Aparigraha

Aparigraha(Non-possessive) refers to having complete knowledge of self-origin. Aparigraha is a philosophy that holds that no one or anything possesses anything.

Aparigrahāḥ or non-possessiveness has to do with understanding that whatever we encounter in the gross or subtle existence is the property of more powerful beings. The only real possession we have is the task of our purification. The critical nature within us which usually seeks external expression should be directed back into the psyche. This redirected critical force improves our condition by the application of corrective tendencies. 

Overall these moral restraints are necessary for a yogi, but he does not master these initially, even though this is listed as the first stage of yoga. He masters this a little and then he continues to get more control of his nature as he advances and sees more and more how subtle the defects are and how mystic and specific he must be to root them out. Aparigraha means non-accumulation or non-greediness. It means not hoarding or collecting anything beyond one’s needs. In Nature, we find that all creatures take from nature only what they need for their survival. But as humans, our requirements are greater. We have our ambitions, desires for enjoyment, desire for power and position, name and fame, etc. In this process, we sometimes tend to demand more than what we need and may try to grab a bigger share of whatever comes our way. This leads to a kind of unhealthy competition for power, position, wealth, status, etc. The resulting stress and anxiety lead to loss of peace of mind. The scriptures are not against enjoyment and desires. The Vedas consist of both the ‘Karma Kanda’ and the ‘Jnana Kanda’. One deals with worldly attainments, while the other with spiritual evolution. Both are necessary as part of human existence. But excessive greed can spoil the balance of society. Aparigraha means a balanced pursuit of desires, without disturbing the harmony of the society.