aparigraha

Aparigraha is a concept from Indian philosophy that denotes non-attachment, non-possessiveness, and a restraint on greed. The term derives from Sanskrit, with a- meaning not or without, and parigraha meaning seizing or possession. It is commonly translated as non-attachment to material possessions, to people, or to outcomes.

In the yoga tradition, aparigraha is one of the five niyamas, the personal observances that guide ethical living. As described in the Yoga Sutras attributed to Patanjali, aparigraha encourages contentment, moderation, and a relinquishment of the compulsion to accumulate or control everything. It is linked to simplifying one’s life, reducing attachment to results, and cultivating generosity rather than hoarding.

In Jainism, aparigraha is a central vow within the broader framework of the five maha-vratas (great vows). Practitioners, particularly monks and nuns, limit possessions and practice non-attachment as a path to spiritual liberation. Lay followers are encouraged to limit needs, share resources, and avoid excessive possession, recognizing that attachment can lead to bondage and suffering.

Across Hindu and Buddhist-influenced traditions, aparigraha is often discussed as a practical discipline for reducing ego and fostering inner freedom. Contemporary applications include minimalism, mindful consumption, and charitable giving, framed as ethical responses to the surplus and materialism of modern life. While the emphasis and degree of practice vary, the core idea remains: true security and peace arise from freedom from unnecessary attachment.