2025.04.13

If you let go of greed, you will see everything

vibration

In the philosophical system of yoga, the Yoga Sutras, compiled by Patanjali, are an important texts that systematically summarize the core teachings. The path of yoga is not just a physical exercise, but a comprehensive practice that aims at spiritual growth and self-realization. The foundation of this practice is the eight branches of the Yoga Sutras, or Ashtanga Yoga.

Article Contents

The Abyss of Aparigraha (Non-Greed) in the Eight Divisions of the Yoga Sutras: Yama (Forbidden)
- Ashtanga Yoga: The Eight Stages

The Abyss of Aparigraha (Non-Greed) in the Eight Divisions of the Yoga Sutras: Yama (Forbidden)

Ashtanga Yoga: The Eight Stages

Ashtanga Yoga refers to the eight aspects that a person on the path of yoga should experience and master step by step. They are as follows:

Yama (prohibition) - Ethical norms in social life, self-regulation.
Niyama (admonition), inner discipline as an individual, self-discipline.
Asana – Maintaining a comfortable and stable posture.
Pranayama (toning) – controlling breathing and regulating life energy.
Pratyahara (control) – turning the five senses inward.
Dharana (contemplation) – concentrating one's consciousness on a single point.
Dhyana (meditation) – Maintaining concentration of consciousness.
Samadhi – The ultimate state of unity between the self and the universe.

These eight divisions are closely related to each other, and by practicing them step by step, they lead to the ultimate goal of yoga, samadhi. This time, we will focus on the most fundamental part of the eight divisions, Yama (prohibition).

Yama (prohibition) and ethical norms in social life

Yama is an ethical guideline for social life and consists of five virtues to facilitate relationships with others and purify one's inner self. They are non-violence (ahimsa), honesty (satya), non-theft (astiya), chastity (brahmacharya), and non-greed (aparigraha).

These virtues are not mere moral teachings, but concrete guidelines for yoga practitioners to eliminate factors that may hinder their personal growth and spiritual evolution. By practicing Yama, you can free yourself from self-centered desires and attachments and achieve a more harmonious way of life.

Breaking the chains that hinder the freedom of the mind and the aparrigraha (non-greediness)

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the most important aspects of Yama, including aparigraha (non-greediness, non-greed). Aparigraha refers to a state of mind in which one lets go of excessive attachment to material and spiritual things and does not seek more than is necessary. This does not simply mean not owning things or giving up greed, but it also means questioning the state of mind about possessions, achievements, status, and fame.

In today's society, consumer culture is prevalent, constantly seeking new things, and constantly stimulating the desire to gain an advantage in comparison with others. In such an environment, the practice of Aparigraha can be a powerful tool for looking inward and discerning what is truly needed.

Practicing Aparigraha: Purification of the Mind and the Path to Freedom

Practicing Aparigraha promotes the purification of the mind and paves the way for freedom. Excessive desires and attachments create negative emotions such as anxiety, frustration, and fear, which disrupt peace of mind. Through the practice of Aparigraha, you can free yourself from these emotions and regain your peace of mind.

There are a wide range of specific ways to practice Aparrigraha.

Review your possessions: Identify what you really need and let go of what you don't need.
Avoid conscious consumption and unconscious consumption, and spend money on things that are truly valuable.
Cultivate a sense of gratitude – be grateful for what you already have and feel fulfilled.
Stop comparing yourself – focus on your own growth instead of comparing yourself to others.
Know the joy of giving, feel the significance of your own existence by contributing to others.
Practice of meditation Through meditation, we look inward and let go of attachments.

Through these practices, we will be able to value the richness of the mind rather than the material wealth. The practice of Aparrigraha is an important part of promoting personal growth and living a more fulfilling life.

Insights from the Kriya Yoga Sutra of Patanjali and Siddha

The Kriya Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and Siddha provide a fresh perspective for a deeper understanding of the profound teachings of yoga by comparing the similarities between Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and the Thilmandiram written by his brother and disciple, Tamil Yoga Siddha and Tirumural.

In particular, the book emphasizes that the practice of yoga is not just a physical training, but a way to promote spiritual transformation. Through the practice of Aparigraha, we are able to transcend our ego and experience a sense of oneness with our Self.

The Benefits of Aparigraha, the Reason for Its Birth and the Search for the Self

The Yoga Sutra 2:39, quoted in the book, describes the benefits of Aparigraha as follows: "When greed is gone, it becomes clear how and why we came into being."

This phrase suggests that the practice of Aparigraha is the key to a deeper understanding of one's own raison d'être and purpose in life, rather than simply letting go of material attachments. Freed from greed and attachment, we are able to face our true selves without being bound by past experiences or habitual tendencies rooted in our subconscious.

Through the practice of Aparigraha, we can experience a universal consciousness that transcends time and space, a sense of oneness with the Self. From the perspective of the Self, concepts such as past lives and karma can also be understood more deeply. Aparigraha frees us from ego-based narrow-minded desires and allows us to look at life from a broader perspective.

Creating a rich life through the practice of Aparigraha

Aparigraha is one of the most fundamental and important elements of the eight branches of yoga. In today's society that pursues material wealth, the practice of Aparigraha is a compass for looking inward and discerning what we truly need.

By practicing Aparigraha, we can free ourselves from excessive desires and attachments and regain peace of mind. In addition, you will gain a deep understanding of the meaning of your existence and purpose in life, and you will be able to experience a sense of oneness with your true self.

The practice of Aparigraha is not just an ascetic practice, but a positive act to break the chains that impede freedom of mind and create a richer life. For all people, not just yoga practitioners, the spirit of Aparigraha will be a valuable guide in the pursuit of personal growth and happiness.

"Babaji and the Eighteen Siddhas," which is introduced as a bibliography, is also a valuable resource that allows us to learn more about the mystical aspects of yoga and the spiritual quests of the siddhas. Through these books, we will be exposed to the profound teachings of yoga and deepen the practice of aparigraha, so that we can live a more fulfilling life.

I want to read it together