We have arrived to the last of the Yamas, which is Aparigraha - Non-attachment.

To recap the 5 Yamas (restraints) suggested by the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are:

- Ahimsa - non harming/non violence

- Satya - truthfulness

- Asteya - non-stealing

- Brahmacharya - moderation, right use of energy

- Aparigraha - non-attachment, non-hoarding, non-greediness

For further information please read previous blogs on the subjects (8 limbs of Yoga), (Yamas & Niyamas), (Ahimsa, the 1st of the Yamas), (Satya, the 2nd of the Yamas), (Asteya, the 3rd of the Yamas) and (Brahmacharya, the 4th of the Yamas)

The Yoga Sutras Chapter 2.39 relating to Aparigraha states 'One who lacks greed acquires the insight of life purpose'

Aparigraha - the Sanskrit word says it all, but to translate it to English for us it means so many things: like non-hoarding (to take only what we need as opposed to what we want, especially not accumulating things in excess), non-greediness (not wanting too much, the ability to accept only what is appropriate), non-attachment (not being shackled to a person, object, idea, thought and limiting our own freedom). In summary, the art of LETTING GO.

Deepak Chopra says:

'Holding on to anything is like holding on to your breath. You will suffocate. The only way to get anything in the physical world is by letting go of it. Let go & it will be yours forever.'

The Mystic Rebel writes beautifully about non-attachment: (https://themysticrebel.com/weekly-nuggets/2017/11/7/aparigraha-the-art-of-non-attachment)

'The concept of non-attachment or non-grasping is common in mindfulness communities. Learning to let go of expectations can be challenging and confusing, but what is more important than the concept itself is the understanding of why. Releasing our attachment to circumstances is an act of developing unconditional trust; trust that there is more good, more abundance, more love and joy available to us. Trust that things will flow and align in a perfect order beyond our understanding. Trust that we have everything we could ever need already within us... everything else is just bonus. Practicing non-attachment is also a practice of being in the present moment. Learning to enjoy what we are having, doing, or experiencing right now without worrying what will happen next is a pathway to living in the Now. What is something in your life that you are not fully enjoying because you are afraid it will go away? Can you practice releasing the outcome, and simply being in the appreciation of the present experience? How much more joy opens up to you when you release fears and worries of the outcome? A great MANTRA for establishing non-attachment:

'I do not need to hold on to anything because I know there is always more good coming. I am free to be in this moment fully and completely.'

Namaste

Dora

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