Patanjali Yogasutra 2.39
(aparigraha)
अपरिग्रहस्थैर्ये जन्मकथंतासंबोधः || 2.39 ||
"When one becomes firmly established in non-possessiveness, there arises Knowledge of the ‘how and why’ of one’s birth."
In this Sutra, Patanjali emphasizes the importance of aparigraha or non-possessiveness. When an individual becomes firmly grounded in this principle, they transcend material attachments and desires. This detachment enables the mind to attain a state of clarity and introspection, leading to an understanding of the deeper aspects of life, including the circumstances and causes of one's birth. The practice of aparigraha reduces the clutter of desires and possessions that often cloud judgment, allowing the practitioner to gain insights into the karmic patterns that led to their current existence.
The concept of non-possessiveness is not just about giving up physical possessions but also about letting go of emotional and mental attachments. When one refrains from accumulating and clinging to material objects, relationships, or ideas, the mind becomes free from the cycle of craving and aversion. This freedom is essential for spiritual growth, as it allows the practitioner to focus on the inner self and the journey towards enlightenment. The Realization of the reasons behind one’s birth is a significant step in this journey, as it provides insight into past actions (karma) and their consequences.
In a broader sense, this Sutra teaches that the external world, with all its attractions and distractions, can be a hindrance to spiritual progress. By practicing aparigraha, one can break free from the illusion that material wealth and possessions can bring lasting happiness. Instead, the focus shifts to understanding the true purpose of life and the journey of the soul. This Knowledge not only brings peace and contentment but also guides the individual on the path of Self-Realization and liberation.
Swami Vivekanand said:
"When the Yogi does not receive presents from others he does not become beholden to others, but becomes independent and free, and his mind becomes Pure, because with every gift he receives all the evils of the giver, and they come and lay coating after coating on his mind, until it is hidden under all sorts of coverings of evil. If he does not receive the mind becomes Pure, and the first thing it gets is memory of past life. Then alone the Yogi becomes perfectly fixed in his ideal, because he sees that he has been coming and going so many times, and he becomes determined that this time he will be free, that he will no more come and go, and be the slave of Nature."
Comparative Verses from Vedic Texts:
Mundaka Upanishad 3.2.9
विज्ञानसारथिर्यस्तु मनःप्रग्रहवान्नरः।
सोऽध्वनः पारमाप्नोति तद्विष्णोः परमं पदम्॥
"One who has the intellect as the charioteer and controls the mind, reaches the end of the journey, that Supreme State of Vishnu."
This verse emphasizes the importance of mental control and wisdom in reaching the Ultimate Spiritual Goal. Similar to
aparigraha in Patanjali's teachings, where relinquishing possessions leads to deeper knowledge, here, control over the mind and intellect leads to the Supreme Realization. Both stress the significance of internal discipline for spiritual enlightenment.
Bhagavad Gita 6.16-17
नात्यश्नतस्तु योगोऽस्ति न चैकान्तमनश्नतः।
न चातिस्वप्नशीलस्य जाग्रतो नैव चार्जुन॥
युक्ताहारविहारस्य युक्तचेष्टस्य कर्मसु।
युक्तस्वप्नावबोधस्य योगो भवति दुःखहा॥
"Yoga is not possible for one who eats too much or too little, sleeps too much or too little. But for one who is moderate in eating, recreation, work, sleep, and wakefulness, yoga becomes the destroyer of pain."
Here, moderation in life is stressed, aligning with the principle of aparigraha. Just as non-possessiveness leads to the revelation of birth's cause, moderation helps in achieving the balance necessary for spiritual growth. Both principles advocate for the renunciation of extremes, promoting a balanced, harmonious life conducive to Self-Realization.
Yoga Vashistha 3.36.43
संन्यासेन विरक्तेन त्यक्तसर्वार्थसंगिनः।
तत्त्वज्ञानेन मुक्तस्य भवेन्निर्वाणधीरधिः॥
"Through renunciation and detachment, by giving up attachment to all things, and with the Knowledge of Truth, the wise attain the state of liberation."
The Yoga Vashistha reflects the core message of Patanjali's Sutra on aparigraha. Renunciation and detachment lead to liberation, much like how non-possessiveness leads to the knowledge of birth and karmic patterns. Both texts emphasize the importance of letting go of material and emotional ties to achieve spiritual freedom and wisdom.
These comparative verses from various Vedic texts illustrate the shared emphasis on renunciation, moderation, and mental discipline as essential paths to spiritual knowledge and liberation, much like the concept of aparigraha in Patanjali's Yogasutra.
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