Thoughts on Aparigraha

Non-greed, non-hoarding. Simplicity.
I see many definitions of parigraha: to hoard or collect; to take or to seize. So adding "a" (non) means the antithesis of these definitions. Some extremeists see this as the renunciations of all things material. I hope they keep their robes on.

Many may see aparigraha as an aspect of asteya. Certainly, it can be interpreted this way. But it then goes beyond just what you have (static), to how you lead your life (flow). My example of yoga mats in Thoughts on Asteya also apply in aparigraha.

Have fewer things. Take what you need, leave the rest. What you do take, return when you are finished. Live simply. Yoga experts all agree that the fewer things you have, and the less you take, not only leaves more for others who need it, but allows you to live your life easier. By having fewer things to take care of and manage--like credit cards, material goods and possessions--you have more time to enjoy meditation, asana, your family.

I am reminded of a quote "he who dies with the most toys, wins." Really? He probably died young of stress-related afflictions due to the fact he had so many toys. This is how greed can become an illness. Fear seeps in, fear of people taking from your horde. Selfishness seeps in, and people stop being around someone who is always taking but never giving back.

Desikachar reminds us that aparigrapha is also restraining from receiving gifts and exploiting others. If you agree to certain terms and conditions of employment, and then you accept a gift beyond adequate compensation, that is a form of aparigraha. We don't need more. Besides, he adds, accepting unearned rewards can bring future obligations that cause problems.

So, what do you do when offered a bonus at work? Are you struggling to make ends meet? Then that is not aparigraha. But if you have purchased material goods beyond your means, then accepting the bonus to pay off debt is aparigraha.

If you love something, set it free.
If it comes back to you, it is yours
If it does not, it never was.

As with asteya, you can overcome the challenges that greed brings by disassociation and non-attachment of the body and mind and all objects they both enjoy. When you think "I need to purchase this or that." Go a week or two without it first to see how many times you really would have used it, or found another way to accomplish your goals without it. Then you will really understand NEED versus WANT.