If you let go of your desires you can see everything

The deepest aparigraha (not to be greedy) in the eight divisions of the Yoga Sutra, Yama (Forbidden Precepts).

In the yoga philosophical system, Yoga Sutra, compiled by Patanjali, is an important scripture that systematically summarises the teachings that are at its core. The path of yoga is more than just physical exercise, but it is an inclusive practice that aims to spiritual growth and self-realization. The foundations behind this practice are the eight divisions presented in the Yoga Sutra, namely Ashtanga Yoga.

Ashtanga Yoga Eight Stages

Ashtanga yoga refers to eight aspects that those who follow the path of yoga should experience and acquire in stages. It is as follows:

1. Yama (Prohibition) - Ethical norms and self-regulation in social life.
2. Niyama (advice) - Internal discipline and self-training as an individual.
3. Asana (sitting method) - Maintain a comfortable and stable posture.
4. Pranayama (control method) - Controlling breathing and adjusting life energy.
5. Pratyahara (sense of control) - Turning the five senses inward.
6. Concentrating your dharana (consideration) - Concentrating your consciousness on one point.
7. Dhyana (meditation) - To maintain focus on consciousness.
8. Samadhi - the ultimate state where the self and the universe become one.

These eight divisions are closely related to each other and are practiced in stages, leading them to the ultimate goal of yoga, Samadhi. This time, we will focus on Yama (prohibition), the most fundamental part of the eight divisions.

Yama (Prohibition) - Ethical norms in social life

Yama is an ethical guide to living a social life, and consists of five virtues that facilitate relationships with others and purify the inner self. It is non-violence (Ahimsa), honesty (Satya), non-terrorism (Astiya), chastity (Brahmacharya), and not greedy (Aparigraha).

These virtues are not merely moral teaching, but provide a concrete guide for yoga practitioners to eliminate factors that may hinder their own growth and spiritual evolution. By practicing Yama, you will be free from self-centered desires and obsessions, and you will be able to live a more harmonious way of life.

Aparigraha (not greedy, not greedy) - Cut off the chains that block freedom of the mind

This time, we will delve deep into aparigraha (not being greedy, not being greedy), which is particularly important among Yamas. Aparigraha refers to a state of mind that lets go of excessive obsession with the material and spiritual things and does not seek anything more than necessary. This does not simply mean not owning things or giving up on desires, but rather reexamining how our minds are about possessions, achievements, status, fame.

Consumer culture is prevalent in modern society, and the desire to constantly seek new things and gain an advantage in comparison with others is constantly being stimulated. In this environment, Aparigraha's practice is a powerful tool to look inside the self and identify what is truly necessary.

Practice of Aparigraha: The path to purification of the mind and freedom

Practice aparigraha encourages purification of the mind and paves the path to freedom. Excessive desires and attachments create negative emotions such as anxiety, dissatisfaction and fear, disrupting peace. Through the practice of Aparigraha, we can be free from these emotions and regain peace of mind.

There are a wide range of specific methods for practicing Aparigraha.

1. Review your property - Identify what you really need and let go of what you don't need.
2. Avoid unconscious consumption behavior and spend money on things that are truly valuable.
3. Develop a sense of gratitude, be grateful for what you already have, and feel satisfied.
4. Stop comparing and focus on your own growth rather than comparing with others.
5. Knowing the joy of giving and contributing to others makes you feel the meaning of your own existence.
6. Practice of meditation - Through meditation, we look inside ourselves and let go of our obsession.

Through these practices, we will be able to find value in our richness of our minds, not in material richness. Aparigraha's practice is an important factor in encouraging self-growth and living a fulfilling life.

Insights from "Patanjali and Siddha's Kriyayogastra"

The "Kriyayogastra of Patanjali and Siddha" featured in this reference, compares the similarities between Patanjali's Yogastra and "Tirmandiram" written by his brother pupil, Tamil Yoga Siddha, Thirmoral, to provide a novel perspective to help you understand the deeper teachings of yoga.

In particular, the book emphasizes that yoga practices are not merely physical training, but rather to encourage mental transformation. Through the practice of Aparigraha, we will be able to transcend our ego and experience a sense of unity with the true self.

The benefits of Aparigraha, the reasons for birth and the quest for the true self

Yoga Sutra 2, verse 39, cited in the book, states the following about the benefits of Aparigraha: "When greed is gone, it becomes clear how and why one was born."

This phrase suggests that Aparigraha's practice is not merely relinquishing away from material attachments, but also key to a deeper understanding of the self's raison d'etre and purpose in life. Freeing from greed and obsession allows us to face our true self, without being bound by habitual tendencies that are rooted in our past experiences and subconscious minds.

Through Aparigraha's practice, we can experience a universal consciousness that transcends time and space, that is, oneness with the true self. From the perspective of the true self, we can also gain a deeper understanding of concepts such as past lives and karma. Aparigraha allows us to free us from our ego-based, large-scale desires and rethink our lives with 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 divisions of yoga. In modern society, where material wealth is pursuing, Aparigraha's practice is a compass for looking into the inner self and identifying what is truly necessary.

Practice aparigraha allows us to be freed from excessive desires and attachments and regain peace of mind. You can also deeply understand the meaning of your own existence and purpose in life, and experience a sense of unity with your true self.

Aparigraha's practice is not merely ascetic acts, but rather an active act that breaks the chains that hinder mental freedom and creates a richer life. For all people, not just yoga practitioners, the spirit of Aparigraha will be a valuable guide to pursuing self-growth and happiness.

The "Babazi and the 18 Siddhas" featured as a reference is also a valuable resource that gives you a deeper understanding of the mystical aspects of yoga and the spiritual quests of the Siddhas. Through these books, we will be able to live a more fulfilling life by experiencing the deep teachings of yoga and deepening our practice of Aparigraha.

Shokey Hayashi

Exorcist/Radionics Technique Researcher

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Born in Aomori Prefecture in 1965, he has been suffering from troubles, illnesses and injuries caused by spiritual phenomena since childhood. However, one day, when he was 20 years old, he attended an event, had a mysterious experience at the venue, and was hit by lightning energy from the heavens, as if piercing the spinal cord from his brain, and his psychic abilities blossomed. He then began studying psychology and psychiatry, and now he has combined psychiatry and consciousness engineering. Established "Radionics exorcism" using our own radionics techniques. "It's possible to treat your fortune" beyond exorcism, memorial service, and healing.