Aparigraha ( nonpossession) is the fifth yama. Parigraha
means possession. Aparigraha is literally nonpossession and must be
understood as leading a simple life. There are two aspects to aparigraha -
owning less and having the right attitude towards what little we own. We
give up luxury, pomp and show. We draw a line and limit our possessions to
what is necessary. A simple life alone is suitable for high thinking.
We should not
develop possessiveness towards the limited possessions we have. This is even
more important that owning less. We should remind ourselves that what we
have belongs to the Lord and is given to us temporarily for us to grow. We
can use our possessions with gratitude to the Lord and are willing to return
it to the Lord who may claim them at any time giving advance notice or not.
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