APARIGRAHA

In the yogic tradition, one of the fundamental ethical principles is known as “aparigraha”, often translated as non-attachment or non-possessiveness. At its core, aparigraha is about learning to let go, not just of material possessions, but of our need to cling to certain outcomes, identities, relationships, and even our own ego. It’s about cultivating a mindset of openness and acceptance, rather than grasping and control.

This doesn’t mean living a self-denying lifestyle, but rather being mindful of our relationship to the things in our life. Do we define ourselves by our possessions? Do we feel anxious when we can’t have something we want? Aparigraha invites us to let go of these attachments and live more simply, by our means. It’s about finding contentment in what we have, rather than constantly craving for more. And it extends beyond just material possessions, also calling us to let go of our need to hold onto fixed ideas, judgments, resentments, and ego.

Yoga is a powerful tool for exploring aparigraha. Through practices like meditation and breathwork, we learn to quiet the restless mind, become more present, and observe our habitual patterns of attachment. As we do this, we can start to let go and experience a deeper sense of freedom and peace. Ultimately, aparigraha is about finding balance - being fully engaged in our lives, while also maintaining a sense of openness and non-possessiveness, and learning to hold things lightly with compassion and acceptance.

Because it’s all temporary.