Yama #5 is Aparigraha. It is the yogi practice of neutralizing the desire to acquire and hoard wealth, and to only take what is necessary.

Student Reflections

1)

October 7, 2010

Hello All,

For my reflection this week, I chose to consider the Aparigraha Yama. Our readings state that Aparigraha means to take only what is necessary and not to take advantage of a situation or act greedy. In my experience, I think that if it really comes down to utilizing ONLY the necessities of life that this is something I struggle with.

And it brings me to question: Does this include minor things like using too much shampoo while showering every day? Does it include having ‘too many’ shirts in my closet? Or does it only include the obvious ‘big’ things like hoarding too much money for yourself?

How are we ever to decide when we have taken ‘too much?’ If we chose to invest in something big such as buying a car, are we supposed to only buy a basic, cheap car so as to not get anything extravagant? Or so we could put the extra money that we would’ve spent on a ‘nicer’ car towards ‘contributing to the health and happiness of society?’ – which is something the Aparigraha yama states we should do.

Perhaps in this case it is ‘to each their own’ and we all must decide for ourselves how much ‘too much’ actually is. Yet still, I feel that it may be hard for me to find that balance between necessity and excess in certain circumstances when I feel that there can be a fine line between the two.

2)

Oct. 7.2010 from Body Centering Yoga

As one becomes more and more interested in peace and its effects on all of life, a gentle clarity becomes accessible in all decisions.  The resonance of the universal good of all beings becomes apparent and pours into every present moment.  More and more, one thrives on breath, clean water, pure food and love, as enough.  This is the path towards equanimity for all precious and fragile life on Earth.