Aparigraha means non-greed. Greed with what? Well the obvious would be what we possess. It is fine to have belongings and it is nice to have good belongings but its how much we have and the reasons behind what we have that matters. You should have what you need for your life and not have more than this. Many people in modern times are very greedy and they are never happy with what they have got. They consistently want new things. Whether its new clothes and shoes or a yearly new car. Some people want a new kitchen because they don�t like the cupboard doors or the work surface anymore rather than the fact that it is old and does not work anymore. Not only is this unnecessary but it is wasteful to the planet.
People look for happiness in their purchases and for the moment they get it. However this happiness does not last and so they replace the purchase with another new purchase in constant pursuit or happiness which ultimately does not exist in material goods�any happiness is transient, we can only get real happiness within us.
When we realise that we can not literally own anything (possession is also transient) and that we do not actually need anything, our perceptions change and we are able to then appreciate things more from a better standpoint. We are able to look at what we have and get pleasure from it rather than it being fuel to our needs and desires. When we realise this we will see that what makes a person is not what he owns. Its not the job or size house, or how many cars that makes someone a good person, goodness comes from within.
Greed can appear in many other ways. Some people are greedy for attention, they want to be liked and to be popular as it is deemed to be a good thing. Some strive to be funny or intelligent or the best at sport or music to get attention. If these are the reasons then it is not good as it is all ego based. It is commendable to be a good e.g. sportsman or musician but if the right attitude is there rather than one of ego and attention. Jealousy also appears in one who is greedy as he is not able to allow someone else the attention he wishes for himself.
Here are some questions so that you can see how Aparigraha fits into your life...
Do I demand attention and other peoples time?
Do I want all of this all to myself and not to share it?
Am I detached from all my possessions?
Do I think that I actually own these things?
Do I want to own things or am I happy to let things come and go?
Do I judge others by the things that they have collected?
Do I care what others may think of me through what they may assume of me by what I have around me?
Am I greedy for sensations or experiences?
Do I always want people to do what I want to do?
Or am I easy going and am able to give and take?
Do I look after the things around me?
Do I make things last or do I unnecessarily replace things?
Do I live in a simple manner?
Do I think I should live in a simple manner?
Do I consume more than I need?
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