Aparigraha is Sanskrit for non-clinging, not-coveting or desiring after outward possessions. It is the concept of non-possessiveness, non-greediness and non-attachment. The opposite is Parigraha, which means “the focus on material gain.” So Aparigraha in Sanskrit breaks downs as – A means “non or against”; pari, means “on all sides”; and graha, means “to take,” “to grab” or “to seize.” 

It is a restraint, not just to refrain from taking things, but from coveting things too. This non-attachment is to material possessions as well as other less tangible things like energy, respect, attention or love. We see how trying to control, possess and hold onto people, places and things increases discontentment, pain and suffering and can hurt people as well as ourselves. The trouble of getting things and keeping them, involves endless drama of holding on to them and preventing those things from changing. The bottom line is EVERYTHING is subject to change. This unfolds into us suffering, Dukkha and when that happens our Kleshas start to get triggered and motivates actions. So letting go of the hankering, yearning, jealousy, and greediness of possessing people, places and things is all a part of learning the art of surrendering, letting go and letting be.

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