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Aparagraha - Non-Possessive
Acquiring more by living with less
Greed—the habit of needing more and more, especially money—is a vice that underlies much of modern consumerism. From a yogic point of view, greed is a failed search for happiness, because whatever possessions you may acquire cannot fulfill you. On the contrary, the more you are surrounded by “stuff.” The more likely you are to experience a big gaping hole in your soul. Intrinsically. Money and possessions aren’t “wrong” but few people ever master the art of relating to them properly. Instead of owning things they are owned and controlled by them.
Have you ever been called a miser?
Do you have to much “stuff”
Do you expect to be pampered?
Do you tend to overeat?
Do you accumulate ;money and possessions because you worry about the future?
Are you overly attached to your partner or child?
Are you envious of your neighbors?
Aparigraha literally means “not grasping all round.” The Yoga practitioner who is well-trained in the art of greedlessness is said to understand the deeper reason for his or her life. Behind this traditional wisdom lies a profound experience: As you loosen your grip on material possessions, you also let go of the ego which is doing the gripping or grasping. When the ego contraction relaxes, you increasingly become in touch with the abiding happiness of your true self. Then you realize that you need nothing at all to be happy. You are unconcerned about the future and live fully in the present. You are not afraid to give freely to others and also share with them your inner abundance.
The good thing about aparagraha is when we let go of something or someone or some idea, we have space in our lives, or our crowded house for others to come in and bring new experiences or ideas. We outgrow clothes or get tired of them and give them away. And then we have space in our closet or drawer for something new. We let go of some idea of how life has to be and then we can see other possibilities.
Another thing to remember is there is a certain time for non-attachment. We don't want to detach from something or someone or some idea until we have reached the conclusion. We don't throw something away when it still serves us or when we still have need for it. We don't detach from people when we still have reasons to be together. This is a personal thing. Sometimes we let go of things when we are ready, other times maybe when we’re not, but somebody else decides for us. The challenge is keeping peaceful through transition times. You have to feel your decision is right. And you can't listen to an outside force telling you what you SHOULD do when you know the answer in your heart.
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