Non-hording (Aparigraha)


‘Parigraha’ is the state of being possessed by one’s 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.

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