If we were to live the life of monk or nun, renouncing all material possessions and many comforts, it might be a simpler matter to ‘not be greedy’. We would have made that decision, have less temptations, and more ‘space’ for spiritual pursuits.
However, 99% of us do not live in that state: we live full-on in a consumer-driven, materialistic, rich world where we have Too Much Stuff. I’m reminded of this every time I travel with my husband – he can get by with a carry-on; I seem to need a checked bag for all my ‘stuff’. I need to learn to ‘pack lightly’!
A challenging ideal: not needing to acquire to substantiate your life.
The fifth Yama is APARIGRAHA: Being in a state where one is not greedy nor possessive nor jealous. To live life simply and honestly, without striving for more or being influenced to crave more by media and consumerism, and not needing to acquire to substantiate your life. This is a challenging ideal, for at the foundation of greed is a misguided sense of self worth. If all were taken away, we would be able to face ourselves and be with ourselves, content and peaceful.
What if we could trust life like we trust the breath?
“What if we could take in all the nourishment of the moment and then let it go fully, trusting that more nourishment will come? APARIGRAHA invites us to let go and to pack lightly for our journey through life, all the while caring deeply and enjoying fully.” Deborah Adele
This is the fifth post on the YAMA, would love your comments on how the 5 tenets have resonated with you, and ideas on how you see them in your life! Next up: NIYAMA.
SOURCES: ‘Get to Know the Eight Limbs of Yoga’, article in Yoga Journal 2007, Mara Carrico ‘The Yamas and Niyamas: Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice’, Deborah Adele, 2009 deborahadele.com/ ‘Ten Ways to Heal Your Life’, article from Yoga Conference, 2013, Randal Williams
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