In yoga we often talk about balance, flow, and finding space. But one of the quieter teachings in Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras goes even deeper. It invites us to live with a lighter touch, to stop clinging, and to trust that we already have enough. This practice is called Aparigraha.
Aparigraha is the fifth of the Yamas – the ethical foundations of yoga. Put simply, it means non-possessiveness or non-grasping. In everyday terms, it’s the art of letting go – of things, of expectations, and sometimes of the stories we tell ourselves.
What Patañjali Tells Us
The Yoga Sūtras are a collection of short, verses written over two thousand years ago by Patañjali, an Indian Scholar and philosopher. In Sutra 2.39, Patañjali says:
“When non-grasping is established, knowledge of the why and how of existence unfolds.”
In other words, when we stop clutching so tightly to possessions, ambitions, or outcomes – life becomes clearer. We see things as they are, rather than through the fog of wanting more.
What It Really Means
It’s easy to misunderstand Aparigraha. It doesn’t ask us to give up everything, or live without joy. Nor is it about becoming detached or indifferent. Instead, it encourages us to:
- Take only what we need – whether that’s food, clothes, or even people’s time and energy.
- Avoid hoarding – of objects, but also of emotions or grudges.
- Notice our cravings – and gently question whether they actually serve us.
- Hold things lightly – so that we can appreciate them without fear of losing them.
It’s not about denying pleasure; it’s about not being ruled by it.
The Benefits of Letting Go
Practising Aparigraha brings a wonderful sense of freedom. When we loosen our grip the mind feels calmer, less pulled about by “I need” and “I want.” We find contentment in the present moment, rather than chasing the next thing. Our relationships with our significant others, family and friends become healthier, as we give them room to be themselves. We feel lighter, both physically (less clutter) and emotionally (less baggage). And as Patañjali suggests, with this freedom comes insight – a deeper understanding of life’s patterns and our own journey.
Bringing Aparigraha into Daily Life
This isn’t just a philosophy for the mat; it’s a way of living. Here are a few gentle ways to explore Aparigraha in your day-to-day life:
- On the mat: Notice if you’re pushing too hard into a pose. Can you soften, breathe, and let the body be where it is today?
- At home: Try a little decluttering. Release the objects that no longer serve you, and see how much lighter your space feels.
- With money: Before buying something, pause and ask, “Do I need this, or am I just filling a gap? What need am I trying to fulfil by this purchase?”
- In relationships: Practise giving without expecting anything in return. Love feels lighter when it’s not tied up with conditions.
- In your mind: Notice if you’re clinging to a particular outcome, or replaying an old story. Can you stop clinging to an outdated narrative? What happens if you let it go, just for a while?
A Gentle Exploration
You could apply Aparigraha as a theme for a week or a month. Each day, choose one small thing to release – it could be a possession, a habit, or even a thought. Keep a journal of how it feels. Do you notice more space, more ease, more trust?
Aparigraha is really a practice of trust. Trust that we don’t need to hold on so tightly. Trust that what we have, in this moment, is enough. And trust that when we do let go, we make space for something new to arise – often something far richer than we could have imagined.
Next time you’re on the mat, or simply moving through your day, see if you can notice where you’re gripping. Then breathe, soften, and let go – just a little. That’s Aparigraha in action.
