Aparigraha - non-clinging

Aparigraha translates from Sanskrit as “not everywhere clinging.” “Graha” can translate as planets - planets grab us with gravity, strongly influencing our behavior (Jyotish). In the Yoga sutras of Pantanjali, the eight limbs of yoga are described. The first limb is yama, or moral discipline. The fifth yama is Aparigraha.

BKS Iyengar’s translation of the yoga sutra on Aparigraha (II.39) reads: “Knowledge of past and future lives unfolds when one is free from greed for possessions.”

Aparigraha is not clinging to possessions, thoughts, beliefs, or identities. Happiness has nothing to do with possessions, every possession requires a lot of consciousness. Becoming free of possessions is liberating. When you are not distracted by stuff or false temporary identities, you can actually become focused and aware of what this incarnation is really about. Release excessive attachment to everything you have received and this will allow you to live in the present moment lightly and joyfully.

The following asana practice focuses on letting go and opening the hips/pelvis where we tend to hold onto things.

Mantra: “When I become established in not clinging to identity or possession, I become enlightened to my true being and why I actually took birth.”