03/17/2026
Yama 5: Non-Collection (Aparigraha)
We live in a world where materialism is encouraged. We constantly receive suggestions that owning more will make us happier - more clothes or shoes, more gadgets, bigger houses and fancier cars.
Aparigraha encourages us to reject this urge to own more things. It also urges us to feel less possessive about the things and people in our lives. This is closely related to the feeling of jealousy, so Aparigraha suggests that we should not act on our feelings of jealousy, but instead learn to find contentment in a simpler life.
How to practiceĀ Non-Collection (Aparigraha)
Begin by contemplating what you possess, why you possess those things, and how you feel about them. Do you cling to possessions out of fear of losing them? If so, you might reduce your openness to receiving other things that might be more important to your wellbeing.
Ideas to consider include:
* Before acquiring a new item (shoes, a streaming subscription, a car), ask yourself if you really need it. Do you already have enough? Do you need the new thing now or could it wait?Ā
* Understand that possessiveness also applies to people. Learning how to manage and reduce possessive feelings will lead to healthier relationships.
* Make good use of the things in your possession, without becoming emotionally attached to the ownership or outcome. This will likely lead to less need for more possessions.
* Take care of items equally well regardless of whether they are your possession or belong to someone else.
Credits: Yoga Sutras, Emma Newlyn, Ram Jain
