loved ones without seeking anything in return. It’s about offering a helping hand, a listening ear, or a word of encouragement simply because you care.
Non-Clinging and Detachment
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of applying aparigraha to relationships is letting go of control. This involves avoiding clinging to relationships out of fear, dependency, or a desire to possess. It means trusting the natural flow of relationships, accepting that people change and evolve, and embracing the possibility of letting go when necessary.
Aparigraha and your mental baggage: Decluttering the mind
The idea of aparigraha applies to more than just possessions. It can also refer to our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions.
Just as we can accumulate too many possessions, we can also accumulate mental baggage. This can include negative thoughts, limiting beliefs, and attachments to the past or future. Holding onto these things can weigh us down and prevent us from living fully in the present.
Practicing aparigraha in our minds can help us to declutter our mental space and create more room for peace, joy, and freedom.
Letting go of negative thoughts and emotions
- Identify limiting beliefs. This means recognizing and challenging negative thought patterns.
- Practice forgiveness. Letting go of resentment and practicing forgiveness toward yourself and others is also a key element of aparigraha.
Releasing attachments to the past and future
- Live in the present moment. Instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, focus on the present moment.
- Accept impermanence. Embrace the ever-changing nature of life and release the need for control.
Non-attachment to identity
- Detach from labels. Let go of rigid self-definitions and embrace a more fluid sense of identity.
- Cultivate self-acceptance. Accept yourself for who you are, with all your strengths and weaknesses.
Aparigraha for Goals: Focusing on the Journey, Not Just the Destination
One of the most powerful ways to apply aparigraha in daily life is to focus on the journey, not just the destination. This can be especially helpful when you’re working toward a goal.
Detaching from Outcomes
Instead of being overly attached to the outcome of your work, concentrate on the process. As Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita, “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.”
Finding Joy in the Process
No matter the result, appreciate the learning and growth that comes from pursuing your goals. In yoga, the greatest reward is the joy of the practice itself, not just the final pose or achievement.
Adapting to Change
Be flexible and willing to adjust your goals as needed, without getting discouraged. Life rarely goes exactly as planned, and aparigraha helps you to accept and adapt to change with grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Gandhi mean by aparigraha?
For Gandhi, aparigraha wasn’t just about owning fewer possessions. It was a commitment to simplicity and detachment from material wealth, both internally and externally. He saw it as a path to freedom from greed and a way to live in service to others.
What is the mantra of aparigraha?
There isn’t one single, universally accepted mantra specifically for aparigraha. However, phrases that promote contentment, gratitude, and letting go can be used as personal mantras. Something as simple as “I have enough” or “I release my attachment” can be powerful reminders.
What is the principle of aparigraha?
The principle of aparigraha centers on non-possessiveness and non-attachment. It encourages us to be mindful of our desires, to avoid hoarding, and to only take what we truly need. It’s about cultivating a sense of contentment and recognizing that lasting happiness doesn’t come from material things.
Does aparigraha mean non-attachment?
Yes, aparigraha is often translated as non-attachment. It goes beyond simply not owning things; it’s about detaching from the ego’s desire to control and possess. This includes detaching from outcomes, expectations, and even our own identities, allowing us to experience greater freedom and peace.
Putting It All Together
Aparigraha isn’t something you achieve once and then forget about. It’s a continuous practice, a constant exercise in self-awareness and letting go. It’s a journey, not a destination, and it’s all about understanding yourself better and growing as a person.
By consciously practicing Aparigraha, we can start to live a simpler, more satisfying life. When you let go of your attachments, you encourage a more independent and minimalist way of being. You don’t need as much “stuff” when you’re content with what you have.
Ultimately, Aparigraha is about finding greater inner peace, freedom, and real fulfillment. It frees us from the grip of our attachments, allowing us to experience a deep sense of calm and liberation. It’s about realizing that true happiness doesn’t come from external possessions, but from within.
So, how do you put this into practice? Start by getting clear on your wants versus your needs. Pay attention to those feelings of discontentment and that endless wishing for more. And most importantly, take the time to truly appreciate and cherish everything you already have in your life. It’s a powerful foundation for a more peaceful and fulfilling existence.