Non-hording
(Aparigraha)
Parigraha is the state of being
possessed by ones possessions, and Aparigraha is
the state of being self-possessed (self-contained). The possessions may be mental
possessions in the form of ideas, images, memories, etc., or physical possessions
such as the material objects one accumulates. All
the yamas, including aparigraha, are self controls. The yamas
are self-imposed. They are imposed by our Higher Nature (soul-nature, self-nature),
meaning they are integral to who and what we really are. These principles
constitute the foundation of our Dharma, and their practice is the implementation
of the law of our being. When we abide by
the law of our being (in other words, when we follow our Dharma) we practice being
self-contained, which means we discipline our mind and keep our ego in check.
The desire to horde our ideas and material
possessions is born out of ignorance of our real nature and is in violation of
who we really are. We are violating our real nature when we are possessive and
greedy, and this makes us nervous and uncomfortable. This unease leads to disease,
which, on the mental level, causes the disintegration of our mental constitution
and equilibrium. The intrinsic nature of
the soul is that it is FREE. It is the material nature that makes us feel bound.
The materialistic mind is contrary to our real nature. The mind must be transformed
into a likeness of the Self and this only happens when it is divested of its material
nature. The deliberate practice of unselfishness rids the mind of its possessive
nature and makes us feel free. This feeling of freedom resulting from the state
of non-possessiveness is a reflection of the true freedom of the Self, which is
beyond both mind and matter. In truth, in
reality, WE ARE DIVINE, which means we are beyond mind and matter. Our divinity
is made manifest when our lives are imbued with the practices of Ahimsa
(non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya
(non-stealing), Brahmacharya (self-restraint), and Aparigraha (non-hoarding). With this foundation of
Yoga firmly in place, we can eventually attain the greatest heights of Yoga and
experience the union of the Self with the Supreme Self, and thus realize the ultimate
aim of our existence: Moksha; Absolute Freedom, Perfect
Love, and Divine Bliss.
|